Much of the heat that is produced using heating devices is often wasted because of significant heat loss. This problem is particularly prevalent in old houses, in which the insulation layer was not provided during the construction phase, and windows and doors serve as a source of cold. The ideal solution to this problem is PPU insulation, the advantages, disadvantages and features of which will be discussed in this article.
Warming of polyurethane foam: the technology of production and application of material
Such material as polyurethane foam is obtained by mixing two components – a polyol and a diisocyanate. Despite the fact that both of these components are toxic and pose a threat to human health, as a result of their mixing, a completely safe polyurethane is obtained, which carries no danger and does not react when it comes into contact with other substances. Moreover, the material obtained as a result of two toxic substances is often used even in the food industry.
The production process of polyurethane is accompanied by active gassing, as a result of which a large amount of carbon dioxide is formed. Thus, it is inside a thin polyurethane shell, which provides a high rate of thermal insulation properties of the material.
This whole procedure is carried out with the help of a special gun, inside which there is a very high pressure, and the temperature that is maintained in it is 45 ° C. It is as a result of such exposure that small particles, like dust, are mixed, after which they are sprayed onto the surface, allowing them to foam and harden.
In order for the resulting material to have all the necessary characteristics, its constituent components (polyol and diisocyanate) must be in equal proportions. If the amount of one of the components is greater, it will adversely affect the characteristics of the material. Exceeding the amount of diisocyanate leads to the fact that the foam quickly “sits down” and collapses, not fulfilling its main function – thermal insulation.
Polyurethane foam, in which there is more polyol, is characterized by high brittleness, although it is able to fully perform its functions. As you can see, the quality of insulation with this material directly depends on how well the initial components are prepared, as well as on the quality of the equipment used for this purpose.
The mixing of the components can be carried out qualitatively only if there are special high-pressure installations. Therefore, be sure to pay attention to what equipment your chosen company uses. Production of polyurethane foam in conditions of insufficiently high pressure leads to a significant decrease in the insulating properties of the material.
Despite the fact that the manufacturing technology of PPU is one, the final product has several varieties, differing from each other in properties and characteristics. Consider each of the options in more detail.
Light open mesh PPU. The thermal conductivity of this material is often compared with the characteristics of mineral wool, while it has the same drawback – hygroscopicity. The cost of lightweight polyurethane foam is much higher, which makes its use not too justified.
If you wish to use light open-celled polyurethane foam for insulation, you need to take care of the presence of layers of waterproofing and vapor-insulating materials, as well as consider a facade ventilation system to remove excess moisture. But if you compare this option with the same mineral wool, it is worth noting that the sound insulation performance in this case will be higher.
This material is rarely used as insulation for the roof or facade, because it does not cope with its task, being susceptible to the effects of external factors. But if we are talking about the need for insulation of internal ceilings or partitions, then its use is fully justified.
Closed Cell Foam Polyurethane It has much more acceptable characteristics: it seizes well on any surface (except polyethylene can be an exception) and is absolutely not hygroscopic. Depending on the density indicator, it is divided into three categories:
- low density (28-32 kg / m?). More often than other options it is used for spraying on walls and ceilings in order to create a heat-insulating layer. The coefficient of thermal conductivity of this material is 0.02-0.028, which practically corresponds to the air indicator (0.022). With regard to vapor permeability, the indicator is as close to wood as possible – 0.05;
- medium density material designed to fill cavities. Its only difference from the previous material is the slower rate of expansion, which makes it comfortable to use it to fill the space of laminated walls, etc .;
- PPU of the increased density (40-80 kg / m?). Designed for thermal insulation of surfaces that are to be subjected to severe mechanical loads. At the same time, a higher density provides a higher coefficient of thermal conductivity.
Considering the issue of prices for the insulation of polyurethane foam 1 square. m., It is worth noting that the cost directly depends on what type of material was used. The cheapest – easy open-cell polyurethane foam. However, in order for the work to be carried out in vain, it is necessary to spend more on hydro- and vapor-insulating materials, which in total will result in the same expenses as thermal insulation with an average density material.
The cost of work, subject to the use of quality materials from popular manufacturers starts from 400 rubles. for 1 sq.m. Of course, much depends on the thickness of the applied layer, because this is an expense, but such subtleties are discussed individually immediately before the start of work.
Helpful advice! If you wish to choose the most profitable material, you can simultaneously request in several companies the calculation of the cost of work, taking into account the required coverage area. So you will receive information about all current offers and will be able to give preference to the option that suits you more than others.
The technology of home insulation PPU has a lot of a variety of reviews, both positive and negative. Consider what more, advantages or disadvantages, and whether to give preference to this type of insulation.
The main advantage of this method is to provide the building with high-quality thermal insulation, which is high efficiency. Due to its cellular structure, this material perfectly retains heat. But there are other advantages that should not be overlooked:
- the absence of seams and joints excludes the occurrence of such a phenomenon as, “cold bridges”, which has a positive effect on heat preservation;
- PU foam can be sprayed onto any surface that is even complex in construction or texture;
- low level of hygroscopicity of the material has a positive effect on the waterproofing properties of the surface;
- PPU sets on any surfaces except polyethylene. Interestingly, this is positive at first glance, the quality can also be attributed to disadvantages, since it is almost impossible to clean the polyurethane foam, and there is no solvent for it. The only way to get rid of it is to tear it off manually, and this almost always leads to significant damage to the surface on which it was applied;
- the operational life of the foam with full preservation of all the technical characteristics of the material – 25 years. After this, the insulation continues to operate, although the thermal conductivity of the sputtering increases;
- spraying is carried out fairly quickly, so that carrying out all the necessary work does not take much time;
- the material self-extinguishes and does not sustain combustion even in case of fire;
- vapor permeability coefficient is 0.05-0.06, which allows to effectively remove excess moisture after wall insulation with polyurethane foam.
Helpful advice! All shortcomings and flaws are identified during the first year of operation. If during this period no shortcomings have been identified, the next 25 years you can not worry about it.
As can be seen, the number of positive characteristics of this material is large, and one can say that all these positive aspects completely justify its use as a heater. However, PPU also has disadvantages, and it is better to know about them in advance:
- the cost of spraying polyurethane foam is about 1.5-2 times higher than if it is used as a heater for mineral wool;
- compliance with the deposition technology directly determines the duration and quality of its service. Only with the availability of high-quality equipment and the corresponding experience of the pollen, is it possible to get the desired result;
- Warming PPU with their own hands is a very complicated and often unjustified process. This is largely due to the high cost of the required equipment, as well as the lack of proper experience in this area;
- polyurethane foam does not burn, however, in the event of a fire, it emits a lot of dangerous acrid smoke;
- as a result of exposure to ultraviolet rays, the foam deteriorates, losing its original appearance, changing its color from white to dark brown.
