Warming foam: high-quality thermal insulation by spraying

A significant portion of the heat which is produced by means of heating device is often wasted due to significant heat loss. Especially prevalent this problem in older homes, where the heat-insulating layer was not provided during the construction phase, and the windows and doors are the source of cold. The ideal solution to this problem - insulation foam, advantages, disadvantages and features which will be discussed in this article.

Insulation foam: manufacturing technology and applying the material

Such material as the polyurethane foam is prepared by mixing two components - a polyol and a diisocyanate. Despite the fact that both of these components are toxic and pose a threat to human health as a result of mixing It turns completely safe polyurethane, which is not at risk and in contact with other substances shall not enter into reaction. Moreover, the resulting two toxicants material often used even in food industry.

polyurethane production process is accompanied by an active gas evolution, resulting in a large amount of carbon dioxide. Thus, it is within the thin polyurethane skin, which provides a high index of thermal insulation properties of the material.

This entire procedure is carried out using a special gun in which a very high pressure and temperature that it is maintained, at 45 ° C. As a result of such exposure fine particles like dust, are mixed before being sprayed onto the surface, allowing the foam and solidify.

To the resulting material had all the characteristics of its constituent components (polyol and diisocyanate) must be in equal proportions. If the number of one of the components is more, it will adversely affect the characteristics of the material. The excess amount of diisocyanate leads to the fact that the foam is quickly "sits down" and destroyed, not performing its primary function - insulation.

Polyurethane foam, in which more polyol has high brittleness, although able to fully perform its function. As seen, the quality of thermal insulation of these pictures depends on how well prepared starting components, as well as on the quality of the equipment for this purpose.

Mixing of the components may be effected qualitatively only when the special high-pressure equipment. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to what equipment is using your selected company. Production of polyurethane foam under high enough pressure leads to a significant reduction in heat insulation properties of the material.

Varieties polyurethane foam used for insulation

Although the foam manufacturing process alone, the final product has several varieties, which differ from each other properties and characteristics. Let us consider each of the options in more detail.

Easy-open-cell foam. Thermal conductivity of this material is often compared with the characteristics peculiar to the mineral wool, thus it has the same drawback - hygroscopicity. The cost of a light foam is significantly higher, which makes its use is not too justified.

If you want to use for thermal insulation of lightweight open-cell polyurethane foam, it is necessary to take care of the presence of the layers waterproofing and vapor barrier materials, as well as to consider the facade ventilation system to remove excess moisture. But if we compare this version with the same mineral wool, it is worth noting that the sound insulating performance in this case will be higher.

This material is rarely used as insulation for the roof or the facade, because it is not too much to cope with the task, being susceptible to external factors. But if we are talking about the need for insulation of internal partition walls or ceilings, its use is justified.

closed cell polyurethane foam It has much more acceptable characteristics: good adhesion to any surface (except perhaps that can make polyethylene) and completely non-hygroscopic. Depending on the density index is divided into three categories:

• low density (28-32 kg / m³). More often than other options used for spraying on the walls and ceilings to create a heat insulating layer. The thermal conductivity of this material is 0,02-0,028 that substantially corresponds to an air index (0.022). As regards vapor permeability, the rate as close as possible to the wood - 0.05;

• medium density material for filling cavities. Its only difference from the previous material - lesser expansion rate that makes it comfortable to use it to fill the space layered walls, etc .;
• high density polyurethane (40-80 kg / m³). It is intended for warming the surface, which will be subjected to severe mechanical stress. In this provides higher density and higher thermal conductivity.

How much is a polyurethane foam insulation, the price of square meters. m.

When considering the price of insulation foam 1Q. m., it is worth noting that the cost depends precisely on what type of material was used. The cheapest - lightweight open-cell polyurethane foam. However, in order to get the job done is not in vain, and have to spend more on hydro and vapor sealing materials, in total will result in spending the same as the insulation material medium density.

The cost of the work, provided the use of quality materials from top manufacturers starts from 400 rubles. per 1 sq.m. Of course, much depends on the thickness of the applied layer, because it is caused by consumption, but such subtleties are discussed individually immediately before starting work.

Useful advice!If desired, choose the most convenient material can simultaneously request several firms calculate the cost of the works, taking into account the need to cover the area. So you will get information about all the latest offers and will be able to give preference to the option which suits you the most.

Insulation of polyurethane: the pros and cons of using technology

Technology insulation foam house has a lot of wide variety of reviews, both positive and negative. Consider what more advantages or disadvantages, and whether to give priority to this type of insulation.

The positive characteristics of foam insulation: user reviews

The main advantage of this method to provide high-quality thermal insulation of the building is - high efficiency. Due to its cellular structure, this material retains heat very well. But there are other advantages that should not be overlooked:

• no seams and joints eliminates the phenomenon of "thermal bridges", which positively affects the teplosohranenii;
• sprayed foam can be any, even a complicated structure or texture of the surface;
• Low levels of hygroscopic material has a positive effect on the surface of the waterproofing qualities;
• PUF grasped on all surfaces except polyethylene. Interestingly, this is positive at first glance, the quality can be attributed to shortcomings as wash penopoliurean practically impossible, and the solvent does not exist for him. The only way to get rid of it - to tear off by hand, and this almost always leads to significant damage to the surface on which it has been applied;

• PPU service life with full of all the technical characteristics of the material - 25 years. After that, insulation continues to operate, although spraying the thermal conductivity is increased;
• spraying is carried out rather quickly, so carry out all necessary works will not take long;
• self-extinguishes and no material support combustion even in the event of a fire;
• vapor permeability coefficient of 0.05-0.06, enabling effectively remove excess moisture after the insulating walls polyurethane foam.

Useful advice!All deficiencies and defects detected during the first year of operation. If during this period no deficiencies have been identified, the next 25 years it is possible not to worry.

Disadvantages of polyurethane foam insulation: pluses and minuses

As can be seen, the number of positive characteristics of this material is high, and we can say that all these positive aspects fully justify its use as a heater. However, shortcomings in the foam also has, and is best known in advance:

• Polyurethane spray costs about 1.5-2 times higher than when used as insulation mineral wool;
• compliance spraying technology directly determines the time and the quality of its service. Only when the high-quality equipment and relevant experience pylschika possible to obtain the desired result;
• insulation foam hands - this is a very complex and often unnecessary process. This is largely due to the high cost of the equipment required, as well as the lack of proper experience in this area;
• polyurethane foam does not burn, however, in case of fire it releases a lot of dangerous acrid smoke;

• as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays of the foam deteriorates, losing its original appearance, changing color from white to dark brown.

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Fortunately, most of the proposed shortcomings can be neutralized, for example, invited for an experienced specialist with their equipment, and providing a finishing surface which will further protect layer PPU. But the main deterrent for spraying polyurethane foam insulation - the price, which nevertheless is quite justified long-life coating.

What conditions are necessary for the polyurethane foam insulation: reviews and tips

In order to conduct expensive foam spraying procedure it was not in vain, all the preparatory work and to create the necessary conditions need to spend quality. This applies to both insulation of walls in an apartment inside and other works: polyurethane foam insulation of the roof, facade, etc.

In particular this applies to surface preparation. Even with the good adhesion, be sure to remove anything that may crumble, for example, the old paint.

Useful advice!One of the worst enemies of polyurethane spraying - grease stains. They must be neutralized and removed prior to the start of work.

Then you need to protect all surfaces which are not subject to warming. As already mentioned, the foam is almost impossible to wash off, so it is necessary to close all the plastic wrap, carefully secure it with tape, leaving no gaps.

When it comes to insulation foam attic or roof, that for this there are two ways. In the first case prepared constant crate, and which is sprayed foam. Another embodiment of polyurethane foam roofing insulation - temporary frame which consists of two planes disposed parallel.

If the spraying is carried out on the exterior walls of the building, whether it is foam insulation hangar or at home, the presence of finishing considered mandatory. By the way, polyurethane foam insulation hangar or warehouse - a very common phenomenon. The only important thing to take care of that on the wall can be fixed cover, as the foam do not allow. For this pre-packed wooden or metal brackets, which subsequently serve as fastenings.

For example, if you decide to do home insulation with polyurethane foam under the siding, the price of the work will be a few above, as it will include the installation of brackets and all necessary fixings for further fixing the panels. Although it is recognized that it is aesthetically pleasing, and most importantly - effective way.

How the process of spraying a polyurethane foam

Ordered from the relevant profile work on building insulation polyurethane foam, you stipulate exact time at which the van and comes with all necessary equipment. In order to ensure operation of the high pressure apparatus, the mains voltage must be 380 V, so normally trigger generator for its operation.

Useful advice!Please note that from the mains voltage of 220 V can only work pressure washers that provide a much lower quality of spraying.

To the surface, which will be sprayed polyurethane foam, stretch hose, through which the necessary components will be fed into the gun. In this case, all the people who participated in the work, or simply are nearby must wear special protective suits and respirators. This is necessary to protect the respiratory tract from toxic fumes, as well as to prevent the ingress of foam polyurethane skin.

Apply foam slowly, moving from bottom to top so as to avoid gaps. Due to the fact that the foam is expanding, it is necessary to monitor the thickness of the resulting layer as it is applied. Although it is worth noting that the excess can be removed by cutting, while the lack of resolve in the future it will be impossible. If we proceed from the technological data, the layer thickness should be 2-3 cm, however, almost always do more - about 5 cm.

In deciding polyurethane foam to insulate the warehouse, a house or any building, the most important thing - to find professionals who can provide you with high-quality services. Only in this case, your investment will not be wasted and will be able to justify itself. After all, if all the technology and recommendations for polyurethane foam insulation at home, the price of work is not low, but It will serve at least 25 years, and this is not a short period, during which you will be able to live comfortably, nothing worrying.