Foam for insulating the walls of a house: applying liquid polyurethane foam in cylinders with your own hands, thermal insulation of walls inside and outside

Why do you need to insulate your house? Most likely, this question will cause confusion among many ordinary people.

A residential building must be insulated. If you reliably insulate a residential building, you will be able to create a stable internal microclimate at any time of the year. Thus, how comfortable the homeowner and all members of his family will live will not depend on temperature changes and the vagaries of nature. By also insulating the house, you will ensure reliability of all elements of the structure and increase their durability.

Before starting to build a private house, it is worthwhile to think through the issue regarding the insulation of not only the walls and ceiling, but also the entire structure. These activities can be carried out not only at the construction stage, but also during the operation of the building (this is best done in the warm season).

If a residential building has unsatisfactory thermal insulation performance, this will negatively affect not only the people living in the house, but also the building itself.

All members of your family will be susceptible to frequent colds. Life in cold rooms will not be comfortable. The walls of the house will be subject to freezing, and then the appearance of mold and mildew on them.

If all structural components of a building have increased thermal conductivity, this will cause self-destruction of building materials.

From the above, one conclusion suggests itself: a residential building needs to be insulated . And how this can be done must be decided by each homeowner individually.

You can insulate your house with one of these materials:

mineral wool;
Styrofoam;
extruded polystyrene foam;
penoplex;
penofol;
penoizol;
polyurethane foam.

Foam for wall insulation: types and features

To insulate walls, modern craftsmen use various materials and technologies. They have significant differences among themselves, but they are all designed for the same purpose - to make the thermal insulation of the house as productive as possible.

IMPORTANT!

Polyurethane foam is considered one of the most effective materials used for insulation . This material will best protect against cold air entering the building.

Liquid foam for wall insulation is called polyurethane foam (PPU).

All the necessary ingredients are mixed at the factory and the composition required for polymerization is kept under high pressure in cylinders. In order for the foaming and hardening reaction to occur, contact of this composition with oxygen is necessary.

Insulation with polyurethane foam

Is it worth insulating walls with foam? Of course, it’s worth it for one simple reason - polyurethane foam is an ideal material for this purpose, and besides, it performs another very important function - sound insulation.

What is foam insulation? This is a special pliable mass that, when interacting with air, tends to foam. This composition has a fairly strong and elastic structure. To spray it, cylinders, pneumatic devices and other devices are used.

Today, when constructing frame-type houses, the areas between the “sandwich panels” are filled mainly with foam insulation.

The principle of operation of foam insulation

It is no secret that the best thermal insulation materials are those that have a porous structure filled with air. This layer of insulation protects the room from extraneous sounds and cold penetration. The thermal conductivity coefficient depends on the level of density of the product.

Foam insulation is no exception. Its difference from traditional heat insulators, such as mineral wool, polystyrene foam, glass wool, is that in a calm state the foam is in a liquid or semi-liquid state. This is a one or two-component substance, which, after being applied to the surface from a container, begins to increase and harden. The process is possible due to the chemical reaction of the composition with air. As a result, a light foam of the required thickness is formed, filling the required space and cracks. The resulting insulation layer is monolithic and very light. It fulfills its functions 100%.

So, to use foam as a thermal insulation material, you cannot do without special equipment that mixes the components and delivers them by spraying onto the surface. When it hits the wall and reacts with air, the layer begins to foam and increase in volume. This is the principle of liquid foam insulation.

Advantages and disadvantages of foam insulation

The main advantages of insulation:

Possibility of processing even large areas in a short period of time.
The coating has no seams.
This material is not subject to rotting processes, and mold and mildew do not form on it.
This is a highly flammable material that is not subject to combustion, it can only melt.
By interacting with the metal coating, a dense anti-corrosion protection is created.
The result is a smooth surface, which is characterized by excellent heat-saving properties.
The foam does not deform the base on which it is applied.
Light weight.

Regarding indicators such as environmental friendliness and durability, I would like to say the following: the material is absolutely safe for long-term use in residential premises.

Advantages of the material

Disadvantages inherent to this type of insulation:

It is negatively affected by direct sunlight.
The material may become unusable from continuous contact with water.
The product is not cheap.
To apply it, special conditions must be created.
When working with foam insulation, you need to use a special tarpaulin suit, gloves, a respiratory mask and safety glasses.
Since this material has a low level of vapor permeability, phenomena similar to those occurring in a thermos occur inside the building. Therefore, it is imperative to install a forced ventilation system for the premises.

Security measures

Insulating walls with polyurethane foam takes a minimum of time and effort. It sticks very easily to the rough surface, and it is almost impossible to tear it off. But foam also easily sets not only on walls, but also on skin and hair, and can cause serious vision problems if it gets into the eyes. That is why you should apply foam with your own hands only in full compliance with safety precautions. This includes the following points:

work must be carried out wearing special gloves and a closed suit;
eyes and face must be protected with a mask or goggles;
a respirator is used to protect the respiratory tract;
work is strictly prohibited in the immediate vicinity of open sources of fire;
It is recommended to purchase a special solvent in advance to remove polyurethane foam from surfaces.

In the process of applying foam to the wall, you must adhere to the necessary safety standards.
Contact with polyurethane foam during its spraying on open skin can lead to a chemical burn, and sometimes to a severe allergic reaction. It is almost impossible to remove it from your hair. For this reason, you should fully protect both yourself and others from such unpleasant consequences, adhering to all the necessary safety rules.

What is the best way to insulate a building with foam - from the outside or from the inside?

It is difficult to give an unambiguous answer to this, but we will try to do so. One of the varieties of liquid foam, penoizol, is used for thermal insulation of frame buildings . This material fills the air gaps between:

external and internal walls;
wall and plastic panel;
a wall and a sheet of drywall;
subfloor and floor covering.

Insulation outside and inside

Using polyurethane foam, slabs made of solid thermal insulation materials are fixed, and the seams between them are also filled with foam.

Some homeowners use foam to insulate the facade of their building.

Kinds

All foam insulation materials vary in composition and structure. Let's highlight several types of heat insulator and consider their features:

Penoizol. Despite the fact that the foam insulation contains aldehydes, which are harmful to health, according to manufacturers, this is not the case. Penoizol takes longer to dry than polyurethane foam (more on that later). This takes from 2 to 3 days. Most often, penoizol is used for thermal insulation of attics, ceilings and walls. It goes on sale both in liquid form and in ready-made slabs.
Foam concrete. They are also purchased in liquid form and used to fill the foundation. It is practically not used for facade insulation, as it is heavy. In addition, the price of the products is too high.
Polyurethane foam is also used as insulation. However, it will not be possible to treat entire walls with it, and this is not rational. Ideally suited for sealing seams, slab joints, and holes. It is sold in small cylinders. Reacting with air, it begins to increase 20 times.
Polyurethane foam (PPU). This option is the most common, versatile and effective if you perform thermal insulation. It is often used to insulate facades, walls, and sloping roofs. It is based on two components, which are mixed in a special unit immediately before use. As is the case with polyurethane foam, it begins to increase in size. Insulation with polyurethane foam allows you to reliably insulate your home.

Types of foam insulation: polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam

There are a large number of different types of foam materials on the market for construction needs; we will not consider them all in detail. For example, let's take just a few of them, which are considered the most popular and effective. We will talk about polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam.

NOTE!

Polyurethane foam is used to fill cracks and voids when installing windows and doors, as well as seams between floor slabs and joints of structural elements.

Polyurethane foam is used for:

Achieve good sound insulation effect . To do this, fill the joints between pipes and holes in the wall with foam. Thus, it is possible to significantly reduce the noise level from the heating system, plumbing and operating air conditioners.
Needs thermal and waterproofing . Using polyurethane foam, you can thoroughly seal cracks in the roof, voids around pipes, as well as empty space created as a result of installing door and window frames. The main purpose of polyurethane foam is sealing.
Bonding . With its help, you can firmly connect various elements made of different materials to each other.

Polyurethane foam

PPU is produced in cylinders and has the following features:

Polyurethane foam has excellent thermal insulation properties . Therefore, it is widely used as insulation and sealing material in construction.
The properties of this material directly depend on the additives used in its production.
Using sprayed polyurethane foam, you can easily and without any problems insulate a structure of any shape . The material is not afraid of dampness, it withstands the effects of acids and alkalis. It is also too tough for rodents and various insects.

Polyurethane foam

Foam cost

If you buy a cylinder at retail, then on average you can pay 300-500 rubles per piece. But this type of insulation is rarely purchased separately. Usually its cost is included in the cost of work:

polyurethane foam - about 100 rubles per linear meter;
penoizol - 700−2000 rubles per cubic meter;
polyurethane - 3000−5000 per cubic meter.

The price of the material also plays a big role in its selection. But you shouldn’t skimp on high-quality thermal insulation if you need to insulate your home for a long time for a comfortable stay.

Foam insulation is suitable for most walls , including panel, block and aerated concrete. Therefore, they can be safely used as insulation for apartments and private houses. What type of foam to choose is a purely personal matter for everyone. But first, it still doesn’t hurt to find out more about the selected composition, read reviews, and get advice from a salesperson at a hardware store. It is not recommended to use loose-fill insulation, which easily catches fire, unlike the foam fireproof version. And it is not the most convenient to use, the only exception being the floor surface.

Insulation with liquid foam is a better solution , because if desired, this procedure can be carried out independently, without the help of specialists. If you do everything correctly and are careful, you will be able to quickly insulate any surface that needs it.

wall pie

Construction of a wall “pie” of a frame house:

interior decoration;
vapor barrier layer;
insulation;
frame stand;
windproof layer;
transverse lathing;
vertical lathing;
external finishing.

wall pie

If you plan to insulate the premises from the inside, you need to carry out all the work in stages. One of the main issues that you should pay special attention to is the correct placement of the vapor barrier film in the thermal insulation “pie”.

Vapor barrier can be made from:

reflective film;
diffusion membrane;
steam condensate film.

When installing a vapor barrier material, you need to take into account one important point: it must be mounted on top of the insulation on the room side. If you plan to insulate the wall with polyurethane foam, then you will not need a vapor barrier.

Cladding works

Many people are interested in the question of how to line the walls after they are insulated with polyurethane foam. In this case, you cannot simply treat the surface with a leveling mixture, for example, putty or plaster, so the following materials should be used:

drywall;
plastic;
lining;
chipboard;
OSB boards.

Before insulating the walls, you should carefully consider further work on their cladding. It would be advisable to first install wooden logs on the insulated surface, and only then carry out thermal insulation. The facing coating is mounted directly to the logs themselves, which ensures the strength and reliability of the entire structure.

If further finishing with plasterboard is planned, it is not recommended to violate the integrity of the thermal insulation layer when installing the supporting structure.

The video below describes in detail the process of performing thermal insulation using polyurethane foam sprayed with a gun on the inner surface of the walls.

Installation of lathing and applying foam yourself

It is necessary to screw an aluminum profile to the ceiling and walls in vertical rows . Next, the sheathing is strengthened using horizontal jumpers ( steps of 0.5 meters ). Don't forget to screw the profile around the perimeter of the window doorway.

In order not to stain pipes and communications, they need to be covered with film .

Installing the sheathing

Rules for applying foam insulation in cylinders:

First of all, you need to take care of safety precautions.
Then you need to spray a small amount of automotive silicone grease onto the mounting gun.
Next, you need to insert the can onto the gun and screw it tightly.
Now you can apply the mounting foam to the desired location.
The can must be removed from the gun and cleaned with a special compound.
If the foam is not completely used up, you need to wash the valve located on the cylinder with a cleaner.

Applying foam to wall surfaces

Properties of polyurethane foam

Foam insulation has many positive properties compared to other materials:

ease and simplicity of application to the surface;
no seams;
minimal thermal conductivity among other modern insulation materials;
the material is environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful substances into the air;
PU foam tolerates any type of negative impact except direct exposure to UV rays;
foam has excellent sound insulation properties and can compete with professional systems;
excellent adhesion to the surface;
rapid hardening;
the possibility of application on uneven surfaces, while completely eliminating the possibility of air pockets.

If you plan to fill the space between the walls, the foam should be applied gradually.
When planning to insulate a room using polyurethane foam, it should be taken into account that this foam insulation almost hermetically covers the walls, so the ventilation system, if it is required, should be taken care of in advance.

Waterproofing

Polyurethane foam is also used for waterproofing. It increases in volume under the influence of moisture and hardens within 24 hours.

Polyurethane foam with waterproofing properties is sold in cans. It is endowed with high waterproofing and fixing properties. It is used for both external and internal work.

This universal material is not afraid of water and high humidity, so it is widely used in everyday life.

Insulation of walls with foam using the example of a frame house

A frame house is a structure made of wooden beams, external and internal cladding, the materials for which are selected individually by the owner. Insulation is often installed between the panels. To understand the scheme of thermal insulation work using the example of a “framework”, it is divided into stages.

Installation of sheathing

Lathing is a structure with gaps, located perpendicular to the load-bearing elements and necessary for subsequent insulation. In other words, these are boards with a small cross-section and a pitch of up to 600 millimeters.

Depending on the type of sheathing - inclined and horizontal - the angle of its location is selected. The correct geometry provides the structure with durability and strength.

If you install the boards at an angle of 90 degrees, there is a significant saving in materials and the amount of scraps is minimized. In addition, it is better to choose boards with a moisture content no higher than 14%, otherwise the building will warp when shrinking.

When installing the sheathing, the bars are placed vertically (if necessary, screwed with self-tapping screws) and connected with a rope. Next, they are treated with an antiseptic and impregnated with a fire retardant.

Spray foam application

After the protective layer has dried, polyurethane foam is sprayed onto the sandwich panel using cylinders or pneumatic devices. In this case, there is no need to use a vapor barrier. For safety reasons, before starting foaming, it is recommended to use silicone lubricant for cars. The gun is coated with this composition and a can of foam is screwed on. If the equipment is professional, then adjust the adjusting screw.

The intensity of the foam jet is adjusted by pressing the tool or by tightening the screw. The substance comes out of the nozzle, filling the voids. The gaps should be filled shallowly, as the foam will increase in volume.

Trimming after drying

Irregularities in the polyurethane foam can be easily removed. They are cut with a knife after the components have hardened and formed a dense mass. When using putty, you need to cut the foam a few millimeters deep.

Further finishing

When the insulation of the frame house is completed, decorative finishing begins. Many are inclined to choose plaster and siding. The first option is simple to implement and inexpensive, but over time, cracks and stains appear on the walls, and if the work is done poorly, peeling occurs.

Facade cladding with siding is an inexpensive finishing method that provides an attractive appearance and durability. Vinyl panels can withstand temperature changes and are resistant to fungi. Aluminum siding guarantees fire safety, rust does not form on it, and you can choose any panel color. The wooden option is expensive and absorbs moisture, so it is used with caution.

Conclusion

Foam insulation can be used for walls made of various materials, including aerated concrete, blocks and reinforced concrete panels. Therefore, they are used for insulation of private cottages and apartments. Before giving preference to any one type of foam, consult a specialist.

If you have decided to insulate your house with liquid foam, this is the right intention. Always try to buy raw materials from the best domestic and foreign manufacturers. This way you will be able to avoid premature wear of structures.

Foam insulation - types of materials

There are quite a lot of foam materials in construction (polyurethane foam, penoizol, foam concrete, polyurethane foam, ecowool), but we will not consider everything in detail. Let's weigh the suitability of several of the most popular ones in private construction. Let's start with penoizol, which for private construction can be seen more often in the form of already hardened sheets, but for large scales it is mixed in special machines, from which it is poured into wall cavities or formwork. The total curing time is about 3 days, but this material is harmful, or so, in any case, the average person thinks, seeing aldehydes in its composition, but the manufacturers deny the danger to humans.

The specialists of the site REMOSKOP.RU have prepared a special calculator for you : Building Heat Loss Calculator . You can easily calculate the heat loss of a building.

Foam concrete and ecowool are expensive and difficult to use, although the filling methods are almost no different from others, so they are rarely used for the construction of a private house, which cannot be said about polyurethane foam (PPU) and polyurethane foam. Many people identify these materials, but they still have some differences. Polyurethane foam is considered two-component, its parts are mixed when prepared in a spray machine, and polyurethane foam is one-component, and swelling occurs due to the influence of compressed air on it, under the pressure of which it comes out of the cylinder, in which it is sold in ready-made form.

Insulation process

Do-it-yourself foam coating is within the capabilities of a home DIYer with basic spray painting skills. When working with entry-level household installations, as a rule, one person can handle it. When installing sheathing and when working with high-performance devices with long hoses, an assistant will be required to carry them, as well as move containers with components.

Preparing to start work

Before you begin, you need to prepare the surface for coating. You should remove old wallpaper, paint and anything that might prevent the foam from adhering to the surface.

Next, in increments of 50 cm, vertical guides are attached to the wall - wooden blocks or a metal profile. They are designed for fastening finishing materials - drywall, lining or others. If there is no decorative coating, the guides are not installed and the foam is sprayed in a continuous layer.

All work on laying communications - electrical and pipelines - must be completed before spraying begins. It is recommended to lay wires in corrugated plastic or metal sleeves.

Before you start covering the wall with foam, you should also make sure that there are no air bubbles left in the hoses and cylinders.

Continuous wall covering

Spraying polymers for thermal insulation

Polymer foam: 2 main types

One of the most effective methods of thermal insulation is spraying self-expanding polymers with high porosity on surfaces (vertical and horizontal). In this case, two-component foam is almost always used for work: initially the components are stored separately, and only when applied are mixed and polymerized.

Foamed polyurethane between the sheathing beams

The most common material for the production of such foam is polyurethane (PPU). It is produced by mixing a polyol and a polyisocyanate, and the pores are formed by carbon dioxide under high pressure.

Comparison of microphotographs of two types of insulation

Polyurethane foam comes in different varieties, and the main differences are in the type of cell:

Open cell insulation (density from 8 to 20 kg/m3) is soft and elastic. The pores in the thermal insulation layer communicate with each other so that air can circulate inside. Due to fairly active heat transfer, thermal conductivity increases somewhat, so open-cell foam is usually applied in a thick layer.

It is advisable to spray loose materials in a thick layer or combine them with other types of thermal insulation

Closed cell foam (30-60 kg/m3 core) is denser and stiffer. Insulated cavities in the thickness of the material minimize heat transfer, so high density does not reduce thermal insulation. The material is practically impervious to moisture, therefore it is suitable for insulating plinths and basements, for concreting, etc.

Where there is a possibility of contact with moisture, closed cell material is used

Relatively recently, another material has appeared on the market, which is used for sprayed thermal insulation. This is ICYNENE (Aisinin), better known to us as Ekopena. The manufacturer positions the insulation as the most environmentally friendly (foaming occurs only under the influence of water), while being vapor-permeable, airtight and very effective.

Ecofoam spraying: the material is applied similarly to conventional polyurethane foam

In practice, the declared characteristics of Ecopen are confirmed, and the release of volatile substances during polymerization of this material is quite low. But the cost of ICYNENE is significantly higher than its analogues, so it should be used where environmental friendliness will really be a priority.

Advantages of the technique

Insulation with polyurethane foam provides us with a number of advantages:

Pressure spraying allows large areas to be treated

Convenience of applying foam with your own hands. Thermal insulation material is stored in separate containers: foaming is carried out immediately before spraying. For spraying, dispensing guns are used, with which it is convenient to fill voids.
Good adhesion. Liquid foam adheres perfectly to almost any surface, so there are no problems either with spraying on walls or with filling large cavities.

The material adheres perfectly to almost any surface

Expansion and rapid polymerization. Once sprayed, the foam insulation continues to expand, increasing in volume and filling the available space. Contact with air ensures fairly rapid hardening of the outer layer of foam, which provides good time savings.

When thermally insulating a mounting seam, it is important that the mounting foam is as uniform as possible

Good insulation. The thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam is very low: in terms of energy conservation efficiency, 25 mm of material is equivalent to 600–650 mm of solid brick masonry.

Even deliberately setting fire to polyurethane foam is not easy!

Insulating walls with foam allows you to get other advantages:

vapor permeability (varies for different modifications and brands);
increased sound insulation;
reduction in flammability;
reduction of weight loads on supporting structures;
insulation of metal frame elements and mortgages.

Good sound insulation will also help with insulation under the bathroom!

When in contact with metal, polyurethane and its analogues do not provoke corrosion

Features and Specifications

The installed foam insulation is a porous polymer mass.
The working solution is applied under pressure to the wall or ceiling, foams upon contact with air and hardens. Numerous gas bubbles provide thermal insulation and protect the premises from street noise and vibrations. Polyurethane foam, also known as polyurethane foam sealant, is a substance widely used in construction for fastening together individual parts of the connected structure, heat and sound insulation, sealing and filling voids that arise during the work process. Usually sold in metal cans, in which the foam itself and a mixture of liquefied gases are under pressure - the so-called. a propellant that serves as a buoyant force for the contents of the can. The versatility of this synthetic polymer makes it an indispensable assistant in many types of construction work and in almost any repair.

Of course, polyurethane foam sealant has its own characteristics and characteristics, which will be discussed below.

Liquid foam

This type of insulation includes almost all foam materials based on polymer resins. The quality of the final product, including its environmental friendliness, largely depends on them. There are raw materials whose use is not permissible for residential premises due to the high toxicity of the polymer and its long-term emissions. At the same time, such materials are quite suitable for insulating technical structures or isolated building elements (if there is confidence in their insulation and the conscientiousness of the working specialists).

At the moment, such types of liquid foam as polyurethane foam, penoizol, as well as a number of products in compact cylinders are common.

Polyurethane foam (PPU)

Viscous heterochain polymers in a liquid state are used as the main component of this insulation. During chemical reactions, urethanes foam, which leads to their increase in volume by more than 50 times.

In its frozen state, polyurethane foam resembles ordinary polyurethane foam, the main difference in the structure is less porosity.

Mainly used for:

Insulation of walls of frame buildings;
Roofing structures;
House facades;
Thermal insulation of basements and lower floors.

To apply polyurethane foam, you need a special unit that first mixes and foams the insulation components, and then delivers the finished mixture under pressure to the surface to be treated.

Final polymerization occurs within 24 hours, after which the finishing can be installed. Polyurethane foam is suitable for treating surfaces made of brick, concrete, wood, metal, cinder blocks and gas silicate blocks.

The average cost of work including material is 1000-1500 rubles per m2 , with a layer thickness of 50 mm.

Penoizol

A budget analogue of polyurethane foam insulation, since it is based on relatively cheap, but more toxic urea-formaldehyde resin. The structure of this insulation is very similar to ordinary foam plastic, but its use is more preferable due to the absence of cold gaps in the insulating layer, characteristic of sheet and roll materials.

The density of penoizol, even in a liquid state, is noticeably lower than its urethane analogues, which does not allow its use in loaded structures. Otherwise, the scope of application is similar to polyurethane foam. Thermal insulation qualities are also not exceptional and are comparable to mineral wool, and two times less than that of the polyurethane foam described above.

Apply under pressure after pre-mixing the components and foaming. Increases in volume by no more than 30 times relative to the original mixture.

Roof insulation with foam insulation

Work together with the material costs approximately 2000 rubles per 1 cubic meter .

Polyurethane foam

The products are mainly used for processing seams between insulation elements. Polyurethane foam is relevant as a means for sealing structures; it is also used for fastening building and finishing materials to the base being constructed. In terms of operational characteristics, the resource has an average level of efficiency. Do-it-yourself polyurethane foam for insulating the walls of a house is produced in small containers; the products are presented in a wide variety of models. When applied, the composition expands 20 times. The material is easy to use independently; even an amateur can handle the job.

Polyurethane foam

Building materials in this category are attractive due to their versatility. Polyurethane foam as thermal insulation demonstrates a high level of efficiency. The PU foam composition has excellent properties of resistance to aggressive environmental influences. After foaming, the primary production volume increases 40 times. The presence of many microbubbles in a two-component compound determines the exceptionally low thermal conductivity coefficient of this foam insulation. The use of polyurethane foam for wall insulation involves significant costs, since the composition is applied using special equipment. The service life of polyurethane foam reaches 50 years.

Polyurethane foam for wall insulation

"Polinor"

This is a liquid insulation based on polyurethanes. A common form of release is small cylinders, similar in appearance to those for polyurethane foam. Using one cylinder you can insulate about 1 m2 of surface with a layer thickness of 6-7 cm.

The strength and thermal insulation qualities are similar to polyurethane foam, but unlike it, “Polinor” is more suitable for household use, since it does not require special equipment for application. The relatively high cost (about 500 rubles per cylinder ) makes its use inappropriate over large areas.

The insulation is applied by spraying, which allows it to be used on almost any surface, for example, for thermal insulation of pipelines located outdoors.

As for filling voids in the walls, this procedure cannot be completed due to insufficient pressure in the cylinder.

"Polinor" has the following technical characteristics:

Thermal conductivity – 0.025 W/(m*K);
Moisture absorption coefficient – no more than 0.03;
No toxicity, non-flammable;
Solid density – not less than 28 kg per m3;
Retains all operational properties for 50 years;
The operating temperature should not exceed +121°C;

In addition, the mixture is quite chemically stable and does not interact with most reagents common in everyday life.
Chloroform, dichloroethane, and high concentration hydrochloric acid have a negative effect (promote swelling) on Polinor. Nitric and sulfuric acids react with polyurethane, thus destroying the insulating mixture as a whole. Current prices for your city:

Advantages and disadvantages

The undeniable advantages of the substance in question, which the manufacturer usually indicates on the packaging, include:

High degree of adhesion - that is, its ability to firmly attach to many surfaces. The exceptions are Teflon, silicone, ice, polyethylene and oily surfaces;
Heat resistance (usually ranges from -45 °C to +90 °C);
Cured polyurethane foam is a dielectric (does not conduct electric current);
Quite fast hardening speed - from eight minutes to a day;
High moisture resistance;
Lack of toxicity (of course, after final hardening);
A small percentage of shrinkage (no more than 5%) throughout the entire period of operation;
Chemical resistance;
High strength;
Long service life of the material (up to half a century).

Disadvantage: cost of material and equipment.

Also no less important characteristics are:

The total volume of sealant output is calculated in liters and refers to the amount of foam coming out of a unit of container. This characteristic is affected by ambient temperature, humidity and windiness.
Viscosity mostly depends on air temperature. Temperatures above (or below) certain limits specified for each type of foam will negatively affect the viscosity of the substance. This is bad for masonry.
Primary and secondary expansion. Primary expansion is the ability of the composition to expand immediately after leaving the cylinder in a very short time interval (up to sixty seconds). In this short period of time, polyurethane foam sealant is able to increase in volume by 20-40 times. Secondary expansion refers to the ability of a synthetic polymer to expand for a long time before polymerization finally stops.

High-quality polyurethane foam has a pleasant light yellow or slightly greenish color; it does not flow down when applied to the surface and is even suitable for the roof. It is not eaten by rodents and insects, and does not harm the environment.

When hardened, the substance turns into a durable, porous, seamless material that is quite moisture-resistant and has excellent insulating properties.

Polyurethane foam sealant is chemically inert, which is both its advantage and disadvantage.

After it hardens, it is not susceptible to the destructive effects of solvents, so its excess will have to be removed mechanically - using a scraper or pumice.

It is important to note that under the influence of solar ultraviolet radiation, this insulating material is subject to rapid destruction - first it darkens and then becomes brittle.

Never forget to plaster the foam-filled area after it has hardened. Otherwise, it may simply turn into dust.

Polyurethane foam is suitable for insulating a frame house. It will serve as a special air gap.

Pouring foam - instructions

By and large, it is not difficult to insulate walls with foam from the inside, but there are points that you should pay attention to. First of all, this is work safety. Whatever type of foam insulation is carried out, you must be dressed in a protective suit made of polyethylene, since only this material does the foam not stick.

Related article: How to choose hinges for glass doors

The suit must have a hood, because if the solution gets into the hair, it will have to be cut. The kit should also include gloves, goggles and a respirator to protect hands, eyes and respiratory tract, respectively.

A respirator is required because when the foam expands and hardens, it releases a gas that you should not breathe unless you want to cause health problems, and there may be small particles of material in the air.

The second point concerns the method of applying foam between the boundaries of the insulated area; they can be either two walls or a special frame that divides the wall into zones. There are two methods, using a construction gun and pressurized spray cans. The second option, as you probably guess, involves using polyurethane foam.

When using a construction gun, you need to load the desired foam composition, polyurethane or foam insulation, into the machine and apply it in an even layer on the wall. The wall should be insulated from the bottom up, so it will be much easier to control the occupancy of the space. As a result, a kind of foam coat should form on the wall, with a slightly embossed surface.

When working with polyurethane foam, you need to remember that the container must be kept strictly bottom up and not allowed to heat above +25 degrees, otherwise it may explode, and a protective suit will not be able to protect you from this.

The third point concerns the thickness of the applied layer. If the size of the insulation exceeds 8 cm in thickness, its application must be divided into parts. Each layer of foam must dry completely before the next one is applied. Typically, it takes up to 24 hours for the foam to completely harden.

As mentioned earlier, the foam must be applied in several layers, due to the fact that the pressure exerted by the insulation during expansion may well break the frame structure, regardless of whether it is made of wood or an aluminum profile.

Foam for insulating windows for the winter

Foam for insulating windows comes in different forms. The main differences are its structure and composition. Materials for insulating openings:

Universal foam for insulating windows for the winter

It is used for blowing in cracks, seams, and voids in openings. Before purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the density and filling capacity of the cylinder. At low density the bubbles will be large. Professional insulation with low pressure Thanks to this material, the opening is not displaced, and all cracks are well sealed. Frost resistant material

It has a composition that can be used even in frosts down to ten degrees. But it is recommended to carry out all insulation work at above-zero temperatures. A fire-resistant mass, the components of which withstand the effects of fire. It doesn't melt or catch fire.

Criterias of choice

Before insulating windows with polyurethane foam, it is recommended to study the basic criteria for its selection:

Attention is paid to the expansion coefficient. The larger it is, the better it will be to insulate the windows with foam. The indicator can be read on the packaging. But, it can change under the influence of the temperature of the cylinder, the rate of release of the substance, and the skill of the master who works with it. Also, when purchasing, the density of the material is taken into account. The higher the density, the warmer the apartment will be. High-quality material has a 5% shrinkage. If the indicator is higher, the sealant may deform and rupture. Therefore, it is necessary to buy insulation with a minimum percentage of shrinkage. The color of the material can only be seen after opening the container. Its quality is indicated by a light, yellowish color.

Dark tones indicate that it is already collapsing. It is also important to pay attention to adhesion. Adhesion of the material to the frame should occur at 0.4 mPa

For better adhesion, the working surface is additionally moistened.

When the material quickly and well adheres to the surface, you can effectively insulate the windows with foam.

Foam tool

To insulate windows with foam easily and quickly, you will need to purchase a special gun. The device is placed on the valve of the cylinder and allows its composition to be supplied in small portions. Thanks to the gun, insulation consumption becomes less.

A pistol with a thin, long barrel allows the mass to blow out the most distant, inaccessible cracks.

After using the gun, it is important to immediately treat it with a special solution

Penoizol

Liquid thermal insulation usually means foam, which is used to insulate rooms. One of its varieties is called penoizol. The structure of this material resembles foam plastic, but is actually a urea polymer. Penoizol can be supplied not only in the form of a foam mass, but also in the form of slabs. It is also used to make granules for filling with the base material.

Penoizol is best suited for thermal insulation of frame buildings. It is designed to fill air gaps between:

internal and external walls;
plastic panels and wall;
plasterboard sheet and wall;
wooden flooring and its base.

The material is also suitable for insulating containers and heating mains. In terms of performance properties, foam is superior to mineral wool and polystyrene foam. The advantages of penoizol are:

high speed of work;
undemanding to temperature and humidity conditions;
long service life;
low flammability;
elasticity and resistance to deformation.

When hardening, the material does not form butt seams, which means it is resistant to tensile loads. In addition, it does not create a favorable environment for the development of fungi and mold, and it is not damaged by rodents.

Penoizol has soundproofing properties and can significantly reduce the level of noise in a living space. In addition, the manufacturer assures that the material is environmentally friendly.

Advantages and disadvantages of use

The structure of the foam allows it to penetrate into the smallest spaces, thanks to the reaction that occurs when interacting with air.
This material has a high level of thermal insulation. After complete hardening, it forms a monolithic coating that has no seams. No rigid insulation can do this.
The foam does not cause significant load to the walls of the house and other structures, having a completely insignificant weight when frozen.
Almost all types of foam after final hardening are absolutely harmless to human health and the environment.
Basically, before finishing work with foam, no additional actions need to be performed. You just need to apply it and wait until it dries completely. This process will take a little time.
The porous structure of the material increases sound insulation.
When using it as insulation on the walls of a house, the construction of additional frames and other structures will not be required. The foam has a high level of adhesion and perfectly connects to the required surface.
Most foam products work well with metals. When foam is applied to a metal surface, a protective coating is formed that prevents corrosion.

The disadvantages of foam include its high cost, which is an order of magnitude higher than other finishing materials that are used as insulation.

Foam is an effective material that creates a reliable and seamless thermal insulation coating on the walls of houses and other structures. This product appeared not so long ago, but is already quite popular for insulating facades. Each type of foam product has its own advantages, which should be taken into account before purchasing, based on the needs and scope of their application.

Nowadays, issues related to energy saving are more relevant than ever; the constant increase in tariffs forces us to look for alternative options for saving heat.

Areas of application for Touch'n Seal Foam Kits (USA) for insulation

Currently, the construction market offers a fairly wide selection of insulation materials. At the same time, insulation based on foam, which is contained in cylinders, has rapidly begun to gain popularity.

Work using polyurethane foam and mineral wool for wall insulation can be carried out both inside the premises and along the entire facade.

Which liquid insulation to choose?

As is known, long-term or improper storage significantly worsens the properties of materials, especially liquid insulation. In this regard, when choosing a composition, you should first of all pay attention to the date of its manufacture. In addition, it is recommended to give preference to well-known brands that have proven themselves, because the effectiveness of the entire thermal insulation system depends on the quality of the liquid insulation.

In order to ensure the quality of liquid insulation produced in the form of paint, experts recommend:

Check the weight of the bucket - the lower the density of the composition, the higher its heat-saving properties. Therefore, if a ten-liter plastic bucket weighs more than 6.5 kilograms, then you should not purchase such a composition.
Check the paint against light, as light microspheres rise up. Therefore, the thicker the top layer of insulation, the better its thermal insulation characteristics.
Rub a small amount of paint with your fingertips - a good material should feel a large number of rough microgranules. The absence of such an effect indicates low quality of the product.
Make sure the composition is white - a change in color indicates gross violations of the technological process. However, this rule does not apply to paints with mineral color additives.

It should be noted that in this case you should not focus on the cost of the product, since some manufacturers deliberately sell low-quality products at inflated prices in the hope that the choice stereotype will be triggered.

Features of insulation of various structures

Depending on the surface being treated, the order of the measures taken may be different. The advantage of polyurethane foam insulation is that it can be used for both horizontal and vertical elements. Insulating a house with foam has a high degree of adhesion to the surface, since the material penetrates into the most inaccessible places.

Insulation of floors

Can be done both from below and from above. For flooring above a cold basement, the most appropriate option would be to insulate the floor from below. Polyurethane foam is practically the only insulation that is convenient to work with in these conditions. To protect the attic floor, polyurethane foam is applied from the cold attic side.

Waterproofing and vapor barrier are not required during operation. It is recommended to carry out installation in the following order, regardless of whether insulation is performed from above or below:

removing dirt and dust from the surface being treated;
to increase adhesion, you can treat the surface with a primer;
nailing slats or profiles, installing floor joists, between which heat insulation is sprayed;
filling the space between the profiles with expanded polystyrene;
finishing the ceiling or installing a clean floor.

Wall insulation

Insulation of walls with foam can be done from the outside and from the inside. External thermal insulation would be a smart solution, but if necessary, internal work is allowed, for example, with additional insulation after the facility is put into operation. The only differences are in the finishing.

The work is performed in the following order:

surface preparation, cleaning from dirt and dust;
marking the wall and installing vertical sheathing;
filling the space between the frame with foam;
installation of the facing layer.

Mansard roof

Insulating the space between the rafters with foam will allow you to choose the pitch of the rafters regardless of the dimensions of the material, as is the case with mineral wool. The insulation is installed in the following order:

installation of elements of the rafter system and roofing;
cleaning the base;
spraying polyurethane foam between the rafters from the eaves to the ridge;
installation of sheathing;
ceiling cladding, such as plasterboard.