Vacuum insulated panels (VIPs)

Diagram of vacuum insulated panel layers for an advanced insulation solution.
Workers installing vacuum insulated panels for commercial roof insulation.
Contractors laying out foil-faced panels for flat roof insulation.
Vacuum insulated panels paired with green rigid roof insulation boards.
Green Kingspan boards over vacuum panels for roofing insulation on a skyscraper.
3D cutaway of an outdoor insulation system featuring Optim-R vacuum panels on a terrace.
Kingspan® OPTIM-R and OPTIM-R E & Panasonic® ADVANC-R® vacuum insulation panels

About vacuum insulated panels (VIPs)

A vacuum insulated panel (VIP) is an ultra-high-performance insulation product consisting of a rigid core material enclosed in a vacuum-sealed, gas-tight barrier envelope, typically aluminum foil. By removing most of the air, the panel achieves a near-perfect vacuum, which drastically reduces heat transfer by eliminating convection and conduction, providing greater thermal insulation values than conventional materials. VIPs offer a high thermal value in the thinnest profile and are ideal for jobs where height restrictions are a concern.

VIPs should not be penetrated and therefore, can only be installed in adhered or inverted applications. Due to the nature of specific panel sizes, a roof plan layout design is required to determine panel placement and ensure drainage. Many VIP systems work in conjunction with both polyiso and XPS insulation panels. These panels can be cut to fit around areas such as skylights, penetrations, or parapets. Insulation 1" thick is required on all perimeters to protect the VIP.

Each VIP system comes with a roof design which ensures maximum ratio of panels to infill for the project. Each layout will illustrate size, number, and location of each panel on the roof.

Siplast offers many systems that have been tested and approved with industry-leading VIP panels — Kingspan Optim-R, Optim-R E, and Panasonic Advanc-R®.

Features and benefits:

  • Core and facing will resist mold and microbial growth and is pest resistant*
  • Both Paratherm polyiso and Paratherm HD polyiso can be used as infill panels and coverboards with VIP panels
  • 2 panel system — Panasonic panels available in 24 mm thickness
  • 7 panel system — Kingspan panels available in thicknesses from 20 mm to 50 mm

Approvals
  • FM Approved — refer to RoofNav.com for specific assemblies
  • Classified by UL in accordance with ANSI/UL 790. Refer to UL Product iQ for specific assemblies

See individual data sheets for a more comprehensive list of codes, approvals, and product characteristics.

 

* Siplast warranties and guarantees do not provide coverage against mold or other biological growth. Refer to Siplast.com for more information on warranty and guarantee coverage and restrictions.

Featured benefits

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Thermal efficiency

Excellent thermal efficiency with minimal thickness compared to other insulation materials
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Reroofing

Ideal for upgrading insulation during reroofing when there are limitations on thickness and a thinner profile is key
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Versatile applications

For use with inverted roofing systems, balcony and terrace systems, and modified bitumen systems

Kingspan® Optim-R & Optim-R E vacuum insulated panels

Next-generation vacuum insulation panels (VIP) with a microporous core, available standard or polyurea-encapsulated (OPTIM-R E) for added compressive strength and protection.

Panasonic® Advanc-R® vacuum insulated panels

A premier performance, next generation insulation solution comprised of a rigid VIP with a microporous core.
R-30 insulation thickness comparison chart of VIP panels vs traditional materials.

R-30 insulation comparison: VIP panels vs. traditional materials

VIP panels offer an R-30 rating at a thin profile of just 0.98 in. To achieve that same thermal resistance with traditional materials, you would need:

  • Mineral Wool: 8 in.
  • EPS: 7.2 in.
  • Polyiso: 5.2 in.
  • XPS: 5 in.

 

Compatible systems

Related products