Vermin Resistance

The resistance of fibrous cement faced, polyurethane foam cored construction panels to attack by vermin has been studied internationally. Research has indicated the following: 1) Compressed Fibre Cement sheeting offers a high degree of resistance to penetration by vermin. 2) The polyurethane core materials provide no food value to vermin. 3) Inherent internal strength of the polyurethane core materials makes penetration of the core considerably more difficult than for other materials such as polystyrene foam or fibrous type insulations. The additional effort required to penetrate the polyurethane core acts as a vermin deterrent. 4) Design of the Ecohousing panels is such that access to the polyurethane foam core is only possible at the top and bottom edges of walls. 5) Vermin access into the core of Ecohousing roof panels is not anticipated to be of concern due to uncomfortably high internal temperatures experienced within the panel resulting from direct sunlight exposure. 6) To prevent entry of vermin, birds etc at the corrugated wall-roof junction or other exposed regions, a profile cut, bitumen impregnated flexible foam seal or profile cut perforated metal barrier is recommended.

Termite Resistance

The resistance of fibrous cement faced, polyurethane foam cored construction panels to attack by termites is not readily answered. There are no published studies by recognised bodies such as the CSIRO etc. The following points of fact however do apply: 1) The polyurethane core materials provide no food value for termites or other insects. 2) Not only does the polyurethane foam not provide termites with a food source, the very low humidity environment within the panel is also not attractive to them. As a result, if there is a more suitable environment, with a food source elsewhere, it is likely it will be the favoured option. 3) Termites are no more a problem in Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) construction than in conventional construction. Countries that have termite problems, such as Australia and most other countries adapting good building practices, it is already a construction requirement to use preventive treatments.

Fungal & Microbial Resistance

The resistance of fibrous cement faced, polyurethane foam cored construction panels to attack by vermin has also been studied internationally. Research has indicated the following: 1) Suitably sealed/painted compressed fibre cement sheeting will offer very limited opportunity to support surface growth of fungi or bacteria. 2) The polyurethane core materials provide no food value for microorganisms. 3) The polyether-polyurethane chemical composition of the core material is well known and documented to be resistant to microbial attack, even when water immersed. 4) Unlike polystyrene, the closed cell structure of the polyurethane foam provides superior resistance to moisture and water vapour ingress than can be achieved by polystyrene foam. This results in a very low humidity environment within the polyurethane core, further preventing fungal or microbial growth.

Report by Chemind Hi-Tec Polymers

Laboratory testing by Chemind Hi-Tec Polymers, International studies and associated research yielded this information regarding the resistance of Ecohousing Building Systems construction panels to vermin and pests. Scott Whitelaw | Technical Manager | Chemind Hi-Tec Polymers | ABN 63 250 804 992 | 74 Annie Street | Rocklea Qld 4105 | Australia | Ph: (+617) 3255 5755 |Fax: (+617) 3255 5991 | [email protected] | www.chemind.com.au

Polyurethane Advantages

Polyurethane Structural Foam

A space-age insulation used in passenger jetliners for the past 55 years, making it possible for aircraft to fly at great heights and in temperatures in excess of minus 50 degrees centigrade.

It is inert and has a closed cell homogenous structure that is fire retarded with no oxygen to carry flames, retaining its insulation values throughout its life, which to date has been checked at ages greater than 50 years without deterioration or delamination.

It is used in domestic refrigerators where the freezer section is normally at minus 22ºC, of course our insulation section is much thicker in our wall, roof and floor panels, giving exceptionally high insulation values.

Polyurethane structural foam (PUR) which is what Ecohousing use, should not be confused with the inferior expanded polystyrene foam (EPS).

Expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) not only posses a fire risk but is also targeted by vermin and insects. It has been found in roof panels which ants have eaten holes in the core weakening the roof panel. It will also melt when exposed to a hydrocarbon (fuel, insect spray etc.)

This will not happen to polyurethane. See our vermin resistance PDF

Ecohousing Injected Polyurethane cored Structural Sandwich Panels are pressure bonded to profiled roof sheets for Roof panels and waterproof Fibre Cement sheets for Wall Panels.

EPS Expanded Poly Styrene cored Sandwich Panels have the EPS core glued to profiled roof sheets for Roof panels and flat metal sheets for Wall panels.

Polyurethane Core between fibre cement in a wall panel

Polyurethane Core between fibre cement in a wall panel

Polyurethane core exposed in single faced panel, note core is hard to deform

Polyurethane core exposed in single faced panel, note core is hard to deform

Polyurethane Advantages Vs Polystyrene

	POLYURETHANE Yes/No	POLYSTYRENE Yes/No
Cyclone Tested and passed	Yes	No
Earthquake Tested and passed	Yes	No
Fire Tested to 700° C	Yes	No
Structural Tested	Yes	No
Accepted by all Insurers	Yes	No
Can have Fibre Cement facings	Yes	No
Multi Story self-supporting	Yes	No
No delamination on transport	Yes	No
Termite and Ant proof	Yes	No
R Value 128mm Panel	R-6.7	R-3.35
External walls masonry with trims	Yes	No
Internal walls smooth masonry	Yes	No
Can be used in cold moist climates NZ Tasmania with no absorption	Yes	No
Looks like any House not Kit Home	Yes	No

Engineering Specifications

Reports

Federation of European Rigid Polyurethane Foam Associations Report

Ecohousing Building Systems Manufacturing Plant