APV has achieved a satisfactory market penetration in the area of housing more than a year after implementing the business unit dedicated to the application of polyurethane foam. The reasons? A thermal insulation of excellent characteristics, combined with a team of experts in its application and the use of first level technology. We talked with Daniel Henríquez Vallejo, Civil Industrial Engineer of the Catholic University and Head of Development of APV, about the characteristics and strengths of this system.
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What is polyurethane foam?
Polyurethane foam is a thermal insulator with excellent characteristics. It consists of two chemical compounds that, when mixed, expand and adhere to the surface, creating thermal insulation. This mixture is made by a special team of Graco brand, the Reactor E-20, ideal for these applications, since it has been developed for that purpose by a globally consolidated brand, using the highest technology.
What are its advantages?
Compared to glass wool or expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam is able to insulate with thicknesses 40% less. According to the thermal regulation, in the roofs of Santiago a thickness of 8.19 cm of glass wool would be required, while with polyurethane foam only 5 cm would be needed. Glass wool is a good insulator, but over time it deteriorates and loses its insulating capacity. To maintain optimal levels of thermal insulation this product should be replaced in five to ten year terms. Polyurethane foam does not lose its properties over time. Another advantage of this is that it adheres to any surface, which greatly benefits the application in walls and ceilings. In addition, by not having unions, thermal bridges are eliminated, which is where energy is generally lost. It also has good properties as a waterproofing, since it does not allow the passage of moisture and, being completely sealed, it solves problems such as leaks or others. Thus, its advantages can be summarized in duration, adhesion, structural resistance, energy saving and waterproofing.
What is its impact in terms of energy savings?
In practical terms, we have estimated that our product can reduce energy expenditure between 30% and 40% in a house, achieving a rapid return on investment through this energy saving. With the serious energy deficit that our country has, added to the high cost of fuel and electricity, it is necessary to make a contribution and we believe that this product should contribute with its grain of sand. With respect to the ecological requirements, it complies with the regulations and requirements to protect the Ozone layer.
Another feature is that this material has a fire retardant retardant that makes it hardly combustible. The future development of this product goes hand in hand with new constructions. It is necessary to encourage real estate companies to use superior methods of thermal insulation and thus support energy saving policies. It is proven that the so-called "ecological" constructions will gain more and more importance and people are willing to pay more for them.
How do you apply this product?
APV has an expert team in the application of this product and use of the equipment, and sees in this business a great development opportunity in the future. Polyurethane foam is a thermal insulator with excellent characteristics that we believe will be very important for future real estate developments and for anyone who wants to improve thermal insulation in their home and save energy in the process. For any question, you can contact us by sending an email to aplicaciones@apv.cl and we will gladly answer your requirements.