Insulation with sprayed polyurethane foam is a guarantee of a warm home + Video

The constant rise in energy prices forces a person to look for ways that will help reduce the cost of heating. Energy efficient home insulation is one of them. Not so long ago, a new technology appeared on the construction market - sprayed polyurethane foam insulation. It's hard to believe, but foam can be an effective insulation!

The material has a large number of features and advantages over classic insulation such as stone wool or extruded polystyrene foam. Judging by the growing interest of developers in this method of insulation, sprayed PPU is a high-quality material that allows you to create a comfortable and warm room.

General

Sprayable polyurethane foam and its types

Polyurethane foam can be attributed to a group of plastics made from polyurethanes and filled with inert gas by 85-90%. To create a layer of insulation, it is applied to any surface using special equipment.

In the first stage, the diisocyanate and polyol are mixed. Both components react to form a non-toxic polymer - polyurethane. The reaction is accompanied by the release of carbon dioxide.

Gas bubbles are "bound" by a polymer film, thus obtaining a material with high thermal insulation properties.

The entire process of creating polyurethane is carried out in a special high pressure gun.

For the foam to be perfect, the following conditions must be met:

• - the temperature of the components is 45 degrees
• - the volumes of the mixed substances must be the same , otherwise the characteristics of the insulation deteriorate significantly

So an increase in the concentration of diisocyanate leads to rapid shrinkage of the foam and its destruction, and too much polyol leads to an increase in the brittleness of the material.

Only a high-pressure unit has the ability to mix the components in equal proportions to obtain high-quality polyurethane foam.

IT'S IMPORTANT: Choose craftsmen with appropriate qualifications and equipment, otherwise spraying will be a waste of time and money.

Several types of polyurethane foam are used for wall insulation: open-celled, closed-cell two types, polyurethane foam for filling cavities:

• - light open-cell polyurethane foam in terms of vapor permeability is comparable to mineral wool and has the following characteristics: density 9-11 kg / m3, thermal conductivity - coefficient. 0.04. Such PPs are sprayed only on surfaces with high adhesion properties. It has good sound insulation.

• - closed-cell polyurethane foams with a density of 28-32 kg / m3 and 40-80 kg / m3 have thermal conductivity coefficients of 0.02-0.028 and 0.03-0.04, respectively.

  The vapor permeability of both is from 0.04 to 0.05. The first is used to insulate walls with polyurethane foam, the second is used to insulate ceilings and roofs designed for heavy loads.

• - polyurethane foam for filling cavities has the properties of closed-cell polyurethane foam, the only difference is slow foaming and final curing after the end of expansion.

Sprayed polyurethane foam - advantages and disadvantages

• + no seams and joints in the insulating layer
• + tight fit to any surface (except for polyethylene)
• + practically zero water absorption and vapor permeability
• + windproof
• + the ability to use in humid environments without additional insulation (including under the soil layer)
• + installation speed
• + durability (does not lose its properties over 25 years)
• + fire safety (PPU does not support combustion)
• - prices for sprayed insulation significantly exceed the cost of classical methods
• - production and installation technology is associated with the use of specialized equipment and qualified personnel
• - impossibility to insulate the house with your own hands
• - PPU is destroyed under the influence of ultraviolet radiation

What objects can be insulated with polyurethane foam th

PU foam is suitable for thermal insulation of an extensive list of objects. This includes the interior and exterior of residential buildings and industrial buildings, foundations, roofs and attic space, floors. This method is used to insulate balconies and loggias in apartment buildings, various outbuildings (baths and garages), sewerage systems.

Process description

Preparation and insulation of the roof

Proper preparation of surfaces for insulation with sprayed polyurethane foam. Despite the high adhesion rates of the polyurethane foam, the surfaces to be insulated should be cleaned of dust, old paint and crumbling plaster.

If there are grease stains, they must be removed and neutralized. All objects, where the foam should not get, are carefully protected with polyethylene, which is fixed with masking tape.

Insulation of the roof by spraying polyurethane foam is carried out in two ways:

1. - a permanent continuous lathing is constructed and a layer of foam is applied to it
2. - make a temporary frame

Insulation of the walls outside the building should be carried out taking into account the future decoration. Usually, metal or wood strips are attached to the walls, on which finishing material will subsequently be installed.

How the floor is insulated with polyurethane foam

At the preparatory stage, the base of the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt.

With the help of cement mortar, seams, joints and cracks around the perimeter of the room are sealed.

Then the specialists mix the components to obtain polyurethane foam insulation, connect the hoses to the installation and start applying the composition. The technology provides for spraying on a concrete screed in several thin layers (2-3 is enough).It is forbidden to apply a thick layer of foam at a time.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: the space between the lags is treated with the mixture in one approach, distributing it as carefully as possible in the corners of the floors.

After the insulation hardens, you can start arranging the screed or installing the main floor.