Polyurethane foam insulation: what it is, features, applications

Industrial buildings: workshops of factories, warehouses and hangars require insulation, so that the conditions in them were suitable for equipment, storage of goods, materials. People are more comfortable to work in rooms with insulation against the cold. For insulation of industrial buildings polyurethane foam is widely used, it is suitable for a number of parameters.

What is polyurethane foam insulation

Polyurethane foam consists of two components: diisocyanate and polyol. These substances separately are toxic, so the person who mixes them, wear a respirator. When mixed together, the diisocyanate and polyol form a safe polymer. As they combine, carbon dioxide is formed, which creates small bubbles covered by a polymer shell. After curing, the material has high insulation, because carbon dioxide conducts little heat.

Types of polyurethane foam:

• Polyurethane foam with open cells in terms of thermal conductivity is close to mineral wool. The disadvantage is that it absorbs moisture. Requires double-sided insulation against moisture and steam. Suitable for internal insulation of partitions or walls in hangars.
• Closed-cell polyurethane foam does not absorb moisture, adheres to different types of surfaces. On walls, medium density polyurethane foam is used. For the roof, under the screed and in other areas of the production building with high loads, high-density polyurethane foam is suitable. Medium density polyurethane foam is used to fill cavities or to create layered walls.

The use of polyurethane foam

How to apply polyurethane foam:

• Diisocyanate and polyol in equal proportions are mixed in a high-pressure machine, heating to + 45 degrees.
• Through a hose, the mixture is sprayed onto the insulated surface through a special gun.
• Carbon dioxide is formed, which «inflates» the foam.
• It hardens, creating an insulating layer.

For polyurethane foam insulation to be lush, with lots of bubbles and not to settle, you need to follow these rules:

• Diisocyanate and polyol must necessarily be in equal proportions. Otherwise, the thermal conductivity of the coating will decrease.
• The components are mixed in high-pressure units. If you use a low-pressure unit, the spraying will be heterogeneous.

Features of insulation with polyurethane foam

The advantages of this method of insulation:

• Polyurethane foam firmly adheres to almost any surface. Minus - then it can be cleaned only mechanically. No solvents are provided.
• Polyurethane foam lasts up to 25 years or more. After this period, the carbon dioxide is gradually displaced by air. However, the thermal conductivity becomes only slightly higher.
• The material is applied quickly, evenly, even in hard-to-reach places, completely fills the voids.
• High vapor permeability. Steam escapes through the walls and polyurethane foam coating.
• The material does not combust.

Minuses of insulation with polyurethane foam:

• The cost of insulation with polyurethane foam is about 2 times higher than if you apply mineral wool. If calculated according to the service life of these materials, polyurethane foam is cheaper.
• High-quality insulation is obtained only if the correct proportions and technology are observed.
• To use polyurethane foam requires special equipment and skills to work with it. You need to hire professionals if you are going to insulate a single industrial facility, especially if it is small.
• Polyurethane foam is destroyed by ultraviolet rays. Surface finish is required.

Polyurethane foam can cover a large surface area of any material, different construction and design. High speed of application and solidification of the material allows for fast insulation.