Polyurethane foam: types and specifications

Preparing for the cold season, it is important to think about the insulation of their homes. To cope with this important task without significant costs will help polyurethane mounting foam.

Polyurethane foam mixture consists of highly concentrated hydrogen-oxygen and liquid components with low weight. The main substance is a polyol or polyisocyanate. The composition of the foam also includes propane-butane mixture, substances that accelerate chemical processes. The color of the mixture has a yellowish tint, which may become darker in the sun. Additional components differ depending on the conditions of its use.

The composition is produced in convenient aerosol barrels, a quarter filled with gas under pressure.This allows insulating repairs, such as filling joints or seams in a short period of time.

The principle of action is based on the interaction of substances with moist air. First, the substance expands, and then solidifies to form polyurethane foam. Its ability to expand in volume allows you to tightly fill any openings, thereby providing reliable thermal insulation. After curing of the foam, you can glue the wallpaper on it or apply plaster, putty.

There are two types of polyurethane foam: one-component and two-component.

• Single component The mixture differs in that when it is used, the surface is moistened. The composition gives a large primary expansion, in some cases there is a secondary expansion.
• Two component the mixture does not require wetting the surface. The material has a long service life, high density, and is also characterized by minimal secondary expansion.

Substance is on sale in two options.

• In cylinders. The sealant is applied using a standard tube, does not require extras, it is easy to use.This option is the most economical, used in everyday life.
• In the pistols. Sealant applied with a gun. The professional way of use provides high precision of processing, and also promotes decrease in volume expansion. The material hardens in a shorter period of time.

Construction adhesive release:

• for the winter period;
• for the summer period;
• off-season.

It should be remembered that for each period there is a range of permissible temperatures, which are indicated in the instructions for use.

Today on sale polyurethane foam from various well-known manufacturers.

• Soudal company. The products are characterized by high quality, a wide choice of compositions, allowing the use of foam in various environmental conditions, an affordable price. All this is ensured by innovative technologies that are actively being introduced into the production of the material.
• Dr. Schenk. The company manufactures products that are characterized by high standards of quality, reasonable price. The market offers a wide range of different compositions for both domestic and professional use.

• Kim Tec. The products of this company have the reliability and quality. Formulations are available for use at different temperatures. There are options for domestic or professional use.
• Profflex. The products of the Russian company are characterized by high quality. Formulations for professional, domestic use, as well as special blends are produced. The line is represented by mixtures, adapted to different temperature conditions, having fire resistance, good adhesive properties.

Polyurethane foam has a number of important properties that make it indispensable in many cases. Knowledge of the features of the material allows to achieve the best result.

Polyurethane foam is characterized by:

• good sound insulation;
• reliable thermal insulation;
• density;
• strength;
• long service life;
• good adhesion;

• fast freezing;
• fire resistance;
• conduction;
• resistance to mold;
• good tolerance of temperature changes;
• environmental friendliness;
• security;
• ease of use.

It should be remembered that waterproof foam must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays, as they contribute to the destruction of the material in a short period of time. Therefore, the foam is closed with paint, plaster, putty. Here it should be noted that polyurethane badly connects with silicone, polyethylene, teflon.

The main purpose of the foam is to fill voids, joints, cracks in already mounted structures. It is used for both internal and external works.

Polyurethane is used:

• at installation of windows, warming of frames;
• for insulation of rooms, including balconies;
• for roof insulation;
• as an increase in the insulating properties of the floor, foundation;
• when warming partitions, doors;
• for increase of isolation of heating, water systems;
• in the manufacture of furniture, household appliances;

• for fixing panels for walls;
• for bonding surfaces;
• for attaching insulating materials, such as foam;
• to reduce noise during operation of air conditioners, heating systems;
• for sealing cavities between pipelines, junctions of extracts, split-systems;
• in the manufacture of decorative figures;
• polyurethane is a part of such synthetic fabrics as spandex, lycra.

With the help of the installation mixture it is possible to warm the surfaces consisting of glass, metal, wood, stone or concrete.

Sealant is used to insulate the room by filling gaps. The size of the cavities can be from 1 to 8 cm in diameter.

Foam should be applied to the surface systematically, avoiding sudden movements, observing a constant speed. Before work, the base must be cleaned from dirt, foreign particles, treated with water.

When applying foam spray, keep it upside down. Work on weatherization of vertical surfaces is carried out in the direction from the bottom up.Full hardening of the material occurs after about 8 hours. Before the final drying of the substance is not recommended to touch it with your hands.

All work must be carried out in protective equipment. To prevent the substance from getting into the eyes, special glasses are used. Gloves are used to protect hands. In case of accidental contact with the skin or mucous membranes, rinse the surface with plenty of water.

With non-professional use, you may encounter problems such as:

• too much shrinkage;
• the appearance of bubbles;
• substance spreading over the surface;
• the complexity of laying material;
• wet rod.

These reasons often occur due to non-compliance with the temperature, the presence of low-quality components in the composition of the foam. The characteristics of substances that are used to accelerate the hardening time may have a negative effect. An unprepared base will also impede the obtaining of a quality surface.

Before self-repairing the premises, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for use, as well as to test a small amount of the substance in a small area.

If you have any questions, you should consult with the professionals or entrust all the work to them. This will help to get the desired result in a shorter period.

When buying a sealant, you should pay attention to the period of release of the product, as well as external parameters, such as weight, tightness of the package. It should be remembered that the shelf life can range from one year to one and a half years. The balloon weighs about 900 grams.

Foam should be selected depending on the time of year. You can choose an option for use in the summer or winter season, or purchase all-season foam.

It should be noted that the summer season includes air temperatures from 5 degrees above zero. At the same time, the temperature of the cartridge itself must be at least 10 degrees above zero. In the cold season, special compositions are used to increase the rate of solidification of the material.When choosing a foam for the off-season type, it should be remembered that it can be used at a temperature of at least minus 10 degrees. The temperature of the cylinder itself must be at least 5 degrees above zero.

One of the criteria for the quality of the composition is the absence of runoff of foam from vertical surfaces. When freezing it is necessary to pay attention to the structure of the substance. The smaller the dimples, the higher the strength properties, moisture resistance, and adhesion properties.

How to use the mounting foam, see below.