A rising number of TICA members have reported that they are losing work due to competitors using a cheaper, non-certified alternative.

The trade body first reported the use of PIR on internally located ductwork in November 2022.

However, it is now underlining an emergent issue over the use of non-certified PIR boards on externally located ductwork. 

The news comes seven years after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and two years on from when the Building Safety Act 2022 was introduced.

Chris Ridge, technical director at TICA, stressed that manufacturers, distributors, and installers “all have a responsibility” to use the correct products.

“There are several manufacturers of PIR board operating in the UK and TICA is aware of only one PIR product that is certified for specific use with externally located ductwork,” claimed Chris.

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“We have witnessed the use of many different PIR brands, and clearly many of these have not been certified for the required application. 

“Everyone in the supply chain must ensure that the correct products are being used.

“Manufacturers need to be clear and unambiguous about where their product can and can’t be used.

“The one manufacturer that has certified their PIR product for use with ductwork is very clear about the fact that its product is only suitable for externally located ductwork.

“The ambiguity that exists elsewhere will only increase the chances of PIR products being used in internally located ductwork applications. 

“Clients also need to take responsibility and ensure that they employ only competent specialist sub-contractors to insulate ductwork.”

TICA has been representing its members in the industrial and commercial insulation sector since 1957.