What is polyurethane foam?

Polyurethane foam is a two-component (polyol and isocyanate) substance ejected with the help of high pressure and air flow. Mixing them together triggers a chemical reaction which results in their expansion and hardening. These two components turn into a hard, fixed density plastic, solid and seamless substance.
When sprayed on, the foam formed during the reaction does not compress, does not push out or deform the surfaces or structural parts being covered in any other manner. The rising polyurethane foam adheres to rough surfaces filling all gaps and cracks, expanding to the free side without any obstacles. Polyurethane foam adheres to all dry and clean surfaces, irrespective whether it is a horizontal or vertical plane, moreover, it does not matter, whether it is sprayed from the top or from the bottom. The substance solidifies fast, it reaches its final state within 3-5 seconds.
Polyurethane foam is a multifunctional insulation material, characteristic of very good hydro, thermal and sound insulation properties. These thermal and hydro insulation properties enable to achieve high thermal resistance which prevents formation of cold bridges at the same time ensuring tightness of the insulated area and preventing penetration of air flows and moisture. Comparing with other heat-insulation materials, thermal resistance of polyurethane foam is higher (thermal resistance of 10-cm thick material: R = 5 m²•K/W), its installation is faster (<100 m² area can be covered during a working day) and it is characteristic of durability. Laboratory tests were performed in Germany involving samples taken from heat-insulation materials used 20 years ago. It was found that the physical properties of he material remained unchanged after 20 years, the material did not deflate and did not decay.
Independent public studies show at least 40 percent of the energy consumed by us is wasted on inefficient structural solutions and poor thermal insulation.
Heat-insulation with polyurethane foam is the simplest way to reduce heating costs. All surfaces subject to heat-insulation are covered with an even layer filling all gaps, “air pockets”, and irregularities. In this way no unsealed cracks or gaps are left preventing penetration of air flows and moisture.
Sealed surfaces and corners prevent moisture penetration and movement of air flows at the same time preventing dust accumulation which is an excellent medium for mould and fungi growth.
Polyurethane foam is a very good preservation material that can prolong the service life of structures (e.g. frame or log houses, joists, overlays, etc.) by preserving and reinforcing them. Insulation properties of polyurethane foam allow the structures to “breath” at the same time preventing the structures from rotting, decay, and expansion or development of mould or fungi.
Thanks to its properties polyurethane foam can be applied not only for heat-insulation of building walls, attics, roofs, overlays, floors, basements. It is also used for thermal, hydro, and sound insulation of industrial hangars, water tanks, pools, sewage pipes, air conditioning systems, industrial refrigerators, ships, temperature-sensitive premises (vegetable storage facilities, mushroom farms, etc.).
It can be claimed that polyurethane foam is the best means for insulation of residential houses, business or economic-purpose premises. These investments increase the value of property and help saving energy and heat.