What is expanded polyurethane foam and what is it for?
Expanded polyurethane foam, is one of the main materials currently used in various branches, such as construction of houses, buildings, boats or boats, aircraft, among others.
To understand what it is and how this material works, we will begin by describing its composition.
Polyurethane is a substance that results from the combination of "isocyanate" and "polyol", through a chemical reaction. This combination allows the material to be stretched, crushed or scratched and does not lose its constitution, which makes the polyurethane in a quite resistant material, almost indestructible. The polyurethane can be obtained in liquid, foam or solid mode.
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In the case of foam, it is applied in a liquid state and after its application it expands until obtaining its final solid state.
What is expanded polyurethane foam used for?
This material is the main insulator in the construction industry . Thanks to its properties, it is used as a thermal insulator, water-repellent insulation and as an anti-humidity material.
Thermal insulation
Polyurethane foam (EDP) is applied to ceilings and walls to eliminate the transmission of heat or cold (thermal bridge). Additionally, the EDP strengthens the structure, extending the life time of ceilings and walls from 10 to 15 years.
All this generates a great saving in heating and cooling, as well as in maintenance.
Polyurethane foam is an excellent barrier against steam and air, also has excellent resistance to extreme temperatures and high winds.
Water-repellent insulation
The polyurethane foam has a closed molecular structure, which makes it a water resistant material. This property makes it the perfect protector for any type of structure, even for buildings with imperfections or irregular design. In this way the polyurethane foam also provides excellent protection against corrosion and seepage.
- Of course, it also works as a moisture barrier.
- Other uses of polyurethane foam
When used inside walls, polyurethane foam is used to increase the strength and strength of wooden frames, it is also very useful to prevent commercially constructed roofs from rising.
When foam is applied on roofs, it also seeks to increase the resistance to abrasion and is very useful when it is required to build a drain.
It is also used in the home to repair irregularities in the wall surfaces and to insulate and repair PVC pipes.
The expanded polyurethane foam is applied in:
- Insulation panels
- Commercial and Residential Insulation: in walls, ceilings, attics and basements
- Industrial Insulation: Silos, Tanks, Refrigerating Chambers, Refrigerators, Buildings with temperature control
- Bodyworks
- Boats, Boats, Floating Dikes
- Aircraft: to increase the structural strength of the wings
Use of expanded polyurethane foam for roof protection
Advantages of expanded polyurethane foam
- The EDP is friendly to the environment, does not harm the ozone. It contributes to saving energy, so it helps reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and consequently global warming.
- The polyurethane foam strengthens the structure in which it is applied, making it more resistant to storms, strong winds and vibrations.
- Seals the structure in such a way that it reduces outside noise.
- It maintains its properties and physical characteristics over time. There have been cases of more than 30 years of durability of the EDP, without any type of wear.
- It diminishes the filtration of polluting elements of the air and gases coming from the outside.
- It decreases the growth of mold and bacteria inside the structure.
- With the use of the EDP, the cost of heating and cooling the internal areas of the building is considerably reduced. Additionally, by having a structure strengthened by the EDP, maintenance costs are also reduced. On the other hand, the application of the EDP does not require much space, so the cost of construction is minimized.
- The EDP adheres excellently to all the materials used in the construction. It does not require additional adhesives or a fastening system or method.
- According to current regulations in the United States and Europe, the EDP is considered a self-extinguishing material, thanks to its properties.
- It performs the functions of insulation and waterproofing at the same time.
- It is highly resistant to drinking water, rainwater, seawater, acids, dilute alkaline solutions, gasoline, diesel fuel, propane, mineral oil, exhaust gases and SO2.
- It is also resistant to the action of insects and rodents.
- The EDP is a material that is easy to transport, it is not bulky and does not require large storage.
How to use expanded polyurethane foam?
For small or home applications, the EDP can be purchased in aerosol containers. A very practical and easy to use presentation. It is recommended for small-scale work.
At the time of applying the foam, only the following simple steps should be followed:
- The surfaces on which the foam will be applied must be free of dust, grease and moisture.
- It is recommended to wet the surface a little before applying the foam, to improve the foaming and to accelerate the reaction.
- The application nozzle should be placed on the container and shaken several times before using the foam.
- The EDP must be applied with the container inverted and in ventilated areas.
- The foam dose is controlled by the pressure on the aerosol valve.
- Since the expanded foam doubles its volume, it is recommended to apply only the amount of the product, depending on the space or surface to be worked. If it is to fill cracks or joints, only half of the space to be filled must be filled.
- Once the foam is used, it should be moistened to obtain a better result.
- In case the amount of EDP is exceeded, it can be cut easily to achieve a clean and level surface.
- The EDP once dry, can be sanded and painted to obtain a perfect finish.
Presentations of expanded polyurethane foam
For small or home applications, the EDP can be purchased in aerosol containers. A very practical and easy to use presentation. Of course, its content is little, so it is recommended for small-scale work.
For large scale works, the EDP is applied through hoses connected to a larger aerosol mechanism, which is applied on the structure or surface to be protected.
Safety measures when working with polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam is a very safe working material when the safety standards that are usually indicated on the packaging are met. It is very important that personal protection measures are taken while the EDP is being applied.
You should wear protective clothing or pant, gloves with resistance to solvents and protective mask nose and mouth.
If you have skin contact with the EDP, you should immediately wash the affected area to avoid irritation.