PFRI is a rigid board insulation often installed in direct contact with metal roof decks.
Phenolic Foam Roof Insulation is a rigid foam board insulation product that was utilized in roof systems in United States and Canada from 1980-1992. Because of it’s superior insulating characteristics and reasonable pricing, PFRI became very popular with specifiers. Shortages of polyisocyanurite insulation throughout the eighties also contributed to phenolic popularity.
Phenolic Foam roof insulation was introduced by Koppers Company in 1980. As early as 1989 there were rumblings of metal deck corrosion associated with the product. After a formulation change the the product line was purchased by Schuller International (Manville).
By the early nineties it was apparent there were significant problems with the product and all production was ceased in 1992. In 1994 a voluntary roof replacement program was established by Beazer East, Inc. that has resulted in thousands of replacements throughout the US. This program was recently challenged by a Class Action Lawsuit that will ultimately have a significant affect on how these matters are settled.
