Which polyurethane foam is better: tips on how to choose, an overview of the characteristics, properties and features of modern foams. Choosing the best mounting foam Which mounting foam is better

The modern construction market offers a large amount of mounting foam. There are options for installing windows, doors and for other works. There are professional compositions and ordinary ones. Every master wants to know which is the best. Let's try to find out.

What is mounting foam?

Professionals know, and for beginners in the construction business it will be very useful to know what this material is. Generally speaking, these are fluoropolymer sealants that contain isocyanate and polyol.

A propellant is used for foaming, as well as for creating excess pressure.

Performance characteristics

The fact that this material is used in almost all areas of construction and repair work due to its performance characteristics. The main properties and advantages of the mixture are its good soundproofing characteristics. The foam also withstands moisture well and has low electrical conductivity. In addition, the material is fire resistant and has excellent expansion properties. It easily fills any voids and cracks.

Varieties of mounting foam

Before telling which mounting foam is best to use, you need to know the varieties of these mixtures. There are several types of foam. And the first one is professional. It can only be used with a special gun that allows you to exit the tank. Professional products have a more uniform and dense composition, and the secondary expansion is almost completely absent.

You can also highlight household foam, or, as it is also called, semi-professional. It can only be used once. In addition, the household version is also distinguished by a low filling density of the container. Manufacturers take advantage of the fact that household foam cans are often used by non-professional builders. Therefore, these products are subject to significantly lower requirements. Often the composition can be frankly of poor quality. The bottle contains large quantity gas than necessary, or vice versa - it comes out completely, and there is still a lot of polymer.

Foam differs in temperature conditions at which it is possible to work with this sealant. Allocate a summer composition, calculated for temperatures from +5 to +35 degrees. winter foam suitable for use in extreme conditions, as it easily withstands temperatures from -20 to +30. There is also an all-weather foam. It has the characteristics of a summer and winter formula. The universal mixture has a temperature regime from -10 to +30 degrees.

There is another type of sealant - these are special fire-fighting compounds. This product has special features. The composition uses non-combustible components that retain their performance parameters even when high temperatures And open fire. Typically, such mixtures are used in construction, where the highest requirements for fire safety.

Top Global Brands

Among the manufacturers of polyurethane foam, five of the most famous can be distinguished, whose products sell well and deserve positive feedback. These are predominantly Belgian and German companies. Let's find out which mounting foam is the best.

Soudal (Belgium)

The main representative office of this company is located in Belgium, and production facilities are established around the world - in the USA, Europe, India and many other countries. The company is a leader in the production of polyurethane sealants, aerosol foams, and various sealants. The brand has been in this market for over 50 years. During this time, the company's products have earned immense popularity. It is very difficult to say which polyurethane foam is the best among the entire Soudal line, because the entire range is of excellent quality and reasonable prices. The company produces both professional and household products. Everyone will be able to find their sealant for a specific task. Soudal specialists are constantly developing new formulas and monitoring the quality. It is in these laboratories that the future of building technology is born. Technicians create foam with low expansion and improved performance characteristics.

One of the latest innovations is a special substance that simplifies and expands the options for working with these mixtures. If beginners in construction do not know which mounting foam is best for windows, then it is better to choose quality materials, for example, this manufacturer, which is in first place in the ranking.

Penosil (Estonia)

This is a young brand that was founded in 1998. To date, the company has achieved that the products are in good demand in more than 50 countries around the world. More than 10% of all foam in Europe is sold under this brand. The company constantly monitors the development of the market and gives customers what they really need.

A series of compositions Gold is a professional line. This foam is suitable not only for work in the construction sector, but also in various industries. The products are characterized by low expansion, high density and do not cause any damage. If you look for which mounting foam is best for doors, then you can choose this series. Although the range of work that can be done with this foam is very wide.

The Premium line includes household and professional formulations. This product is versatile, of high quality and offered at affordable prices. The series sells both ordinary and winter and all-weather foam. Standard is not what it seems at first glance. If you choose for a long time which mounting foam is the best, then here the manufacturer offers not only quality, but also the most favorable prices. The line includes products for simple jobs where there will be no high loads.

Dr. Schenk (Germany)

This manufacturer has been around for over 80 years. Capacities are located all over the world, including in Russia - this plant produces high-quality foam for Europe. Regardless of where the company is located, production is carried out under the strictest quality control.

As for the assortment, it is not only mounting foam, but also various sealants, adhesives and other repair products. If we talk only about mounting foam, then the buyer receives a premium product at affordable prices.

The brand offers high-quality compositions for outdoor and indoor use, for professional and domestic use. Mounting foam for PVC windows is produced. Which is better depends on many factors, but all products receive high marks from professionals.

domestic producers

Along with foreign brands, there are also products of domestic companies on the market, which are no worse in quality and differ in prices that are more affordable for most. Professionals know which mounting foam is better. Reviews best position Profflex products.

Proflex

This manufacturer is located in the Tula region. Unlike the Belgian and German brands, it only specializes in the production of foam. Reviews say that the quality of the product meets all the requirements and is practically no different from European formulations. Profflex produces not only high-quality building materials, but also ensures that the cylinders have the correct weight. The product line includes products for professionals and household. There is also a large selection of winter products. If you choose which mounting foam is best for outdoor work, then professionals advise choosing the manufacturer Profflex.

The best of the best

Most specialists in repair and construction agree that foam is better than Makroflex, and cannot be. What caused it? There is a huge amount of positive feedback about winter foam for outdoor use - this composition really works anytime, anywhere.

Despite the fact that this is a popular brand, the cost of production is relatively low and is within the price range at which any other brand is offered. good foam. This polymer does not crumble, hardens at sub-zero temperatures and is suitable for any coating. Many people ask about what is the best polyurethane foam suitable for construction. Most professionals choose products from Makroflex.

Foam gun - which is better? Price and manufacturers

In stores you can see a lot various devices for work with polyurethane foam. All of them have a different price and quality, made by different manufacturers. If you need a gun for mounting foam, then professionals recommend choosing metal solutions with collapsible design. They cost about 500 rubles. Many choose Kraftool pistols for stainless steel. It is reliable and simple equipment. Also in this device it is possible to regulate the flow of foam. Soudal offers pistols with Click and Fix technology. It allows you to almost instantly prepare the cylinder for work.

So, we examined what types of polyurethane foam are and their properties. Now the choice is yours.

The range of application of polyurethane foam is quite wide: it is used to fill joints, voids during construction or repair. You can also glue foam boards or laminate on it. Creative people embody real masterpieces from this product. A review of this segment of the building materials market allows us to identify the best mounting foams that have heat and sound insulating qualities, are airtight and resistant to temperature changes.

The choice of mounting foam depends primarily on the conditions in which it will be sprayed and operated. For domestic use, a universal option is suitable. For fire hazardous premises, all materials used, including insulating ones, must be fire resistant. And to install the frame in the cold, you need to decide which winter mounting foam for windows is better and check its operating temperature range.

When reviewing the offers of construction stores, the characteristics of the finished mass, user reviews, and professional opinions were studied. When comparing materials and adding them to the TOP of the best, the following criteria were taken into account:

• performance and output volume;
• Ease of application;
• Operating temperature range;
• The quality of heat and sound insulation properties;
• Degree of secondary expansion;
• Uniformity and density of texture;
• Value for money;
• Possibility to buy in popular stores;
• Purchase level.

For the domestic user, the presence of an applicator is also important, and for professionals it will be more important to be able to use a cylinder with a gun.

The Best All-Purpose Foams

At home, in most cases, a universal mounting foam is used, which can be applied to the surface both indoors and outdoors. To include products in the TOP, more than a dozen offers were studied and 4 best representatives of this segment were identified.

Macroflex from the Estonian manufacturer Henkel is one of the best all-weather mounting foams with a one-component composition based on polyurethane foam. It combines an affordable price with good product properties, making it a favorite of professional builders. The output is up to 65 liters of material. The solidification period is 24 hours, during which time the mass turns into a durable aggregate that is resistant to mechanical damage.

The cylinder is equipped with a temperature indicator showing whether the material can be applied under given conditions or not. In addition to the standard 750 ml bottle, the manufacturer offers 300 or 500 ml options for sealing small local gaps. Macroflex is sold complete with an applicator tube.

Advantages:

• Easy application;
• Bonding to most surfaces;
• Fills the cavity evenly;
• Non-toxic;
• Good insulating properties.

Flaws:

• Afraid of the sun;
• The bottle must be used immediately.

The final output volume of the material depends on the conditions and technique of its application. Low humidity will not allow it to fully expand, and the incorrect position of the cylinder reduces its throughput.

Reviews of TechnoNIKOL mounting foam are mostly positive. It was developed by a Russian manufacturer for domestic use under various weather conditions. Maintained temperature range is wide - from -10 to +35 degrees. The material is sold in 800 ml cylinders, the output of which reaches 60 liters of finished insulating material. Tack-free time - only 15 minutes, and full polymerization - 24 hours. The mass hardens under the influence of moisture.

Advantages:

• High penetrating power;
• Uniform distribution without jerks;
• Dense uniform texture after drying;
• manufacturer's reputation.

Flaws:

• May bubble at low temperatures.

It is necessary to store the cylinder exclusively vertically, otherwise the composition loses some of its properties.

The best universal polyurethane foam for a gun from those presented in this rating. The one-component formula expands well when applied to the surface. It is intended for professional use. High performance (65 liters from a 750 ml bottle) is achieved thanks to an innovative formula.

Composition is different high level adhesion to concrete, brick, glass, plaster, wooden surfaces. The foam is free of CFCs and HCFCs, making it environmentally friendly.

Advantages:

• Economic consumption;
• Low secondary expansion;
• Does not have a strong odor;
• High degree of sound and thermal insulation.

Flaws:

• The price is above average.

Titanium O2 is loved by professional builders because it speeds up the work process. Due to the express drying, it can be cut off already 25 minutes after application.

Professional mounting foam, which can be bought at most hardware stores. It has low expansion and is suitable for thin joints where precise application is critical.

Soudal has high adhesion not only to brick or concrete, but also to metal or glazed surfaces. The tip is included, thanks to which the cylinder can be used not only with a construction gun.

Advantages:

• Dimensional stability;
• Homogeneous texture;
• Ease of application;
• Complete protective gloves.

Flaws:

• Doesn't wash off.

Users note in the reviews that they come across defective cylinders with a poorly functioning valve.

Best Fire Retardant Foams

Fire-resistant qualities are especially important when applied in rooms with a high temperature regime: baths, factories, restaurants, nightclubs and other places of entertainment. Flame retardants are added to their composition, giving non-combustible properties to the entire composition. After analyzing this market segment, 3 leaders were identified who prefer to buy professionals.

A well-known manufacturer of fire-retardant coatings of excellent quality. Proprietary refractory mounting foam is able to contain fire in the mounting joint for up to 4 hours, prevents the spread of smoke and toxic gases. The quality of the product is confirmed by a safety certificate.

The mass is sold in cylinders of 880 ml, from which 45 liters of finished insulating material are obtained. The universal valve will fit a sprayer or gun. The material can be applied at temperatures from +5 to +35 degrees. The aggregate withstands the full load, including the mobility of the joints, after 24 hours.

Advantages:

• Promotes good sound insulation;
• Suitable for most building surfaces;
• Loses stickiness within 10 minutes after application;
• The operating temperature limit reaches +130 degrees.

Flaws:

• Decomposes under UV rays;
• The price is above average.

Professional mounting material with fireproof qualities, which can be bought at an affordable cost. It perfectly fills the seams of any thickness, has low level expansion during hardening and expansion of the material. The shape of the aerosol gives a uniform output of the mass throughout the use of the entire container.

Up to 65 liters of insulating mass is obtained from a 1 liter cylinder with a gun, which makes consumption extremely economical. A pre-treatment is possible after 35 minutes. The composition formula refers to all-weather.

Advantages:

• moisture resistance;
• Operating temperature - from -50 to +90 degrees;
• Affordable price;
• Good adhesion to various materials.

Flaws:

• Bubbles when applying a layer thicker than 5 cm;
• Short shelf life (9 months).

For best performance, the cylinder should be held vertically upside down and shaken from time to time. In this case, the output of a homogeneous dense material is obtained. In cold weather, the output will be slightly less than in warm weather.

Good foam for a pistol, corresponding to the flammability class G1 and GOST. It can resist heat for 4 hours, suitable for use in rooms with increased fire safety requirements.

An 850 ml bottle gives up to 65 liters of finished mass. The applicator for application is included in the kit for convenient one-time use at home. When sprayed, the mass lays down evenly and expands well, making it suitable for filling large voids.

Advantages:

• High-quality result in any weather;
• Cleans well with flushing liquid;
• Durability;
• Hardens quickly.

Flaws:

• High price.

The material has problems with adhesion to polymer coatings. They must be thoroughly cleaned before application and the air must not be too dry.

The best winter polyurethane foams

Winter foams are designed for sealing joints at low temperatures, which is important for outdoor construction works ah in the cold. In terms of adhesive and insulating properties, they are not inferior to summer materials. We analyzed 10 winter aggregates sold in hardware stores and chose the top 3 of them.

Penosil Gold Gun 65 Winter

The best polyurethane foam for winter. Its consumption is economical: from a cylinder with a volume of 875 ml, 65 liters of finished mass are obtained. Spray temperature of the product is from -18 to +30 degrees. Neither in the cold nor in the heat, it does not spread when applied.

The composition has strong adhesion to almost any surface. It is not necessary to wet the material, since Penosil Gold Gun hardens well in any humidity. All the material comes out of the container, leaving nothing in the package.

Advantages:

• fast hardening;
• Moderate secondary expansion (15%);
• Uniform structure;
• Eco-friendly composition;
• Low cost.

Flaws:

• Need a gun.

When applying the mass in the cold, it must be borne in mind that the balloon itself must be warm.

Irfix STD Winter

Inexpensive winter polyurethane foam with application temperature from -10 to +30. It adheres to all common building materials. From a cylinder of 750 ml, 60 liters of ready-made aggregate are obtained. Complete hardening of the mass occurs in just 6-16 hours, depending on weather conditions. After that, it becomes resistant to mechanical damage and temperature changes.

Advantages:

• Complete applicator;
• Aging resistance;
• Uniform expansion;
• Low price;
• Easy to paint.

Flaws:

• Afraid of the sun.

Before use at sub-zero temperatures, the balloon must be kept for 12 hours at a temperature of + 20-25 degrees. It is recommended to apply the mass from the bottom up, filling it with no more than 40% of the seam.

Makroflex winter Pro

The most popular option for winter. It can be applied to almost any surface at temperatures up to -10 degrees. As it expands, the mass exerts low pressure on the surrounding structure, allowing it to handle fragile materials like drywall. The mass is sold in cylinders of 750 ml with an output of up to 65 liters.

Advantages:

• Extended shelf life;
• manufacturer's reputation;
• Dries quickly;
• Suitable for filling large spaces;
• Excellent insulating properties.

Flaws:

• High price.

There is no application tube included, the can is only for use with a construction gun.

What mounting foam is better to buy

To decide which mounting foam is better, you need to understand what surface and under what conditions it will be applied. When working with fragile structures, you need to pay attention to the level of secondary expansion, and when spraying in cold weather, you need to make sure that the material has a wide operating temperature range.

Among the universal joint fillers, the leaders are:

• Macroflex is the best all-weather foam affordable price. A complete applicator tube, a large selection of balloon volumes and good mass properties make it popular with builders and non-professionals doing repairs on their own;
• TechnoNIKOL No. 800 Master is the cheapest option in the ranking. It is good at various temperature conditions and is not inferior in quality to more expensive counterparts;
• Titanium O2 is a high performance gun foam. From a 750-ml cylinder, 65 liters of finished mass are obtained;
• Soudal is the best filler for thin seams or areas where precise application is required.

For commercial properties, use refractory materials. Mounting foam is no exception. Among the fire-resistant aggregates, the best steels are:

• Nullifire - an insulating filler that restrains the spread of smoke and fire for 4 hours at the junction;
• Rush Firestop Flex 65 is suitable for filling joints of any size, differs from other fire-resistant options at a low price;
• Remontix PRO 65 – the best option under the gun for professional use in rooms with increased fire safety requirements.

The TOP mounting foams for winter included:

• Penosil Gold Gun 65 - material with the lowest spray temperature down to -18 degrees without loss of mass quality;
• Irfix STD is the fastest curing mass. Full hardening occurs in just 6-16 hours;
• Makroflex winter Pro is the best option for working at low temperatures. High performance, uniform application and expansion speak in favor of its purchase.

After studying the TOP 10, every builder or non-professional will understand the advantages and disadvantages insulating materials from different manufacturers and will be able to choose the option that suits him best among universal, refractory or winter polyurethane foams.

Man built always and everywhere, in all ages and on all continents. Temples, pyramids, houses and fortifications were built from various materials, but everyone had one common problem - building materials cannot fit perfectly tightly to each other. The resulting voids were filled with improvised material: moss, sand, mortar or small stones. All these methods did not provide sufficient tightness or sound insulation, and most importantly, they were very laborious and energy-intensive.

Appearance modern materials and technology has made life easier for builders and installers. Polyurethane foam in the blink of an eye does what a person used to spend a lot of working time on. Using a mounting gun or a cylinder with an applicator tube, in a matter of minutes, you can fill any voids in the structure, isolate and seal joints and seams.

We have compiled a list of the best polyurethane foam, based on expert opinions of specialists and reviews of real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and we recommend paying special attention to them:

1. Makroflex
2. IRfix
3. TYTAN
4. Penosil
5. Remontix

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Mounting foams: For windows/doors

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• Universal mounting polyurethane foam for use with a special gun. It is used for installation or insulation work, sealing joints and seams, filling voids
• Thanks to all-weather characteristics, it can be used in a wide temperature range from -10 to +35 degrees Celsius
• After the final hardening, it is non-toxic and non-flammable, which increases the safety of use. Curing time and cutting capability after one hour
• High adhesion (adhesion to other materials) allows the use of foam on any surface, except for polyethylene, Teflon or polypropylene
• It has good sound and heat insulation properties, high filling capacity, regardless of different climatic conditions

For windows/doors / Frost resistant (all season)/ Under the gun / professional

Main advantages

• Professional one-component polyurethane foam with increased output. Designed for winter use
• A special valve is installed on the cylinder to work with the applicator gun, which guarantees the accuracy of application and economical consumption of foam
• Hardens due to exposure to ambient air. Special cell structure provides high mechanical strength
• Polyurethane foam is a self-expanding material with minimal pressure after expansion and hardening. This ensures dosing accuracy during application to the surface.
• It has good thermal and sound insulation characteristics and adhesive ability, which positively affects the quality of work performed.

Polyurethane foam is widely used in construction work, during repairs. Therefore, it is not surprising that today almost every amateur repairman is faced with the question of which mounting foam is better. We invite you to take a look at the rating of the 5 most popular brands of this product, compiled by professional builders. But first, let's consider what a high-quality polyurethane foam should be.

Level of quality

Professionals regularly test the products of various manufacturers to identify the best sealant. When choosing a good product, they, first of all, focus on the following points:

1. Mounting foam should adhere perfectly to any surface and not flow from it.
2. It does not decrease in size after the final drying, that is, it does not give significant shrinkage.
3. Quality products are flexible.
4. It does not create cracks in the cold, does not crumble.
5. The mass of the cylinder should be on average about 910 grams (taking into account the foaming substance equivalent to 750 ml).

The modern market is really crowded different types this product, but this does not mean that any mounting foam offered by the manufacturer is of high quality. Often, building markets receive products that do not meet the established requirements: for example, in the form of a traditional propellant, foam includes toxic substances that are very harmful to the ozone layer and, of course, health.

IMPORTANT: there are cases when companies simply do not add MP to the cylinder. Of course, not only the quality properties of the product suffer from this, but also the consumer himself. Therefore - be vigilant!

MP features

What is mounting foam? It is a liquid polymer that hardens after a certain time. In order for this product to have a foam consistency, the polymer is mixed in a cylinder with a specific gas. MP can be produced in two variations:

Among the shortcomings: often the indicated volumes of foam do not correspond to reality. Of the 65 "declared" liters in the can, often only 45 are found. Keep this in mind and keep your receipts.

5 leaders

Considering the above points, our professionals have identified several trademarks, which in practice differ in the best operational properties. These are Moment Montazh, Makroflex, Soudal, Titan O2, Penosil. The MP of these companies is productive in works on insulation and filling of panel seams.

The choice of specialists is justified by the following factors:

• The level of adhesion of the mounting foam to the surfaces of the seam. This is one of the defining moments: if the seam has a width of more than 50 mm, then the MP layer can simply fall out of it. There will be a need to create a second "foam" layer, which requires additional material costs.
• The degree of porosity of the sealant on the cut. In the case of high porosity, the thermal insulation properties are reduced, since cavities of various sizes are present in the foam. This means that during the sealing of the joints, more mastic will be required to fill all the holes.
• Exit polymer from the cylinder. At the same time, you can check whether the package contains the volume declared by the manufacturer.

Consider the products of our leaders in more detail and objectively.

Moment Mounting

One of the most popular brands in its segment. You can find it in any building market. MP of this brand is produced in adapter and industrial variations. It is used in most construction works, and at any time of the year.

Main function sealant - filling voids in the structure, sealing the seam. The foam itself has a large uniform density, perfectly adheres to most surfaces. It is applied at external and internal repair. Tolerates well further painting.

Among the disadvantages: the sealant has a significant secondary expansion, there are cases when the MP slightly shifts the window sills or the door frame. Of course, this is not typical for such a brand, but hack work sometimes occurs. Poor quality products can be recognized by an unpleasant odor and caustic yellow. After a year, such a sealant loses its elasticity. The average price is 320 rubles.

Makroflex

One of the most popular and famous brands. Plus, it is considered the most economical. It is used for summer and winter operation, perfectly adheres to absolutely any building materials. The sealant has a visually homogeneous structure, conducts a minimum of secondary expansion. The declared output is an average of about 25 liters.

The range of application is quite extensive: traditional sealing, excellent heat and noise insulation, installation of door and window frames, plumbing repairs.

However, there are disadvantages. Sometimes among the sealants of this brand there is a frank marriage, which also applies to the gun. In this case, either one polymer comes out of the Makroflex bottle, smearing everything around with it, or only gas, and after a small amount of “foamy” substance comes out, splashes appear.

Another drawback that experts warn about is serious shrinkage. After using low-quality products, it is necessary to cut off the cavities and “top up” the lack of volume there. The average cost is 200 rubles. (capacity - 0.75 liters).

Soudal

Less popular polyurethane foam, but one of the most worthy in the quality category. Several variations of the product are produced: for summer and winter, as well as a separate type - fire resistant. In winter, Soudal operates at a maximum temperature of minus 20°C. Does not contain toxic additives, does not have an unpleasant odor.

Carries out a small secondary expansion, perfectly adheres to the surface. The structure contains a minimum of pores, a maximum of density. Scope of application: sealing and insulation of the roof, installation various designs, pipe insulation, plumbing repair. It does not shrink, it hardens instantly and, most importantly, evenly.

Among the shortcomings: "Soudal" does not tolerate ultraviolet light, so if you do not cover it with a protective paint, then after a year it will crumble, it will acquire an unpleasant brown tint. The average cost is 250 rubles.

Penosil

Also not a particularly hyped brand, but very high quality. Products are dense and uniform, practically does not produce secondary expansion, shrinkage. This is the champion among MPs in terms of output volume. Effective for inner work during fixation and installation of structures, excellent in filling cavities, seams. Virtually odorless, shade - white.

Among the disadvantages: "Penosil" is not suitable for outdoor use: it no longer works at -4 ° C and + 35 ° C. During the heat, the sealant refuses to foam, so it just flows out. The average price is 220 rubles.

"Titan O2"

It is the most respected brand among professionals. Titanium is quite economical, but it does not lose quality. It is non-toxic and adheres well to all surfaces. It has a fine and dense structure, perfectly holds the volume, while not shrinking or expanding. The output of the foamy liquid is average.

You can choose the acceptable series of Titanium: for winter period and products with increased fire resistance. Scope of application: installation of pipes, repair of heating systems and water supply. Also, experts recommend using it for thermal insulation.

Among the shortcomings: poor tolerance to ultraviolet radiation, fragility: after a year, Titanium begins to crumble, lose elasticity, darken. At the same time, nothing of the kind is observed indoors. The average cost is 230 rubles.

Conclusion

As you can see, even the most popular types of mounting foam misfire in some cases, so you should not rely on the brand when choosing the right product. We offer to look at things objectively and buy products that would not only live up to their big name, but also have significant benefits in use.

Fill a seam, crack, install a window or door block, glue insulation - for all these works and a dozen others, mounting foam is used. If you go to any hardware store, you will see at least a dozen items. And in large or specialized ones there may be hundreds. Which one to choose? What mounting foam is better? Depends on conditions, tasks and requirements.

What is polyurethane foam and how is it formed

Polyurethane foam is a foamed polymer that quickly hardens (polymerizes) in air. Release form - metal cylinders of various sizes. The cylinder contains a prepolymer in a liquid state and a propellant gas. Substances that are called "propellants" are characterized by having a low boiling point. The balloon is under high pressure. When the outlet valve opens, the composition is pushed into an area of ​​more than low pressure. When exiting, the propellant boils, forming a large amount of air bubbles and blowing foam.

The choice of mounting foam depends on the conditions and tasks

Further in the air, the resulting foam polymerizes - it becomes rigid and solid. The curing process requires water, so it is recommended to wet surfaces before application. Moisture is also taken from the air. Since there is little moisture in frosty air, there are certain compositions for such conditions.

Properties

Do not confuse mounting foam with glue. By the way, there is glue in similar bottles, which also foams. But there is a completely different composition and nothing can be securely glued to the mounting foam. It can support / hold in a certain position, but none has the strength of an adhesive bond. So don't get confused. This is not its scope.

How to understand which polyurethane foam is better? You need to know its properties

To correctly understand where you can use mounting foam, you need to know about its properties. They are pretty good too:

• mounting property. This is the binding, connection, attachment (not gluing) of parts of the structure.
• Soundproofing. It is impossible to call mounting foam soundproofing, but it reduces the noise level.
• Thermal insulation. Due to the large amount of air enclosed in thin polymer bubbles, thermal conductivity decreases.
• Good adhesion to almost all building materials. It cannot be used only with silicone, rubber, and some also with polyethylene.

Main application construction foam- installation. No wonder it is called polyurethane foam. But as a heater and soundproofing, it is also not bad. Not perfect, but not bad. Filling seams, gaps, sealing / thermal insulation of communications inputs - this is its scope. It is difficult for her to find competitors in this. How were those gaps filled in the past? They were stuffed with rags and smeared with mortar. Foam in this regard is much more convenient and has better properties.

Important Features

Any type of mounting foam has two important characteristics − primary and secondary expansion. Primary expansion is how much the mass increases in volume before polymerization is completed. There are foams with both high primary expansion and low expansion. Which polyurethane foam is better - with large or small expansion? It's impossible to say for sure. They are applied in different cases. Low expansion foam is good for filling small cavities, as well as layer-by-layer filling of deep seams, when installing XPS. Large expansion is more beneficial when filling cavities, used as sound insulation, thermal insulation.

Speaking specifically, for doors, it is better to take foam with a small expansion. And both primary and secondary. Unfortunately, this is professional foam, so you will also need a gun.

On the left picture is an illustration of a large secondary expansion. See how the primary frame was torn apart? Well, the difference between foams in density and "fluidity"

Secondary expansion is an increase in the volume of the foam after the end of the polymerization process. What polyurethane foam is better on this basis? Definitely the one with the smaller secondary expansion. Why? Because this process is difficult to predict. A possible consequences serious - deformation of flexible or moving parts. For example, the window frame or door jambs can buckle if the foam increases too much. And even the spacers that they put do not always help.

Why then do we need building foam with high secondary expansion? It has its own field of application - filling cavities and gaps in rigid and stable materials and structures. For example, in concrete, as an aggregate with heat-insulating properties between a wall and a brick finish. Foam with high secondary expansion is cheaper. This is important for large volumes.

Foam outlet

Another thing to pay attention to is the foam output. This is the volume that can exit the balloon. It is indicated in liters. Generally, the larger the balloon, the greater the output. But not always. With the same balloon size, the yield difference can be about 20-30%. You can determine by weight. The heavier the balloon (weight indicated), the greater the yield.

As you can see, identical-looking cylinders contain different amounts of foam.

What else is worth knowing that the actual output of mounting foam is usually less than the declared one (more often household types sin with this). To ensure the required volume, it is necessary to accurately select the proportions of prepolymer and filler gas. And not all brands can boast of this. Here is a list of those who consistently produce the declared volumes:

• Soudal (Soudal) professional lines (not household).
• Penosil (Penosil) Gold (Gold) and Premium (Premium).
• Moment Installation (very inexpensive and widespread).
• Wellfoam (WellFom).
• Hilti (Hilti).
• Kim Tec (Kim Tek).
• Den Braven (Den Braven).
• Illbruck (Ilbrook).
• Tytan (Titan) (some parties either do not work at all or give out less than half of the declared).

Perhaps there are others good brands construction foam. But it is these, according to builders, that fail very rarely. When buying, look at production date. After a year, the valve begins to poison, the filler gas leaves, the output decreases accordingly.

In order for a good foam to retain its properties, it must be stored properly.

Note! It is necessary to work with mounting foam, which has room temperature. In cold weather, it must be preheated. Even winter or all-weather.

Types and application

All cylinders with polyurethane foam can be divided according to the field of application: household and professional. They also differ externally. Professional made for a special gun. It won't work without it. Household ones have a pressure valve (as in aerosols) and a long thin tube. Of course, these are not all the differences. There is a difference in properties:

• curing speed. Professional ones harden faster. Some brands become hard after 30 minutes. The “normal curing time” is 24 hours. That is how much it is recommended to wait after applying the foam before continuing work.
• The amount of secondary expansion. For professional ones, it is about 30-50% of the primary volume, for household ones it can be 130-250%.
• Cavity sizes. Foam consisting of small bubbles is considered good. This is what distinguishes professional ones, although some household ones also have few large cavities. But they are not cheap either.

Which polyurethane foam is better, we decide according to the characteristics

Of the entire list, the most annoying is a large secondary expansion. Why is it bad? The fact that when foaming windows, door frames, highly expanding foam can buckle wood or profiles. Well, and the fact that it is growing too actively, it is difficult to dose it, which leads to a large overrun. So the difference in price is, as a result, quite insignificant. If it stays at all.

When and where to use these types of mounting foam? Household foam is also suitable for filling cavities and holes in rigid structures. For example, Boxer, Ultima, Cosmoflex, Wellfom, Well. When installing doors and windows, it is best to work with a professional. These are Ilbrook, Penosil, Soudal, Titan.

Species by season

Mounting foam is divided according to temperature regime applications. There are the following types:

• Summer. Apply at positive temperatures, but not lower than +5°C.
• Winter. It can be used in frosts down to -18°C.
• All season. Its range is declared from -10°C to +35°C, but it is optimal to use it somewhere in the region from +10°C to zero. At lower temperatures, winter is better; at higher temperatures, summer is better.

Which polyurethane foam is better: which is suitable for temperature conditions

In a heated room we use summer foam, if we foam windows in winter - winter or all-weather - depending on the temperature outside. In general, “specialized” shows itself better - summer or winter. They are adapted to certain conditions, and this is always more reliable than the universal option (all-weather).

When working in winter, do not leave the foam in the cold. Bring in warmth. If it is supercooled, it will be too fluid, will not hold its shape. In general, we always keep the foam warm. And yet - more foam comes out of a warm balloon.

By combustibility

Mounting foam must also be selected according to flammability. It has three classes:

• fuel - on the cylinder is B3;
• self-extinguishing (no fire, it does not burn) is marked B2;
• non-combustible (even in fire retains properties for a certain period of time) is designated by class B1.

Combustible and non-combustible polyurethane foams. The degree of flammability is indicated by the letter B and numbers from 1 to 3. B1 - non-flammable, B2 - self-extinguishing, B3 - combustible

In wooden and frame buildings, it is best to use non-combustible construction foam. It should also be used in rooms with increased fire safety requirements. In houses such a room -. Fire / non-combustible polyurethane foam is available from every serious manufacturer. You need to look at the professional line. For example, Tytan B1, Soudal FR, Den Braven (Den Braven), Kim-Tec (Kim Tek).

There are also two-component mounting foams. But they harden very quickly, so they are used by professionals, and even then not all. You need a skill to work, but a two-component foam costs enough.

Special types

There are some types of work that require special properties.

The listed brands are far from the only ones. There are others. Look at serious manufacturers of construction chemicals, read the specifications, look for reviews. We have become accustomed to the fact that the declared characteristics do not always coincide with reality.

Guns for professional polyurethane foam

If you decide to use professional mounting foam, you will need a gun for it. There is a big price difference here. But for a one-time use, you can take an inexpensive one. The price does not affect the amount of foam. It's just that the more expensive ones control the intensity of the foam output better, serve it over a greater distance.

Professional polyurethane foam requires a special gun

The ability to adjust the intensity of the feed is in any, that's just the level of control is different. After work, if the cylinder is not empty, it can remain in the gun for 2 weeks or a month. During this period, you can simply continue to work. But it is necessary to store the "charged" pistol in a warm room, not under the sun's rays.

When replacing the cylinder, if the foam goes well, no additional manipulations are needed. If the foam has stopped coming out, and the container is not yet empty, the nozzle may be clogged. Then the nozzle can be washed. If the liquid comes out without problems, then the problem is in the cylinder. Usually the propellant ends prematurely, but the copolymer may also end. After the end of work, the cylinder is removed, the gun (nozzle) is washed with a solvent (mounting foam cleaner). Other manipulations are not required.