PIR Core · Polyisocyanurate

PIR Panels.

The highest insulation per millimetre of any common core — the go-to for freezers, cold stores and tight wall build-ups where every millimetre and every R counts.

Panel anatomy

Steel / PIR / Steel sandwich
0.45 mm steel skinPIR rigid foam core0.45 mm steel skin
Colorbond / galv steel facings — hygienic, wipe-clean
PIR rigid foam core — ~32–40 kg/m³, λ ≈ 0.022, best R per mm

0.022λ (W/m·K)
32–40Core density kg/m³
50–200Thickness mm
FRFire-retardant, chars
Thermal performance

R-value climbs with thickness

PIR insulates at roughly λ ≈ 0.022 W/m·K — the lowest of the three cores. That yields the highest R-value per millimetre. Indicative figures — always confirm against the manufacturer datasheet for your panel.

50 mm
R2.3
75 mm
R3.4
100 mm
R4.5
150 mm
R6.8
200 mm
R9.1
Indicative only. R-values are approximate (thickness ÷ λ) and vary by manufacturer, facing and installation. For compliance use the panel’s tested datasheet and the NCC requirements for your build.
Best fit

Where PIR is the smart choice

Freezers

Low-temperature rooms where maximum insulation is essential.

Cold stores

Cold-chain storage that must hold tight, stable temperatures.

Tight wall build-ups

Thinner walls for the same R — more usable internal space.

Max R per millimetre

When floor area or wall depth is constrained.

High-spec cold chain

Pharma, food processing and export-grade cold storage.

Roof panels

Long spans with high R-value and manageable weight.

Freezer room built from white insulated PIR panels
PIR panels hold sub-zero temperatures in freezer and cold-store rooms.
In context

EPS vs PIR vs Rockwool

PIR gives the most R-value per millimetre, at the highest cost of the three cores. Want the lowest cost, or a non-combustible fire-rated core? See the full comparison.

EPS

$

Lowest cost · lightest

Rockwool

$$

Non-combustible (A1) · best fire

PIR

$$$

Best insulation per mm · priciest · this page

FAQ

PIR panel questions

Why choose PIR over EPS?

PIR has the lowest thermal conductivity of the three cores (λ ≈ 0.022), so it delivers the most R-value per millimetre. That means thinner walls for the same insulation — ideal for freezers, cold stores and tight build-ups where space is limited.

What PIR thickness do I need for a freezer?

Freezers and low-temperature cold stores typically use 150–200 mm PIR. For chillers and standard cool rooms, 100 mm is common. Use the calculator to size panel counts for your set-point and room.

Is PIR fire safe?

PIR performs better than standard EPS — it is fire-retardant and chars rather than melting, slowing flame spread. It is not, however, an A1 non-combustible core; where that is mandated, Rockwool is the correct choice. Always match fire performance to the NCC.

Can PIR panels be delivered Australia-wide?

Yes — panels and accessories ship Australia-wide through Cool Room Master. Size your job first, then request a quote.

Ready to build?

Size your PIR panels in the browser

Enter your room, get panel counts and accessory metres, then send it straight to supply.