Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane Foam is a synthetic and duroplastic material, highly crosslinked and non-fusible, obtained from the mixture of two components generated by chemical processes from oil and sugar: Isocyanate and Polyol.
There are two ways to obtain it: by projecting both components on a surface at the same time, or by casting (mixing both materials).
This solid, uniform and resistant structure has a cellular formula indicated for its use as an insulator, thanks to the aforementioned characteristics, as well as its rapid application, insulating capacity and its ability to eliminate thermal bridges. Polyurethane foam is also commonly used in waterproofing.
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Thermal Properties of Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam has a high insulating capacity due to the low thermal conductivity of the foam gas in its closed cells, which can be located at 10 ° C = 0.022 W / m · K, according to the UNE 92202 standard, although this value rises slightly with the passage of time, until finally stabilizing. After 9 months of aging, it is considered that the value is 10 ºC = 0.028 W / m · K, in accordance with UNE 92120-1, which represents a 25% improvement with respect to the average of the other products used in thermal insulation (for example, mineral wool, extruded and expanded polystyrene foams ...).
Polyurethane foam has a great resistance against the effects of time and has a long useful life, remaining without deteriorating for more than 50 years.
The Rigid Polyurethane Foam obtained by projection is the most efficient insulating material, since it requires a minimum thickness to isolate the same as any other material. This also supposes an economic benefit since for a same degree of isolation, the Polyurethane Foam needs a smaller thickness, which implies a greater habitable surface.
Waterfront Properties of Polyurethane Foam
The CTE seeks to limit the risk of the inadequate presence of water inside buildings and their enclosures, and therefore requires certain degrees of impermeability to the facades. As stated by the CTE, continuous intermediate coatings - such as Polyurethane Foam - are one of the best alternatives to meet these waterproofing requirements.
Polyurethane foam is a continuous intermediate coating because it meets the aspects established in the DB-HS1 for these materials related to sealing, resistance to cracking, adhesion, permeability and physical and chemical stability.
With a continuous intermediate coating such as Polyurethane Foam, it is not necessary to render plaster as the material itself meets the requirements of impermeability. This circumstance also supposes another economic benefit, so much by the saving in mortar for the plastering as by the surface that is gained when this is not necessary. Being classified as intermediate continuous coating also means an absence of pathologies in the walls under extreme conditions.
Properties Against Moisture of Polyurethane Foam
The values of the Polyurethane Foam in what refers to humidity guarantee, in most cases and depending on the density, the absence of interstitial condensation, making possible the transpiration of the enclosure, which is the most beneficial effect for prevent all kinds of diseases (hygiene, health, comfort ...). And also to maintain for a long time the characteristics of the constructive solution.
Thus, Polyurethane Foam, unlike other products used, meets two very important characteristics for a material used in insulation: it is waterproof and allows perspiration, in any climate and without the need for a vapor barrier.
Properties Against the Fire of Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is an organic material, and therefore fuel, and numerous studies have shown its good fire behavior in final application of use. In a finished work, the insulating material is not visible, but behind surfaces such as walls, walls, floors and ceilings.
Therefore, the suitability of the use of Polyurethane Foam will depend to a great extent on the fire resistance values of the materials that make up these surfaces, in addition to the place where it will be projected.
In addition, there are some varieties of polyurethane foam with protection against fire, which are classified from C, s3-d0 to E, according to the UNE-EN 13501 standard.
Environmental Properties of Polyurethane Foam
The use of polyurethane foam in homes contributes to the consumption of energy in these (consumption that produces greenhouse effect) is much lower.
Thus, considering a 50-year polyurethane life cycle, a very positive balance is obtained on the greenhouse effect when using said product as a thermal insulator.
Acoustic Properties of Polyurethane Foam
The easy application of Polyurethane Foam is an advantage in this case, because the products applied by panels need a really careful application.
The Polyurethane Foam used for thermal insulation is a light and low density material, composed of closed cells (> 90%). This product, combined with other materials, is very effective to reduce the transmission of sounds and to dampen vibrations and eliminate resonances.
Basic Regulation of the Application of Polyurethane Foam
In the application of polyurethane foam it is essential to determine the thickness required for each construction solution and, for this reason, the person in charge of the work must abide by the requirements established in the following standards:
- UNE 92120-2: 98 Standard: Thermal Insulation Products for Construction. Rigid Polyurethane foam produced in situ. Part 1: Specifications for polyurethane systems before installation. Part 2: Specifications for the installed product.
- UNE 92310: 2003 Standard: Measurement and Quantification Criteria for Thermal Insulation Work in Industrial and Building Installations. Rigid polyurethane foam produced in situ by projection.
- RP 20.06: Particular regulation of the N Mark of AENOR for the Application of Rigid Polyurethane Foam in situ.
Process of Measuring the Thickness of Polyurethane Foam
To measure the thickness, the operator will have a graded punch or a similar tool whose diameter does not exceed 2 mm. During this process, Standard UNE 92120-2 indicates that ten points must be taken within the surface, five of high thickness and another five apparently of low thickness.
After this process, the result of the calculation of the thickness will be the average of the different measurements, without counting the four extreme values, and none of the measures can be considered inferior by more than 25% to the general average.
This process will be carried out at least every 75 m2 and, at least, for each unit of work and per day. In the case of an intense frequency level, the particular regulation of the N Mark indicates that the measurement must be made every 50 m2 and, at least, one measurement per unit of work per day.
Properties of the Application Process of Polyurethane Foam
Professional applicator. Unlike other insulating materials, polyurethane foam requires a professional applicator to project the product on site, which is a guarantee of good installation.
On-site projection This process guarantees the speed of execution, the simple solution of the thermal bridges and also it is not necessary to have space for the insulation to be stored.
Sole insulating product with the possibility of double certification (certification mark of the products before the application and the installed product).
Rapidity in the application. The speed of its application makes Polyurethane Foam the most applied material per day, in m3 employees.
The Polyurethane Foam does not need previous plastering, as it is a continuous intermediate coating.