Warming – important aspect construction. The comfort of living indoors depends on the quality of the thermal insulation material. Today's market offers a lot of thermal insulation materials that differ in composition and technical parameters. However, there is another type of insulation that is more effective than others - sprayed polyurethane foam insulation.

Spray polyurethane foam insulation

Insulation with polyurethane foam is by far the most promising and effective direction. Moreover, many experts predict a future for this material. Spraying using polyurethane foam is very common abroad; in our country this method is used a little less often. This is because the construction of houses is most often carried out by migrant workers who do not have a sufficient level of qualifications.

After some time, problems begin with simple thermal insulation. To prevent this, you need to opt for polyurethane foam, which will last from thirty to fifty years.

Thermal insulation with liquid sprayed polyurethane foam is used for insulation:

• Industrial and residential facilities;
• Roofs of buildings;
• Refrigerated warehouses and vegetable stores;
• Technological containers;
• Pipelines, hangars and garages;

Liquid polyurethane foam can be sprayed onto reinforced concrete, asbestos cement, concrete, aluminum, steel, adhesive systems, etc.

Advantages of polyurethane foam

The advantages of the material include:

• Environmentally friendly, and therefore safe for human health. This quality is important, especially when it is necessary to insulate the room from the inside. In addition to quality, polyurethane foam perfectly absorbs extraneous noise, for example, the sounds of passing cars, and also has excellent vapor barrier properties. Moisture does not accumulate indoors, the house will be warm in winter and cool in summer;
• Another, no less important property is the absence of seams after spraying. As you know, seams and cracks reduce the quality of the sprayed material, since moisture and cold air penetrate into the room;
• Fire resistance. Polyurethane foam has the property of fading when there is a lack of oxygen. If the flame is open, toxic properties are released during the combustion process, and this is dangerous to health. If you want to protect yourself from such consequences, then after spraying you need to apply a layer of special paint to it.

Don't know which one you need? We will help you choose the best material on the foam market.

Where to use polyurethane foam?

Sprayed polyurethane foam is used for insulation of facades, plinths, basements, walls of premises, both externally and internally, between floors and attic floors, floors, roofs and roofs, pipes and so on. Additional items no insulation is required.

The material has excellent adhesive properties, it ideally adheres to any surface - horizontal and vertical, and flawlessly fills cracks and unevenness.

The applied coating will not require renewal after some time and does not burn. Its components are environmentally friendly, manufactured in water based and, thanks to certain additives, “repel rodents and insects.”

Polyurethane foam spraying technology

Standard single-layer structures in many areas of the country cannot provide the required level of thermal insulation. Below you will find the technology of spraying polyurethane foam insulation, which has the most low level thermal conductivity.

Polyurethane foam is produced by mixing equal proportions of polyol and isocyanate and spraying using special spray guns.

For spraying the following are used:

• The first component is a mixture of polyesters, foaming agents, foam regulator and fire extinguishing additive;
• The second component is an isocyanate product.

How are the components prepared?

The first component must be shaken thoroughly. For this you will need a mixing device.

The second component is also shaken, and if there is precipitation, heated to 700 degrees, stirring. Before using the component, it must be filtered through a metal mesh.

The components must be used in a 1:1 ratio.

Precautionary measures:

1. The component must not come into contact with moist air and must not be contaminated with third-party substances.
2. Barrels in which there is still a component must be carefully closed;
3. Any open barrel must be used quickly;

If components become dirty, do not use them under any circumstances. You can filter three or four times through cheesecloth.

Sprayed thermal insulation: equipment

Work is carried out using machines low pressure foreign or domestic production.

Other equipment includes: special cotton overalls, rubber boots or boots, safety glasses, cotton and rubber gloves, thermometer, gas mask, respirator.

Sputtering process

The mixture is applied to the surface in a liquid state. If it is cold, foggy or humid outside, there is no need to spray. If it rains during the work, it is necessary to curtail the process and resume only after the applied layer has dried. If the surface temperature is below + 50 degrees, then it is necessary to spray a thin layer of material to insulate the surface. Wait until the first coat hardens before applying a second coat.

• You need to start spraying with hard to reach places – ventilation holes, chimneys, etc. each subsequent layer is sprayed only after the previous one has hardened. Standard thickness layer – 1-1.5 centimeters. To ensure high thermal insulation, at least three layers are required.
• If the work area is large, then everything must be done in one day.
• If for some reason you had to stop work, then before starting the next one, you need to carefully prepare the surface.
• Any material must be placed on the surface where spraying will not be carried out.
• This technology allows you to carry out work as if initial construction, and during reconstruction. Additives contained in polyurethane foam prevent corrosion.

DIY spray-on thermal insulation

If you are planning to do self-insulation premises, then you need to know some technical aspects.

A mandatory condition that must be met before the start of the repair work– surface preparation. The surface must be clean, warm - 12-15 degrees and must be dry. If you skip this point, it will be impossible to achieve good adhesion. The surface should be free of cracks and any depressions with a diameter of more than six millimeters.

The installation for spraying the material plays a huge role. It consists of cylinders containing liquid insulation components.

The main task of the device is to uniformly supply components according to the intended pattern. In other words, components are taken from two reservoirs using a pump in a certain quantity, after which they enter a spray gun equipped with a nozzle, and there, under the influence of air pressure pumped by a compressor, they are mixed and fall onto the sprayed surface, on which A thick foam forms immediately and hardens in a short time. At the same time, electronic sensors monitor the pressure in tanks and hoses, air temperature and other parameters.

The optimal temperature of the surface and components is +20 +30 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, there will be an increase in system consumption due to worse foaming of the components.

With the resulting foam you can insulate not only walls, but also floors, ceilings, and even roof slabs.

You need to independently determine the thickness of the thermal insulation layer. If desired, you can apply an additional layer of insulation.

Remember that an equally important factor is the clothes you are wearing. For spraying, a special, completely sealed suit is used. Exposed areas of skin, mucous eyes and respiratory tract must be completely protected. A respirator or gas mask is put on top.

It's better to trust the professionals. They have everything necessary equipment and most importantly, experience in carrying out this type of work. The cost depends on the surface area and coating thickness. In one cubic meter You can give up to 1000 rubles. Moreover, the larger the surface, the cheaper the insulation will cost. For one square meter you will have to pay from 550 rubles. Look at the video of how professionals spray polyurethane foam:

Popular types of spray insulation

• Ecotermix 300 is a material for external insulation. Closed cells – 92 percent;
• Ecothermix 600 – material for internal insulation with open cells.
• HEATLOK SOY – sprayed thermal insulation. Can be used both outside and inside the building.
• SEALECTION – thermal insulation for interior work.

Estimated prices for internal and external insulation with polyurethane foam:

Name	units change	Price
External thermal insulation (2.5-5 cm, denser material)
Spraying a layer of thermal insulation Ecotermix 2.5 cm	m2	425-500
Spraying a layer of thermal insulation Ecotermix 5 cm	m2	700-800
Internal thermal insulation (lower density material, cost per layer 10 cm)
Spraying material with a density of 9-12 kg/m3 (10 cm)	m2	480-630
Thermal insulation of walls and foundations	m2	590
Spraying Ecotermix 10 cm	m2	630

Alternative methods of insulation

Extruded polystyrene foam

Polystyrene allows you to effectively insulate any construction site. The material has a homogeneous structure, which consists of completely closed cells. This happens thanks to the extrusion process. It is because of this structure that the material has a number of advantages: low thermal conductivity, high resistance to mechanical stress, lack of capillarity, almost zero water absorption, durability. The disadvantages include the lack of vapor permeability when externally insulating walls.

Expanded polystyrene foam

The material has low thermal conductivity and low cost. Expanded polystyrene foam has a smaller mineral wool vapor permeability. It is more difficult to use during work, as difficulties arise in adjusting the size during installation. In addition, the material is easily flammable, which imposes its own limitations on its use. It is not recommended to use it when insulating ventilated facades of stone houses. The only place where you can use polystyrene foam is wet systems insulation of facades, which are then plastered. Unfortunately, the material is not suitable for insulating wooden facades.

Synthetic foam rubber

Foamed rubber is mainly used to insulate air ducts and pipelines. Materials from synthetic rubber can withstand a temperature range from -200 to +150° C. The first production of the material in our country occurred in 2005, and it was carried out with the involvement of foreign capital. A year later, a Russian company picked up the baton. In addition to it, there are several branches of foreign enterprises on the Russian market.

Sprayed thermal insulation: reviews

It is enough to visit numerous forums where there are discussions about sprayed thermal insulation, in particular polyurethane foam, and understand how many supporters this material has. Therefore, if you are in doubt or don’t know which thermal insulation material to choose to solve problems, pay attention to polyurethane foam. It has a lot of advantages, and most importantly, it is easy to work with.

To summarize, spray-on insulation is a popular way to eliminate annoying sounds, cracks in walls, etc. You can pay attention to any method of insulation, and not only sprayed.

Sprayed thermal insulation: types, technology, materials, 4.8 out of 5 based on 5 ratings September 2, 2016
Specialization: Capital construction works(laying a foundation, erecting walls, constructing a roof, etc.). Internal construction work (laying internal communications, rough and fine finishing). Hobbies: mobile communications, high technology, computer equipment, programming.

In one of the articles, I already talked about how to insulate a home with polyurethane foam. But then I did not tell in detail what sprayed polyurethane insulation.

Today I decided to make up for this problem and dwell on the description of the technical characteristics and features of polymer insulating foam in more detail.

Composition of sprayed insulation

Everyone has long been accustomed to using the now classic thermal insulation materials for insulation - mineral wool, polystyrene foam, expanded clay and several others. However, science does not stand still and construction market New insulation materials are appearing that not only have excellent characteristics, but also improved performance properties.

One of the newest is polyurethane foam. This material is a mixture of two polymers - polyol and isocyanate:

1. Component A is a hydroxyl-containing substance necessary to maintain the reaction of component B. It is a yellow or brown liquid that includes polyesters, catalysts, foam regulators, flame retardants and foaming components.
2. Component B – isocyanate – dark brown liquid substance, having a strong chemical smell. The component begins to polymerize upon contact with atmospheric air, forming a hard polyurethane that is unusable. Therefore, it is supplied in hermetically sealed containers, reliably protected from contact with liquid or air.

When mixed they react and release a large number of carbon dioxide, due to which the material foams. After hardening, polyurethane forms an insulating layer consisting of many small, hermetically sealed cells filled with carbon dioxide.

Thanks to this, the material receives a low thermal conductivity coefficient (λ = 0.023 to 0.041 W/(m*K)), and is therefore ideal for the role of insulation.

Accurate specifications sprayed polyurethane are shown in the illustration below:

Sprayed polymer insulation has many advantages, but also several disadvantages. I will talk about this in detail in the next section.

Advantages and disadvantages

The most important advantages, from my point of view, are the characteristics of sprayed insulation.

Characteristic	Description
Low thermal conductivity	The material serves as an excellent barrier to unproductive heat loss in winter and helps save on air conditioning in summer. Due to its good heat-retaining properties, only a small layer of foam needs to be sprayed, so polyurethane foam is ideal for internal thermal insulation.
Hydrophobic properties	Insulating foam consists of closed cells, so the material has a practically zero water absorption coefficient. Therefore, foam can be used not only as thermal insulation, but also as waterproofing. Polyurethane foam perfectly protects metal parts from corrosion and there is no need to pre-paint them.
No seams	Sprayed thermal insulation, as the name implies, is applied by spraying the mixture from a special gun connected to a compressor. Therefore, after polymerization, the material forms an absolutely seamless homogeneous layer, eliminating the formation of cold bridges at the joints and in places adjacent to the structural elements of the building.
Long service life	Due to the fact that frozen polymer foam does not absorb water, it can withstand many successive cycles of freezing and thawing without destroying the internal structure. In addition, the insulation withstands the effects of other external factors, with the exception of ultraviolet radiation. If the installation rules are followed, the insulating layer retains its technical characteristics for at least 50 years.
High adhesion	The sprayed heat insulator adheres perfectly to all known building materials, from mineral surfaces to smooth plasterboard and metal. However, they must first be prepared by cleaning them from dust, debris and greasy stains.
Easy to install	To install the insulation, you do not need to use brackets, adhesive compositions or sheathing. If the latter is installed, it is only to secure external decorative material (lining, siding, drywall). Therefore, even an inexperienced master can cope with the work.
Chemical neutrality	The insulation in question does not react with chemical compounds contained in building materials and installation mortars. Also, the insulating layer withstands the effects of aggressive substances well, with the exception of petroleum products. And acids dissolved in rainwater are not harmful to polyurethane foam.
High strength	After polymerization, the foam becomes so strong that it can withstand very significant external mechanical loads. It can even be used for thermal insulation of foundations and ground floors, buried in the soil. In progress backfill and subsequent operation, the sprayed insulation is not damaged.
Fire safety	The material does not belong to the class of non-flammable (NG), however, thanks to the fire retardant included in component A, it has been awarded a fire safety certificate G2. The material does not ignite well and promotes self-extinguishing of the flame due to the release of carbon dioxide from the cells.

But there were some downsides too. Speaking from the point of view of independent use, I would highlight the following disadvantages:

1. High price. Total cost of one square meter insulation will be higher than when using classic insulation materials - polystyrene foam or mineral wool. However, the high technical characteristics fully justify the investment.
2. The need to use special equipment. To spray foam, a compressor is used and special device where the two components are mixed. All these devices will need to be purchased or, if you want to insulate only your home, rented. And these are additional costs.
3. The need to use protective equipment. The material itself is harmless after hardening, but during foaming it emits harmful chemical elements, so you need to work using a respirator. And to protect skin to prevent foam from sticking (which is very difficult to clean), you must wear overalls or other protective clothing.
4. Low UV resistance. The structure of the material disintegrates when the foam is irradiated with direct ultraviolet rays. Therefore, the insulating layer is always protected from the outside decorative materials – cement plaster, panels and so on.

There is one more property that can be regarded as both a plus and a minus. We are talking about very low vapor permeability. Polyurethane foam does not belong to the category of “breathable” building materials, therefore it stops the natural infiltration of air through the enclosing surfaces.

But while this is good for metal or brick, it is not so good for wood and foam blocks. All the advantages of using porous building materials are lost.

Although now there are open-cell materials on the market, which have a higher vapor permeability coefficient.

The decision to use polyurethane foam will be up to you, but now you have something to start from. In the meantime, I’ll tell you where you can use the thermal insulation in question.

Areas of use

I have depicted all possible areas of use in the diagram below:

Now a little about each of them in more detail:

1. Roof. Polyurethane foam is used to process the rafter system with inside, therefore, it can be used not only at the stage of construction of a home, but also after completion of all work on the part attic space. After hardening, the foam not only insulates the under-roof space, but also creates a noise-absorbing barrier, and also strengthens the roof structure.
2. Attic. Sprayed heat insulator is convenient to use for thermal insulation of attic walls, which usually have complex shape with many joints and hard-to-reach places. Typically, room treatment takes up to several hours, after which you can enjoy comfortable warmth in winter and pleasant coolness in summer.
3. Walls. Insulation can be applied to both exterior and internal surfaces. In addition to direct insulation, this treatment helps protect structural elements buildings from the effects of water, wind, temperature fluctuations and other destructive factors.
4. Floors. The material fits perfectly on horizontal surfaces, and for effective insulation only a small layer is needed, so the distance between the floor and ceiling does not decrease significantly.

So that you can choose the right insulation, I will dwell a little on the features of using polyurethane foam in various conditions.

External insulation

The enclosing walls of a house are the surfaces with the largest area through which most of the thermal energy flows. If you treat them with polyurethane foam, you can reduce heat loss by up to 30%, reducing the cost of heating and air conditioning.

For external use, a sprayed heat insulator is used density 35 kg per cubic meter(subject to decoration hanging materials– siding, clapboard) or 60 kg per cubic meter(in this case the surface can be plastered thin layer using cement mortar).

You need to use closed cell insulation that does not allow water to pass through.

Internal insulation

For indoor use, you can use regular polyurethane foam with a density of 40 kg per cubic meter with a closed structure or replace it with spray foam with a density of 12 kg per cubic meter with an open cell.

Internal insulation with polyurethane foam allows:

• reduce heat loss;
• enhance general structure Houses;
• minimize reduction internal space rooms;
• ensure energy savings;
• soundproof your home.

Insulation of interior partitions

For walls that are not in contact with the outside air, I recommend using insulation density 20 kg per cubic meter with open cell. It does not allow dust to pass through and retains unpleasant odors and substances that can cause allergies.

Treated with polyurethane foam, they acquire antiseptic properties, absorb sound waves and provide self-regulation of humidity in rooms.

Insulation of interfloor ceilings

In this case it is important minimum layer insulation and light weight of the material so as not to place significant load on the structural elements. Therefore, I recommend using polyurethane foam with a density of 9 kg per cubic meter, which has excellent thermal insulation properties.

But remember that a heat insulator of such density is not durable, so you need to spray it between the joists, laying plywood, board or something with the same characteristics on top.

Varieties

Now about specific manufacturers and brands. There are two large categories of sprayed insulation:

1. Industrial. They are supplied in bulk barrels and are used for thermal insulation of large surfaces. Typically, such insulation is used by specialists who perform insulation under contracts with clients.
2. In cylinders. We are talking about such insulation as Polinor, which is sold in one-liter containers and is intended specifically for craftsmen who perform insulation small structures with your own hands.

Industrial sprayed thermal insulator

Personally, I have worked with several brands of industrial polyurethane foam, which I will list:

1. Ecotermix. Material with minimal content harmful to the human body harmful substances. Made on the basis vegetable oils, which are foamed with a water-based substance. There are two varieties:

• grade 300 – has a closed cellular structure and is intended for insulation of external surfaces of buildings and structures;
• grade 600 – has an open structure, therefore it is designed specifically for interior work.

1. Healtok Soy 200. A material with a closed structure made from polymer waste and soybean oil. After application, it increases in size by more than 50 times, adhering to any surface and filling all pores and cracks. The peculiarity of this material is that it significantly increases the torsional rigidity of structural elements (up to 250%).
2. Sealection 500. Sprayed heat insulator produced by the famous American company Demilec. It is a material with an open structure and has a fire safety class of G2.

Polinor

Polynor is a sprayed insulation material made from polymer raw materials, which is supplied in a 1-liter container with an aerosol tip or adapter for installation in a mounting gun.

Externally, the material is a pink foam, which is applied to the surfaces to be treated using a gun. After contact with air, the polymer foams (like polyurethane foam), and when it hardens, it forms a fine-cell coating with a low thermal conductivity coefficient.

Primary polymerization is carried out within 40 minutes, but for the insulating layer to completely harden, it takes at least 3 days.

The density of polynore after hardening is from 18 to 28 kg per cubic meter and the thermal conductivity coefficient is from 0.023 to 0.025 W/(m*K). Usually it is enough to spray 25 to 60 mm of foam so that the treated structure is protected from heat loss.

The service life of the insulation is 35 years.

One liter of insulation is enough to treat 1 square meter of surface when applied in a layer of 4 cm. In this case, there is no need to construct an additional mounting frame, vapor and waterproofing.

The areas of use of the material are as follows:

• all building structures regardless of finishing;
• surfaces inside the home;
• engineering Communication;
• vehicle bodies.

When using polynore, as in all other cases, you need to use protective equipment.

Summary

Now you know what polyurethane foam used for insulation is building structures. Instructions on how to do thermal insulation with your own hands are posted in one of the previous materials. You can also watch a video about this technology in this article.

I wanted to ask you, have you used sprayed polyurethane foam insulation to insulate your home? Or are you going to do it? Or do you still prefer classic methods and materials? You can post your answers in the comments to the material.

September 2, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, or ask the author something - add a comment or say thank you!

An excellent alternative to traditional insulation materials used in construction is polyurethane foam (PPU), sprayed onto work surfaces. It is a polymer mass with various densities, 95% of the volume of which is gas-filled closed cells. Thanks to this structure, sprayed polyurethane foam is resistant to mechanical stress and good performance steam, sound and heat insulation. In addition, it easily fills hard-to-reach places in complex installation structures where classic insulation is ineffective.

Sprayed polyurethane foam can be two-component or one-component. The first is created by mixing organic compounds: polyol (A) and polyisocyanate (B). This happens chemical reaction with the release of heat and carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide). After its completion, the mixture hardens with the formation of a large number of closed gas-filled chambers, giving the material special heat-insulating properties. Compositions A+B are usually used for large-scale areas and require expensive and complex equipment.

To obtain a sprayed two-component insulation with the necessary physical and chemical characteristics, you need to mix the polyol and polyisocyanate in exact proportions, heat them to desired temperature, check the parameters and apply to work surface. For this purpose, special foam generators are used, including dispensers, measuring instruments and pumping stations spraying the resulting composition. They are divided into high and low pressure devices. The first ones are expensive, but differ in productivity and manufacturability: when sprayed, uniform and durable thermal insulation is obtained with optimal consumption of the initial components. Reviews of installations of the second type indicate that their price is much lower, they are reliable, easy to transport and rise to heights, since they weigh less.

For small areas, it is more advisable to buy one-component insulation, for example, Polinor. It is more convenient and cost-effective, as it allows you to accurately calculate the required amount of foam. In addition, thermal insulation can be carried out with low temperature air in autumn and winter, when two-component formulations are useless. To use a Polinor balloon, you do not need auxiliary equipment, experience and specialized knowledge.

Types of foamed polyurethane foam

Qualified professionals recommend the brands Ecotermix, Polynor and Heatlok Soy. Ecotermix is ​​a spray-on thermal insulation based on vegetable oils and water. It comes in different densities and is used for external and internal work. Two-component composition Ecotermix 300 - harder (35–40 kg/m³), with a closed cell structure, suitable for external insulation buildings and structures. Ecotermix 600 with a density of 9–12 kg/m³ is a loose, open-porous type, suitable for internal application.

Polynor sprayed polyurethane foam insulation is a ready-made one-component composition, packaged in metal cylinders with a volume of 890 ml. It is popular in small private construction and deserves positive reviews from experts for its simplicity and ease of use for thermal insulation of hard-to-reach places. This insulation does not require additional equipment, and its main features are high penetrating ability and effective insulation: its coefficient is the lowest among other foamed polymers (0.025 W/m·C). It is harmless to the operator and, when applied, does not form a cloud of polymer suspension (allows you to work without a protective raincoat or respirator). One Polinor cylinder covers an area of ​​approximately 1.5 m².

Two-component sprayed insulation Heatlok Soy is based on soy extract, vegetable oils and plastic waste. It comes in different densities (from 10 to 50 kg/m³) and is used for both external and internal work. The most important advantages of Heatlok Soy are high adhesion to any building materials and a monolithic structure that does not allow moisture to penetrate to the base and prevents the development of corrosion under the thermal insulation layer. It also gives additional strength to the elements installation structures, fastening them together.

Options for using insulation

The main advantage that sprayed polyurethane foam demonstrates over traditional materials, - multifunctionality. It simultaneously acts as a thermal, hydro and vapor barrier, sound absorber, sealant and auxiliary binder. This type of insulation is used for:

• walls and roofs of private houses and cottages;
• hangars for storing vegetables and fruits;
• pipelines for various purposes;
• warehouses and storage facilities for goods;
• refrigeration chambers and mobile refrigerators;
• tanks, tanks and containers for storing freezing liquids;
• dairy farms.

The unique characteristics of thermal insulation allow it to be applied on both sides of buildings. Roofs are always insulated from the inside, so polyurethane foam is used not only at the construction stage, but also during finishing works. Particularly convenient this method for covering hard-to-reach places in attics with complex geometry.

Advantages and disadvantages

Foamed polyurethane insulation is effective due to:

• high adhesion to any building materials;
• ease of processing (sprayed thermal insulation is easy to cover with a layer of finishing plaster, paint or facade siding);
• multifunctionality;
• ease of application (insulation in Polinor cylinders) and no need to build a frame, as is the case with roll or panel analogues;
• health safety and environmental friendliness (PUF is recommended for use indoors);
• long service life (the insulation remains effective for up to 50 years);
• resistance to adverse weather conditions and fire;
• seamless structure, eliminating the appearance of cold bridges.

The disadvantages that sprayed polyurethane foam insulator has are:

• low resistance to sunlight, requiring covering it with a layer of paint or siding;
• the need to purchase or rent special equipment for spraying two-component compositions;
• quite high cost compared to traditional materials;
• mandatory use of special clothing and protective equipment(sprayed polyurethane foam insulation, when applied, can irritate the operator’s eyes and skin);
• release of toxic substances during combustion.

How much does spray insulation cost?

One cylinder of single-component polyurethane foam Polinor with a volume of 890 ml costs from 360 to 450 rubles. It is enough to treat approximately 1.5 m2 of surface with a spray layer thickness of up to 3 cm. The insulation has a density of 18–28 kg/m³, so it is recommended for interior work.

Insulation of buildings is an important part of construction. Its effectiveness in the cold season will depend on the correctly selected insulation. There is a huge variety of materials on the current market that differ in their characteristics and composition. But one type is the most effective - sprayed thermal insulation.

Sprayed polyurethane insulation is modern thermal insulation material, which is formed by mixing 2 elements - polyol and isocyanate.

Using a sprayer, it covers the required surface. Foaming occurs in a matter of seconds. During this short period of time, the volume of foam increases 30-120 times from its initial liquid state.

Afterwards, the foam is well fixed to the surface on which it was sprayed. Complete drying is carried out in 5-10 seconds.

Where is this material used?

Polyurethane thermal insulation has a fairly wide range of applications. Basically, it is combined with almost any type of surface, even the floor. But due to its high cost and some disadvantages, insulation may not always be used. The material comes in several types according to structure: integral, hard and elastic. The areas of its application are as follows.

• Roofs. As insulation material for roofing it is an ideal option, because polyurethane, hidden from the rays of the sun, does not decompose, and thanks to this, the service life will be about 50 years.
• Technological containers. Polyurethane foam as insulation will be very effective, for example with storage heaters.
• Walls. Insulation can be used to cover internal and external surfaces. This treatment protects walls from negative impact winds, rains, temperature changes and other phenomena.
• Floors. The product fits well on horizontal planes. The layer required for high-quality insulation is small, so the distance from the floor to the ceiling will not be significantly reduced.
• Attics. With the help of heat-insulating sprayed material, the thermal insulation of attic walls, which are mainly of a heavy form, with numerous hard to reach places and joints.

Advantages of the material

• The material is environmentally friendly and does not contain harmful substances for the human body.
• Possesses high level water absorption.
• It has protective properties which prevent the occurrence of corrosion.
• It is resistant to mechanical damage caused by impacts, high loads, etc.
• Lifetime. Due to the fact that water is not absorbed by polymer foam, its structure is not disturbed by numerous cycles of thawing and freezing.
• No seams. Sprayed thermal insulation is applied using a special gun, so after drying a seamless layer is formed, which eliminates the occurrence of temperature bridges. If they are present, significant leaks of warm or cold air from the room occur.
• Adhesion. The sprayed product adheres well to all building materials used, only they must first be cleaned of grease, dust, poorly adhering areas of the old coating and debris.
• Expenses. Allows you to reduce space heating costs by up to 50%.

Types of sprayed thermal insulators

There are many manufacturers and brands, which are divided into two types:

• In cylinders. These insulation materials are distributed in 1 liter containers in a liquid state, and are intended to perform thermal insulation works on small structures.
• Industrial. Sold in large barrels and required for huge surfaces. The mixture inside the containers is also in liquid form.

The most popular brands of industrial heat insulation

Ecotermix. It is made on the basis of vegetable oils, and foaming occurs due to a substance that contains water. The product has a low content of components that negatively affect human health. There are 2 grades: 300 and 600. The first is intended for application to external surfaces, and the second to interior walls. This is due to the fact that brand 300 has a closed structure, and 600 has an open structure.

Sealection 500. The material is manufactured by the American company Demilec, has an open structure and a G2 fire safety class.

Healtok Soy 200. This raw material has a closed structure. Produced from soybean oil and polymer residues. After spraying, the dimensions increase 50 times, securely fixing to surfaces of any materials, filling all existing cracks and voids.

Polinor - insulation in cylinders

The most popular sprayed insulation in small 1 liter containers is Polynor. Its application is carried out using a mounting gun. He has pink color foam and after contact with the air space a foaming reaction occurs.

Complete hardening occurs within 3 days, although polymerization begins after 40 minutes. After completely dry the coating has a low level of thermal conductivity. Duration of operation - 35 years. 1 liter capacity is enough for 1 sq. m of surface if the layer thickness does not exceed 4 cm. In this case, there is no need to build a special frame.

Application method and features

The insulation process using polyurethane foam is quite simple. To do this, you only need a strong compressor and a special gun, and this equipment will be relatively inexpensive.

With 2-component polyurethane mixtures the situation is different. They must be ordered from a specialized production facility, due to the fact that they are not available for free sale. In addition, they must be mixed correctly. This process occurs in a certain sequence:

1. First of all, the first component should be mixed well with a mixer.
2. Then the second element, which is a hardener, is also thoroughly shaken.
3. They are mixed, usually in a 1:1 ratio. During manufacturing, the room must be free of moisture, which would adversely affect the mixture, and the possibility of debris getting into the composition should be excluded.
4. After that finished product you can fill the tank from which the gun is supplied.

The process of applying polyurethane foam occurs as follows:

1. To begin with, if necessary, do preparatory work, if the coating is not stable, for example, when the plaster is crumbling or the paint is cracked.
2. Next on the wall you need to build a sheathing from metal profile or wooden beam.
3. Before work, you should adjust the gun so that it sprays the required layer of the mixture.
4. Now you can start applying insulation to the surface.
5. The procedure itself is carried out from the bottom up, and spraying is carried out only between the components of the sheathing.
6. The product is applied in a thin layer, and in a matter of time it takes on a voluminous shape.

Some nuances that you should be aware of when applying:

• Work should not be carried out in high humidity or rain;
• It is not recommended to apply the mixture in hot or low temperatures.

Before applying insulation, you must acquire protective equipment, which includes overalls, a respirator and rubber gloves.

The surface to be sprayed must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and thoroughly dried. It is advisable to complete the entire work cycle in one day, since the preparatory processes will need to be repeated. There is no need to apply the coating in a thick layer - 5-8 cm is recommended. If necessary, after complete drying, a second ball of insulation is applied.

Materials such as polyurethane are increasingly used in the production of building materials. Polyurethane is used to produce many materials.

Polyurethane is used for the production of:

• skirting boards and fillets, decorative stucco;
• thermal insulation - both sprayed and in the form of shells and sheets;
• packaging materials;
• molds for the production of artificial stone;
• adhesives and sealants;
• as a basis for the production of paints;
• as an additive to almost all modern coatings;
• as sealing connections.

Wide application due to unique characteristics:

• low thermal conductivity;
• resistance to various chemical agents (except hydrochloric and nitric acids, turpentine, chlorine, acetone);
• resistance to abrasive influences;
• durability;
• resistance to atmospheric influences, including ozone, ultraviolet radiation and sea water;
• wide range of operating temperatures – from -60 to +100 degrees;
• excellent dielectric properties;
• ability to withstand fairly high operating pressure.

And if you consider that the material is environmentally friendly, then its popularity becomes quite justified.

In the production of the material at the dawn of its inception, two substances were used: polyisocyanate and polyol. Depending on the proportion in which these components are used and the reaction rate, the technical characteristics of the final material can vary quite significantly.

There are two types of PPU:

• Perlon U - flexible, elastic, but poorly resistant to tearing forces (foam rubber);
• Igamid U is hard and durable, but cannot withstand bending loads.

Modern polyurethane foam is a material with a cellular structure, in which 85-97% of the volume is occupied by pores filled with gas or air.

The very substance that forms these pores makes up only 3-15% of the total volume of insulation. Therefore, polyurethane foam is a very light material.

Its specific gravity is:

• For soft material– 5-40 kg/cu.m. m;
• for hard – 30-86 kg/cubic. m.

• thermal conductivity is 0.019 - 0.03 W/m - the lowest of all thermal insulation materials;
• the solid type of polyurethane foam has a large number of closed pores, which significantly increases its acoustic impermeability and allows the material to be used as sound insulation;
• a high adhesion rate allows the material to be applied to surfaces of any configuration without using additional fasteners;
• the resulting coating is very durable and does not suffer from exposure to precipitation, aggressive atmosphere of industrial production, pests, microorganisms (however, prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided).

The neutrality of polyurethane allows its rigid form to be used as thermal insulation for refrigerators. food products, and elastic - as furniture stuffing, filling children's toys.

PPU with a density of 70 kg/cubic. m practically does not allow water to pass through and can be used as waterproofing.

The main consumers of polyurethane foam are:

• construction industry – about 50%;
• instrument making and refrigeration industry – 20%;
• space, rocket, automotive, furniture and other industries - the remaining 30%.

The material has become very popular as thermal insulation for main pipelines large diameter and length. In this area, it not only reliably protects pipes, but is also rarely subject to vandalism - because it simply cannot be stolen for reuse. In the medical industry, the material is used to produce orthopedic shoes and prostheses.

Sprayed insulation - composition and features

Sprayed polyurethane foam is supplied in the form of two components – A and B:

• Substance A is intended to support the reaction of component B. Its composition includes: foaming components, foam regulators, catalysts, polyesters, fire retardants. Supplied as a brown or yellow liquid.
• Substance B is an isocyanate, which upon contact with air begins to polymerize. It is a brown liquid with a pungent odor.

When substances A and B are mixed, a chemical reaction begins, accompanied by the release of a large volume of carbon dioxide, which foams the material. After hardening in air, a layer of insulation is formed with a large number of closed small cells containing carbon dioxide. The mixture is sprayed using special equipment.

Having all the advantages of polyurethane, polyurethane foam provides:

• Easy application of the mixture to any surface in a continuous sealed layer without the formation of seams. This way, you won’t have to worry about possible cold bridges.
• Being hydrophobic, it perfectly protects any structures, including metal ones, from corrosion (it doesn’t even need to be painted).
• Excellent adhesion allows the material to be applied to any surface, even smooth (cleaned of debris, dust and grease stains).
• After polymerization, polyurethane foam acquires high strength, allowing it to be used, among other things, for insulating basement floors and foundations.
• Although polyurethane foam is not a non-flammable substance, the addition of fire retardants to component A allowed it to be assigned a fire safety certificate G2 (poorly flammable self-extinguishing materials).

But, having decided to use polyurethane foam for thermal insulation of a house, you need to know and take into account its disadvantages.

The disadvantages include:

• The need to use special equipment to carry out the work.
• Low resistance to UV rays, dictating the need to protect the insulation layer.
• When applying the material, a large amount of carbon dioxide is released, which is harmful to humans, so during work you will have to use a respirator and skin protection.
• Quite a high cost of thermal insulation.
• Due to the large number of closed pores, the material practically does not “breathe”, so natural filtration of air through the structure of the house will become impossible.

PPU can be used to insulate structures such as:

• roof;
• walls;
• floors;
• attics;
• partitions.

Moreover, for each type of structure, a material of different density (and therefore weight) is used.

PPU helps not only to insulate structures, but also to strengthen them, as well as protect the house from excess noise.

Types of sprayed polyurethane foam

Polyurethane foam insulation, which is applied by spraying, is divided into two categories: industrial - sold in barrels and used by specialists to insulate large structures and surfaces, and in 1-liter cylinders, which are intended for self-use. Industrial polyurethane foam is represented by several brands from different manufacturers.

The most famous are:

• Sealection 500 is an American made material. It has an open structure and fire safety class G2.
• “Ecotermix” is produced on the basis of vegetable oils and contains a minimum amount of harmful substances. There are two varieties of it on sale: grade 300 - with a closed structure to protect external surfaces from cold, and grade 600 - with an open structure for interior work.
• Healtok Soy 200 is a closed-structure insulation material made from soybean oil and polymer waste. Adheses perfectly to any surface, tightly fills all cracks and pores.

Polyurethane foam in cylinders is made from polymer components. The can has a spray tip or adapter for use with a mounting gun.
Currently, this insulation is represented on the market by two brands - Polinor and TEPLIS. The material looks like polyurethane foam. After hardening, it forms a fine-mesh coating with low thermal conductivity. One cylinder is enough for 1 sq. m of surface when applied in a layer of 40 mm.

The application technology is simple:

• Surfaces must be cleaned of dust and dirt and slightly moistened.
• You need to screw the nozzle onto the cylinder.
• Then it is shaken and the nozzle is directed to the desired location.
• By pressing the trigger of the gun, the material is sprayed.

Currently, insulation in cylinders is heavily advertised, but experts do not advise trusting advertising too much.

Although the producers of Polinor claim that its service life is 35 years, it has not yet passed the test of time.

Manufacturers of industrial two-component insulation believe that one-component polyurethane foam in cylinders is practically no different from conventional polyurethane foam, but costs several times more. The material has a large number of open pores, therefore it is unsuitable as a hydro- and vapor barrier.

Therefore, if you decide to properly insulate your home, you should not rely on unprofessional insulation. If you wish, you can use a spray can to treat small areas structures or internal partitions, but it is hardly suitable for insulating large surfaces.