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Polyurethane foam is a self-expanding mass that freezes under the influence of moisture. It is used for fixing door and window blocks, fixing foam plates and expanded polystyrene. When you use it, you do not need screws or nails.
It has three main functions: sealing( filling cracks and voids), soundproofing( filling places of junctions and cracks between pipes), gluing. Foam is divided according to the method of application for professional and manual.
The first is also called a pistol, because to work with it you need a special gun. It is very convenient and helps to handle hard-to-reach places. But it needs to be cleaned with a special rinse after each use, and this is extra cost.
Manual foam does not need additional tools, since it has a special disposable tube with an adapter arm that is attached to the bottle cap.
Foam without toluene - divided by seasons
There are three main types that vary according to the
temperature of the application - summer, winter and all-season. Winter mounting foam significantly differs from the summer in terms of chemical composition. It can be used for mounting and sealing operations at temperatures from -18 ° C to +35 ° C.In the cold, it does not disintegrate and leaves the cylinder as much as possible. But it should not be colder than 0 ° C, but better if the temperature is around +10 ° C.When working, the surface should not be in ice or snow.With summer it is possible to work at temperature from +5 ° С to +35 ° С.It is worth noting that the operating temperature of any foam is from -50 ° C to +90 ° C.All-seasons took the best from winter and summer. With the help of its special formula, the foam comes out in full, a fast polymerization process takes place. But it can work in the widest possible temperature range from -10 ° C to +40 ° C.
In addition to the temperature characteristics that determine the quality of the foam, you should pay attention to several other features. For example, to expand it. Although the summer, although all-weather, mounting foam at the time of the first release is expanding. But then, during drying, it again increases in volume. It is the second blowing up of foam that affects the quality of the sealing seam. If it greatly expands, then it may adversely affect the design of the window, door or the like.
Even more important is the viscosity and fluidity of the composition. It can affect the ability to stay on the vertical plane and not slide down. The only thing, this ability can be found only during use.
Polyurethane foam - we describe the material
Like any product, foam has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages:
- is easy to use;
- water and vapor tightness;
- resistance to many chemicals;
- elasticity;
- adhesion to most surfaces;
- good sound and heat insulation;
- Biological neutrality.
It also has drawbacks:
- is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet;
- removal difficulty;
- has its own requirements for humidity and air temperature and cylinder;
- should be used when working glasses and gloves.
Regardless of whether the summer mounting foam or any other is used, the should follow some rules in dealing with it.
- To expand the foam, shake the can before use.
- The cylinder must be heated in warm water up to +5 ° C, if work will occur in frosty weather.
- To accelerate the hardening, pre-treat the surface with water.
- It is necessary to block the slots by 1/3, since the foam will expand during the drying process.
- If vertical openings are embedded, it's best to start from the bottom and slowly climb up.
- Surplus can be cut off one hour after completion of work. Drying takes place after 7-8 hours.
- The room should be well ventilated during operation.
- Do not work near fire.