From this article you will find out which polyurethane foam is best for various construction and repair tasks and what characteristics you should pay attention to when choosing it. The presented rating of polyurethane foams is based on user reviews and tests posted on various resources on the Internet.
How to determine which mounting foam is better
To choose the right mounting foam, you need to understand what characteristics and qualities it has. For various tasks, various properties of this building material may be claimed.
So, the main characteristics of polyurethane foam:
- Viscosity - a property on which the heat and sound insulation characteristics of the foam depend. The lower the viscosity, the worse these qualities and the faster the material will be destroyed. The degree of viscosity directly depends on temperature and humidity.
- Adhesion - the ability of the foam to adhere to the various materials on which it is applied. As a rule, high-quality foam has good adhesion with most building materials, with the exception of polyethylene and teflon. The higher the adhesion, the denser it adheres, and therefore, the better the insulating properties.
- Outlet foam volume - how many liters of foam will be obtained from one spray can.
- Primary expansion - a property showing how much the volume of released foam will increase in the first minutes after exiting the cylinder. The expansion of a good mounting foam should not exceed 30% of the original volume.
- Secondary expansion - a final increase in foam volume after polymerization. The lower this value, the better - foam with low secondary expansion will not lead to deformation of the structure in which it is used.
- Uniformity of structure. This property shows how evenly air bubbles are distributed throughout the volume of the foam, and how equal they are to each other. In high-quality foam, the bubbles should be small in size, evenly distributed throughout the volume of the material.
Household or professional polyurethane foam
All types of polyurethane foam can be divided into two large groups - this is professional and household foam. Professional foam can only be applied using a special tool - a gun.
Foam under the gun.
Household foam is available with a tube (special applicators) and does not require the use of a gun.
Foam under the tube.
Naturally, household foam can not be used for professional purposes - it simply can not cope with the tasks. But the reverse replacement (professional foam for domestic purposes) is quite acceptable.
The volume of pistol foam, as a rule, is 3 times more than household foam, provided that the cylinders are of equal weight. This is due to the fact that household foam exiting through a tube has a high density and low output. Also, household foam slowly polymerizes and has a large expansion.
The method of extracting foam from a balloon directly affects its subsequent properties. Professional installation requires the use of pistol foam only. Household foam is useful only for local repair (close a hole, seal the gap, etc.) at home.
Winter, summer or all-weather
Polyurethane foam is divided into three types, depending on what temperatures it can be used:
Summer - it is allowed to use at an air temperature of +5 - +35 degrees.
Winter - it is used at a temperature range from -10 to -35 degrees.
All-weather - can be used both in winter and summer, at a temperature of -10 - +35 degrees.
It is important to use a foam suitable for air temperature. The fact is that it has the ability to reduce volume during cooling. Therefore, the summer foam in the winter will not be volumetric enough. The temperature range is usually indicated on the cylinder.
It should also be remembered that temperature requirements are presented specifically for installation, and not for use. The hardened foam has the same properties and previous characteristics at temperatures from -40 to +90 degrees.
What foam is considered quality
How to understand that there is a high-quality polyurethane foam in front of you? Not always and not everyone has the opportunity to purchase several cylinders for comparison.
Therefore, you should pay attention to the following signs indicating the high quality of the foam:
1. Packaging condition.
The absence of mechanical damage and chemical influences on the packaging indicates that the material was stored in appropriate conditions, therefore, it must comply with the requirements.
2. Expiration date and release date.
Do not buy polyurethane foam with an expiration date. The fresher the sealant, the higher performance it will have.
Shelf life can be indicated on the bottom of the container or on its upper part:
3. The homogeneity of the mixture.
This option can be easily checked before purchase without the use of foam. Just turn the bottle over several times and shake it. If the contents at the same time flow smoothly, without sharp drops of substances down, then the material corresponds to high quality. If impacts are felt, then the curing process has already begun, and it is better not to buy such foam.
4. Coefficient of expansion.
Not always a high coefficient of expansion will be in demand, because foam, increasing in volume, can deform the structure. However, if it is necessary to fill the cavities for the purpose of sealing, this quality will be one of the most important.
High-quality household foam has a degree of expansion of up to 60% of the original volume. This figure for professional pistol foam can reach 300%.
5. The color of the foam.
Unfortunately, this characteristic can only be evaluated after opening and using the balloon. Quality foam has a light yellow color. Darkening of the sealant indicates the beginning of polymerization.
6. Adhesion.
This is the ability of a sealant to adhere to materials, measured in MPa. The adhesion of the mounting foam ranges from 0.4-0.48 MPa. The higher this value, the better the sealant.
What you need to know about foam manufacturers
Foam is made using sophisticated technology that requires the use of high-tech, expensive equipment. Therefore, the number of manufacturers of building sealant in the world is limited. Moreover, only a few brands enjoy well-deserved popularity due to the high quality of the product.
However, the so-called contract brands that release assembly foam under the contract enter the market. The label of such cylinders usually does not display information about the manufacturer. It can be simply written - made in Russia or Europe without specifying a company.
Such marking should immediately alert the buyer and, at least, make him pay attention to other signs characterizing the quality of the material.
It is not recommended to buy contracted foam, because at the same price it has worse quality than the original manufacturer. The fact is that the owner of a contract firm is wedged into a cohesive chain Manufacturer - Dealer - Seller - Buyer.
Naturally, he also needs to earn money, and therefore he has two options: to increase the price of the product, or to reduce production costs, which will inevitably lead to a decrease in quality.
The best manufacturers of polyurethane foam
This rating of mounting foam contains products from the top five manufacturers that have earned popularity due to the high quality of the manufactured sealant at relatively low prices.
The selection of goods was carried out on the basis of reviews, opinions and ratings of users posted on various resources on the Internet. All information is taken from public sources. We do not cooperate with manufacturers and trademarks and do not call for the purchase of certain products. The article is for informational purposes only.
Penosil polyurethane foam
The first place among the best mounting foams is held by Penosil. Its products are of the highest quality, reasonable price, as well as a record indicator of output. In addition, the foam of this manufacturer boasts a lack of shrinkage and secondary expansion.
Consider first Penosil household foams:
PENOSIL Premium Foam Winter.It is used for filling voids, mounting structural elements and insulation. It is characterized by ease of use, uniform structure, excellent adhesion to all materials and demonstration of a qualitative result at any temperature.
PENOSIL Premium FireRated Foam B1.Used for installation and insulation of fireproof doors. Also, this type of foam is used for insulation and installation of pipelines and power lines in the aisles. The sealant has excellent filling properties, has increased resistance to open fire and high temperatures.
PENOSIL Premium Foam Winter used for filling voids, mounting structural elements and insulation. It is characterized by ease of use, uniform structure, excellent adhesion to all materials and demonstration of a qualitative result at any temperature.
PENOSIL Premium FireRated Foam B1 used for installation and insulation of fireproof doors. Also, this type of foam is used for insulation and installation of pipelines and power lines in the aisles. The sealant has excellent filling properties, has increased resistance to open fire and high temperatures.
PENOSIL Standard Foam All Season - foam for sealing joints, sealing gaps and holes, as well as for filling voids. It can be used to seal building structures. The advantage of this sealant is its versatility - it is used both indoors and outdoors.
PENOSIL Standard Foam - household sealant used for sound and heat insulation, filling voids, sealing gaps and seams. It has excellent filling characteristics, can be used outdoors and indoors.
PENOSIL Standard Foam Winter - mounting foam for sealing cracks, voids, seams, as well as for mounting various structures. It can be used at low air temperatures in the cold season. It has excellent filling ability and adhesion.
PENOSIL Premium FastFoam 2K - foam having an increased polymerization rate. After use, the foam can be cut after only 15 minutes.
Now consider professional pistol-type mounting foams:
PENOSIL Gold Gun - foam used in areas where high quality standards are required. It is used in the installation of tiles, wall panels, insulation materials, windows, doors and other structures. It is characterized by uniform composition and rapid solidification. It can be used under various environmental conditions.
PENOSIL Gold Gun Winter - sealant, which is used during the installation of roofing and wall materials, insulation, doors and windows. It is also used in the installation of various designs requiring high quality. Main advantages: precise dosage and flow rate, high polymerization rate, uniform structure, the same quality when used in different conditions.
PENOSIL Gold Gun 65 - This is a strong mounting foam, which is used when performing bulk work requiring increased consumption of sealant. For example, it is involved in the installation of doors, windows, wall panels, tiles. It has a low degree of secondary expansion and excellent adhesion.
PENOSIL Gold Gun 65 Winter used during bulk work on the installation of doors, windows, insulation, wall panels, roofing materials and other structures. The sealant has a uniform structure and can be used under various environmental conditions.
PENOSIL GoldGun 65 Plus All Season - multigrade professional assembly foam designed for volumetric work, to which high quality standards are imposed. Foam is able to fill voids in concrete, brick, wood and plasterboard structures. Advantages - environmental friendliness, excellent adhesion, accurate dosage.
PENOSIL GoldGun Low Expansion All Season - pistol type mounting foam with delayed expansion. It is used in pressure sensitive designs. The use of this sealant will not lead to destruction of the structure or damage to its individual elements, which determines the scope of this material.
PENOSIL Premium Gunfoam used for sealing windows and doors, pipe installation. It has a uniform composition and has a good grip.
PENOSIL Premium Gunfoam Winter - foam for mounting windows, doors, pipes and other structures, as well as for filling openings. It has a uniform structure, demonstrates high quality in different conditions.
PENOSIL Premium Gunfoam 65 - Professional foam with high output (15% more than usual), with a small degree of expansion. Used for insulation and installation of pipes, windows, doors. PENOSIL Premium Gunfoam 65 Winter is a foam of similar characteristics used at low temperatures.
PENOSIL Premium FireRated Gunfoam B1 - fire-resistant professional polyurethane foam with a small secondary expansion. Used to install refractory doors.
PENOSIL Standard Gunfoam - foam for sealing joints, filling voids and openings, installing various designs. It has good adhesion with all materials.
PENOSIL Standard Gunfoam 65 Winter - polyurethane foam with high output and the ability to use at temperatures up to -10 degrees.
PENOSIL Standard Gunfoam All Season - All-weather sealant for filling voids, seams and holes, showing high quality, both indoors and outdoors.
Penosil Standard Gunfoam 65 foam with a yield of 15% more than standard types. It has improved heat and sound insulation.
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Soudal polyurethane foam
Soudal is the largest manufacturer of polyurethane foam. This company was the first to introduce low temperature expansion sealants on the market. This company also owns a patent for the Genius Gun applicator, which has many advantages over manual cylinders. Soudal produces pistol foams and applicator cylinders.
Consider the most popular brands of Soudal foam:
Comfort Foam with Genius Gun Applicator.All-weather mounting foam with the patented Genius Gun applicator, which allows you to conveniently apply the foam, and it is possible to use the balloon several times without the risk of jamming of the valve. It is used to fill voids and gaps, thermal insulation of heating and sewage elements, installation of doors, windows and window sills.
Winter foam with applicator Genius Gun. It is possible to use foam at temperatures up to -10 ° C, equipped with a convenient applicator. It is used for sealing gaps, thermal insulation of heating and sewage elements, mounting window and door frames.
Soudal Gun Foam. It has low expansion, high performance and dimensional stability. Due to its low expansion, it is suitable for mounting thin PVC profiles. It is applied to any finishing and installation works.
Winter pistol polyurethane foam Soudal. Allowed to use at temperatures up to -10 ° C, while the foam has a low expansion, as well as its summer counterpart. Use for any installation work is possible.
Foam Windows Doors with applicator Genius Gun. Foam with a special applicator for convenient use and use of the cylinder with temporary pauses, without the risk of jamming of the valve. The main purpose is the installation of door and window frames, but it is possible to use for sealing gaps and joints.
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Tytan polyurethane foam
Tytan is a Polish company producing high-quality polyurethane foam. At low cost, this sealant is characterized by high quality and excellent insulating properties.
Let's consider what brands of polyurethane foam this manufacturer produces:
TYTAN Professional 65 UNI It has a yield of up to 65 liters with a weight of 1 kg, has increased resistance to moisture and mold. Hardened, it does not emit harmful substances. Used for professional installation of doors and windows.
TYTAN Professional GUN - Professional foam that does not emit harmful chemicals, has excellent sound and heat insulation. It is used in the installation and sealing of doors and windows, as well as for insulation.
TYTAN Professional 65 - polyurethane foam, which does not deform structures during primary and secondary expansion. This property determines its field of application - when installing door and window structures that are vulnerable to external loads.
TYTAN Professional B1 - fire-resistant professional foam, perfectly insulating from smoke and fire. It is used when installing fire and refractory structures - partitions, windows, doors.
TYTAN Professional Low Expansion - Foam with enhanced performance and controlled expansion. It is used for sealing window frames made of PVC and wood, filling voids and cracks.
TYTAN Euro-line GUN - Professional polyurethane foam with secondary expansion up to 150%. Thanks to the presence of a special valve, gas leakage and the ingress of dirt into the cylinder are prevented. It is used when installing windows and doors, insulation of various designs.
Foam mounting STD with the new applicator ERGO has the following advantages: accuracy of application, the possibility of use for 60 days after opening, ergonomics, ease of use, high rates of heat and noise insulation. It is usually used for sealing, noise and heat insulation.
TYTAN Euro-line STD has a high degree of secondary expansion, comprising 280-320% of the original volume. Used for professional installation and insulation of doors and windows.
TYTAN Professional STD - winter polyurethane foam used at air temperatures in the range of -10 - +30 degrees. It has excellent thermal and sound insulation. It is used in the installation, insulation and sealing of windows and doors.
TYTAN Euro-line STD - winter mounting foam, equipped with a new valve, which eliminates gas leakage and clogging. It has a wide scope - heat and sound insulation, installation of structures, filling voids and seams.
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Polyurethane foam Illbruck
Illbruck is a brand of professional foams that are easy to handle even for a beginner in construction. There is a special valve in the cylinder, combined with the nozzle with a spray gun and a gun. The manufacturer produces a wide range of foams: winter, summer, fireproof, elastic and two-component.
The manufacturer produces the following brands of mounting foams:
FM070 SUMMER - foam with a high yield in volume (65 liters) and excellent adhesive properties. In construction and repair it is used for warming and sealing joints in windows, doors and other structures.
FM070 - polyurethane foam, which can be used at air temperatures up to -10 degrees. The cylinder has a universal valve, compatible with the gun and nozzle. Designed for sound and heat insulation, filling voids and seams, fixing door and window structures.
FM310 - pistol foam with a high specific gravity of the sealant and excellent insulating properties. It is used during the installation of windows and doors to seal and fix them, as well as to fill the voids formed.
FM330 - polyurethane foam with increased elasticity, uniform composition and low pressure on the structure during expansion. It can be used when mounting door and window blocks even at low temperatures.
FM341 - winter foam, which can be used at temperatures from -10 to +35 degrees. The presence of a universal valve allows the use of both a nozzle and a spray gun. Apply this foam for insulation, sealing and insulation of joints arising during the installation of doors and windows.
FM710 - professional two-component foam, has increased mechanical resistance. It is used in the installation of doors and windows experiencing increased mechanical stress.
Ff197 - fire-resistant foam with fire protection up to 240 minutes, has high resistance to elevated temperatures, chemicals, moisture. It can be used for insulation and insulation of doors, hatches and windows in rooms with increased fire hazard.
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Foam Moment
Polyurethane foam The moment differs in the low price at the quality comparable to the European analogs. The range includes several models that differ in application conditions and foam characteristics. Installation moment is used when installing and sealing doors, windows, roofing elements, as well as for filling seams and voids. This foam has good adhesion, is resistant to moisture and UV rays, has increased sound and heat insulation.
The manufacturer produces the following brands of foam:
Moment Mounting Standard - foam with high heat and sound insulation, resistant to moisture and aging, has good adhesion. It is used in the installation of windows and doors, sealing joints, filling voids and isolating structures.
Moment Installation All-weather - the foam used in a wide temperature range has good adhesion with almost all building materials. It is used for sealing holes, joints, cavities, as well as for sealing door and window blocks.
Mounting moment 65 - tubular one-component foam, equipped with a convenient turbo nozzle, increasing the yield of sealant up to 35%. It is used for sealing roof structures and insulation of doors, windows.
Moment Installation Professional - pistol type foam, characterized by high accuracy of application and dosing. It is used for sealing joints and openings, heat and sound insulation of roof structures and partitions.
Moment Installation Professional All-weather - one-component pistol foam used at positive and negative temperatures (up to -10 degrees). They are used when creating soundproof screens and when sealing joints around pipes, windows and doors.
Moment Installation 65 Professional - pistol mounting foam with high rates of heat and sound insulation, and increased output (up to 35%). Involved in the installation of doors and windows, sealing and insulation of various structures.
Installation moment 65 Professional All-weather - one-component foam with high precision dosage and application, which can be used at air temperatures from -10 to +35 degrees. Used for sealing joints, insulation and sound insulation of various designs.
Moment Mounting Fire Resistant - foam with an excellent indicator of fire resistance (class B1) and fire safety (class B). Used during installation, sealing and insulation of structures operated in conditions of increased fire hazard.
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