7 tips for which foam to choose

Polyurethane foam or aerosol polyurethane insulation is considered one of the most popular methods of sealing joints and connectors. Builders and finishers often use it for repairs, noting the convenience and ease of use. But when choosing a material, it is necessary to take into account weather conditions, season and other factors that can affect the quality of installation. In the cold season, it is better to use special foam for work at sub-zero temperatures.

Features

The quality of the work of the master directly depends on the characteristics of building materials. Several years ago, when installing plastic windows and external doors, builders actively closed the slots with summer mounting foam. Consumers noted that after 1-2 cold seasons, the joints began to blow, drafts appeared, and the temperature in the room dropped. When analyzing the problem, it turned out that the sealant lost its properties, became so porous that it can hardly hold the structure.

The reason lies in the incorrect selection of polyurethane foam. Standard series are designed for a temperature range from -10 ° to + 30 ° C. In severe winter, the structure of the sealant is broken, it passes water and air. The sealant breaks down faster, therefore it requires mandatory insulation with a layer of grout, putty and paint. In winter conditions, it is better to select special types of material adapted for more extreme conditions.

Polyurethane foam for work at subzero temperatures has a number of features:

easily tolerates drops from -50 ° to + 80 ° C,
does not thicken when mounted in light frost,
hardens equally quickly in cold or heat,
It has excellent thermal conductivity and sound insulation,
saves up to 10% of the heat in the room.

The advent of winter foam made it easier for many builders. With its help, you can carry out installation work in cold weather, perform urgent installation of the window unit at low temperature. But the choice should be approached more carefully, study the characteristics and strictly adhere to the recommendations of experienced professionals.

Polyurethane foam is a thick prepolymer based on durable polyurethane foam. Under high pressure, the mass is in a metal can with a dispenser. The main reaction occurs upon contact with air: the sealant particles instantly expand and take the form necessary for the builder, increasing in volume several times at once. Working with this material is not difficult, and the quick solidification process allows you to not delay the installation of the object for several days.

Conventionally, all types of foam can be divided into household and professional. The first is characterized by a small package size, has simple and universal characteristics. The cylinder is immediately equipped with a spray nozzle. Series for use by master builders are made for an assembly gun - a small device that allows you to penetrate into narrow holes, it is better to control the volume of foaming. It is simply indispensable when installing a window unit, assembling a balcony or other complex work.

The main types of polyurethane foam which are issued in the market of construction materials:

summer, suitable for work in warm conditions from May to October,
low temperature, designed for installation in winter,
multigrade or universal, the operating temperature of which ranges from -10 ° to + 50 ° C.

If you have to carry out installation or construction at an object with a high fire hazard, experts recommend the use of high-temperature foam. It is developed from high-quality polymers that do not burn even in an open flame. This allows you to restrain the flow of air in case of fire, ensures the stability of any design. Such material can be used in schools, shopping centers and hospitals, insulate saunas.

What temperature can withstand?

In the instructions of most manufacturers, the temperature range is from -18 ° C. This is a kind of boundary solidification and compaction of the mass. In fact, experienced builders know that degrees directly affect not only installation conditions. The amount of polyurethane foam that a cylinder of the same volume releases is directly dependent on the weather regime: at an ambient temperature of -10 ° C, the output will be 50% less than at + 20 ° C.

It is more important to understand what negative temperature the winter foam can withstand. The use of specialized series is necessary if it is intended to operate a construction site in the cold season. With proper application, it tolerates frost up to -35 ° C without loss of thermal conductivity and fixing properties. Some manufacturers separately indicate the maximum degree of surface on which the polymer is applied.

High-quality material keeps its shape and is absolutely safe in conditions threatening ignition: near fireplaces and stoves, in the window openings of the kitchen near the stove.

Scope of application

Foam, designed for work in the cold season, has increased adhesion. This provides a quick grip, excellent fixation in a few hours.

For outdoor and indoor installation, the material is used for the following purposes:

fixing parts of large window frames or door frames,
fastening plates for wall insulation,
sealing gaps between the seams and joints on the outside of the building,
closing seams in a wooden steam room instead of tow,
thermal insulation of heating or cooling systems in a house, at a manufacturing enterprise.

Winter foam is indispensable for sealing holes in the wall when removing the pipe from the steam room or air conditioning hose. She is not afraid of the temperature difference in the street and in the room, well isolates extraneous sounds.

Often the need for such material arises in the period of late autumn and winter, when after heavy rains, the moisture accumulated in concrete floors expands, wide cracks and faults form. This allows for urgent repairs and to protect the home from heat loss.

Tips & Tricks

On the market you can find a huge number of samples of winter foam for construction work. It differs not only in price, but also in temperature conditions. Therefore, before buying, you should read the instructions on the bottle, not relying on the tips of the seller. Good feedback from colleagues or users. Some experts recommend preheating the material slightly to ensure a more uniform output and a large volume.

You can use winter foam already at + 10 ° C.

Experienced craftsmen reveal several secrets that allow you to complete the job efficiently and easily.

The cylinder must be shaken with leisurely movements so that the mass inside is evenly distributed.
To improve grip, the surface can be slightly moistened with plain water. So the mounting foam will lie more neatly and firmly connect the parts.
If the temperature in the street drops to + 5 ° C, before carrying out the work the bottle is lowered into warm water (not hot) for 10-15 minutes.
Winter foam hardens for at least 6 hours. Experts recommend closing large gaps in several stages, applying a new layer after drying. So the seam will be perfectly sealed and will last for many years without complaints.

When working in cold weather, it is only necessary to purchase winter foam with a high degree of productivity. Even an experienced builder will not be able to calculate the volume at the given humidity and frost levels. In order not to encounter a shortage of installation material during the installation process, it should be purchased 20-30% more than the norm laid down in the estimate.

It is not recommended to purchase a large amount of winter foam for the future, paying attention to tempting promotions and discounts of building supermarkets. On average, the shelf life with a closed cylinder should not exceed a year from the date of production of the goods. Otherwise, the properties are greatly deteriorated, moisture resistance is reduced. After opening and using part of the bottle, it must be completely emptied in 30 days.

Another significant plus of winter foam is its versatility. Unlike the summer type of material, winter foam shows excellent bonding properties at any time of the year. In the warm season, it gives an increased volume, hardens faster. If it was not possible to fully use the balloon in the fall, it can be stored until spring, work on any installation and installations in the heat.

See how to use foam and gun in the next video.

1. One-component and two-component polyurethane foam - what is the difference?

Polyurethane foam or polyurethane foam sealant is a mixture of two chemical substances (polyol and isocyanate), which are obtained from crude oil. As a result of the reaction of these components with each other, pure polyurethane foam is formed, which is the basis of the foam after the completion of the crystallization process. To improve the properties of the material, various catalysts and adhesion promoters, refractory additives, antifreeze components and filler gases are often added to the composition. Due to the porous structure of hardened polyurethane, the foam serves as an excellent insulator. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces by material - stone, concrete, iron, wood, plastic. Such a wide range of compatibility allows solving a lot of construction issues. Depending on the chemical composition Distinguish between one and two component foam.

For the most part, all the variety of this material presented on the windows is single component. Packed such a composition in a container. The main disadvantage is a short shelf life due to the possible occurrence of uncontrolled reactions inside the container and a long curing period. It will take about a day for complete solidification. The principle of its operation is very simple - at the exit from the cylinder, the composition enters into a chemical reaction with moisture, which is contained in the ambient air, instantly increases in volume and after the above time completely hardens. The foaming agent is a mixture of liquefied gases - a propellant, which consists of butane, isobutane and propane. The same mixture promotes the formation of pressure inside the cylinder, due to which the foam escapes through the nozzle. Upon contact with air, expansion occurs in a 20-40-fold size, which allows filling even the most inaccessible places with high quality and without the formation of internal cavities.
Two-component polyurethane foam is more complex and costly to operate. The difficulty is that immediately before use you will have to mix several forming components with your own hands, which are stored separately in special containers. In this case, it is very important to strictly adhere to certain proportions, otherwise the resulting mixture will not have the necessary characteristics. The chemical reaction that forms when mixed is dispensed with without the participation of air from the environment and is much faster. Additional costs will be associated with the need to purchase a special mixing gun or a gun installation in which the composition will be prepared. Her main honors from a single component material is the curing rate. The process of complete crystallization takes only 20-30 minutes, and excess material can be cut off after 10 minutes after application. Also, the process of polymerization of a two-component foam does not depend on an indicator of air humidity and always passes successfully. Shelf life is also increased due to the separate content of the forming substances. However, the prepared mixture is not suitable for repeated use and implies the complete consumption of the cylinder after preparation.

So, summarize. The use of two-component compounds makes sense only to professional workers in the field of construction and repairs. For a one-time use at home, a container of one-component foam is sufficient. Even a person who has never used this material before can use foam in a bottle with a nozzle in the form of a plastic tube.

2. Key Features

Like any building material, polyurethane foam has a number of characteristics, the quality of the product depends on the indicator of which. All highlights will be indicated on the label. So what is it worth pay attention when buying:

The degree of primary expansion is an indicator of how many times the volume of foam at the outlet of the cylinder will increase in contact with air.
The degree of secondary expansion is an indicator of the increase in the volume of material after the expiration of the period of complete crystallization.
The density of the foam. It affects the rate of expansion. In household foam, this figure is lower than in professional. To obtain a very tight joint, it is necessary to purchase foam with a low rate of secondary expansion.
Viscosity is a property of the material, which ensures the non-flowability of the foam on the surface.
Shrinkage - is indicated in percent and implies a decrease in the final volume of the composition by the specified value.
The output volume of the foam. On each cylinder you can see the numbers - “50”, “60”, “70”. What do they mean? This is the number of liters of foam obtained at the outlet of the cylinder. But the indicated quantity can only be obtained under condition of operation under the correct temperature conditions and controlled humidity parameters. Usually the actual amount of foam will be less.
Adhesion to materials - in other words, the ability of the composition to “stick” to various surfaces.
The time of complete hardening and trimming - given these indicators, you can have an idea of the time it will take to carry out the work, and you will understand how many hours you can plaster, grind or lend the seam to other influences without harm to it.
The weight of the cylinder is a very important indicator. Keep in mind that if the volume indicated is 750 ml, then it should weigh at least 850-920 grams. If it is lighter, then the composition inside is much smaller than stated. This can often be found with unscrupulous manufacturers. For clarity, you can hold in your hands cylinders of different brands with the same volume. It is possible that one of them will be clearly harder. It is worth buying.

3. Which foam is better, household or professional

It is very simple to distinguish between household and professional polyurethane foam. Just look at the container - if a nozzle in the form of a thin plastic tube is attached to it, it means that it is intended for domestic use. However, it is unequivocal to say that only beginners use such foam, and professionals must use a nozzle in the form of a gun, it is impossible. Consider the maindifferences to help you decide and choose the right view.

The first thing that is immediately noticeable is the amount of packaging. Household foam is sold in containers with a capacity of 300 ml and above, while professional foam - from 750 ml and above.
An important indicator is the exit of foam from the cylinder. In the case of household aerosol, not all of the composition can be completely blown out. Usually, some part remains inside, and from the volume declared by the manufacturer you get a slightly averaged value. Thus, instead of the required one cylinder, two may be required, and this already affects the costs associated with the repair. In this regard, professional foam, which is blown almost completely, proved to be much better.
The secondary expansion coefficient in household compounds is very large. In the process of final hardening, they can increase in volume up to two times. The same coefficient for professional foam is almost zero. For better or worse, depends on the nature of the work performed. For example, if you are faced with the task of filling a large gap in the wall or eliminating the creaks of an old wooden floor by blowing foam under it, a significant expansion indicator in this case is a plus. If you yourself install slopes, plastic windows or doors, then filling the space around them is better with the composition with the lowest coefficient of expansion. Otherwise, there is a possibility of surface deformation. Only with proper skills in working with this material can household foam be used for such precise work. Usually, specialists fill only 1/3 of the gaps with foam, knowing that they have finally hardened, it will fill the entire space without changing the geometry of the adjacent surfaces.
The shrinkage rate of household foam is 5-7%. Professional - 0-3%.
Regarding the need to use an additional device in the form of a mounting gun, household foam wins, of course. It is enough to wind the tube supplied in the kit, shake well, and the foam is ready for use. Professional compositions work only with a pistol, the cost of which is several times higher than the cost of the foam bottle itself. For single use at home, such expenses are impractical. Indeed, in addition to this, it will be necessary to purchase a special solvent that will clean the nozzle of the gun from the remnants of the foam.
The possibility of reusable use is undesirable for household cylinders, but possible. If it was not possible to use the entire cylinder to the end, clean the remaining cavity of the tube from the remaining foam with a propellant and store in a cool, dark place. Professional foam can be used partially. But it is necessary to store it at the same time with a pistol dressed on a cylinder. In this case, the foam inside does not harden and is suitable for further use. The nozzle of the gun must be cleaned with a special solvent.
And the most main difference - the nature of the work performed. Household foam is used for one-time, rough work, which does not require accurate dosage. Professional compositions are distinguished by the possibility of high-precision application and are used for sealing joints or thermal insulation.

4. What is “summer”, “winter” and “all-weather” polyurethane foam?

One of important parameters polyurethane foam, about which I would like to say separately, is temperature mode of operation. Be sure to take into account the temperature in the room and beyond before buying polyurethane foam. It is not in vain that this parameter is indicated on cylinders. Following the recommendations of the manufacturer, it is possible to achieve better quality of the material obtained at certain times of the year. Distinguish three kinds assembly foam:

Summer - used at temperatures from 5 to 35 ° C. It is usually used for repair work inside or outside the premises in the warm season.
Winter - the range of operating temperatures is -10-35 ° С.
All-weather foam - used at ambient temperatures from -10 ° C to + 35 ° C.

Why is that important to comply are these conditions? Because the use, for example, of summer foam at sub-zero temperatures will affect the duration of its full hardening, the density of the resulting weld, the expansion coefficient and the volume of foam at the exit. All these indicators will differ significantly from those stated on the label, and the quality of the work performed will noticeably worsen. Complete crystallization time will increase significantly. The same will happen if winter foam is used during the hot season.

Regarding all-weather foam - important nuance its use is the temperature of a cylinder of liquid. Yes, the range of operating temperature allows the use of foam at minus indicators, but professionals recommend heating the aerosol to a temperature of + 10 ° C. In this case, the characteristics of the material will be much higher.

5. How to use the mounting foam

Consider situations when appropriate and when not really, use assembly foam:

Do not use foam for sealing cracks with a width of less than 1 cm. For these purposes, sealants or more plastic materials, such as putty, are better suited. In addition, these materials do not have secondary expansion.
If the width of the gap exceeds the mark of 10 cm, before filling it with mounting foam, it is better to further reduce the space using wooden beams, bricks or any other sealant. This will significantly reduce the consumption of foam and increase its adhesion to the surface. Otherwise, under its own weight, it can simply slide along the walls of slits of large width.
The optimal size of the gaps for filling with mounting foam is 2-8 cm.
For faster polymerization and better adhesion of the foam to the adjacent surface, many recommend slightly moistening the walls before application. And then, spray the installation joint with water from the spray gun after the initial hardening.
It is not recommended to use foam on surfaces such as Teflon, silicone, polyethylene and other greasy or dusty walls. She just does not stick to such materials.
Be sure to consider the coefficients of primary and secondary expansion. This will help to understand how thick the seam is to be placed in the gap of a certain width.
Before using the canister, be sure to clean the surface according to the instructions on the packaging.
If the bottle is too cold or you brought it in from frost, hold it in warm water (not more than 20 ° С).
To ensure the best mixing of the components among themselves, turn the container upright and shake for 1 minute.
Use protective gloves. It’s very difficult to wash dried foam.
In no case do not touch the freshly applied foam until it has frozen. You will not only get dirty, but also disrupt the structure of the material. This can lead to poor hardening or incomplete expansion.
To get the full amount of foam out of the bottle, be sure to hold it vertically and upside down until the work is completed.
The mounting foam should be pale yellow throughout its life. But you can see that over time it can darken. This is caused by the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays, which destroy the structure. If possible, it is better to plaster or paint the seams, thereby protecting from sunlight.

It is very simple to use a cylinder with household foam. It is enough to wind the tube and the working nozzle is ready. But if you still decide to purchase professional foam and special gun you need to be able to to use correctly. The principle of its operation is very simple - the gun is wound on a cylinder, after which the foam enters the barrel through the supply valve. There she stays until you pull the trigger. After that, the material is released with a given volume. Consider basic moments:

Choose guns that are made only of hard metal.
To facilitate cleaning and replacement of parts, it is better to purchase collapsible than monolithic models.
Obtain a special cleaner immediately.
Before installing the gun on the cylinder, you need to unscrew the mounting screw, grease the socket with technical petroleum jelly and only after that proceed with its fastening.
First you need to set the adjustment unit to the minimum indicator of foam consumption.
Turn the bottle over and do a couple of test presses. So you can visually assess the need to increase the feed and adjust the volume to your needs.
Make sure that the cylinder is always upright during operation.
Upon completion of work or when replacing the cylinder, be sure to thoroughly clean the gun.

Adhering to these key recommendations, you can easily cope with the use of any type of polyurethane foam.

6. Briefly about manufacturers

The key to high quality material is the choice of a reliable and trusted manufacturer. It is no secret that the cost of a product can say a lot about its properties, because it will not be possible to make a high-quality product from cheap components. But also overpriced not always associated with the use of quality raw materials. Often, too hyped brands spend a lot of money on advertising a product, which automatically increases its price, and you just get a brighter and more memorable package, rather than higher technical specifications than a less expensive product. Therefore consider proven brands with not overpriced:

Macroflex - has a high rate of adhesion and uniformity of structure. The foam output stated on the packaging is true. However, in recent years there have been many fakes, which has led to numerous complaints about the deterioration of the quality of the goods. The cost, depending on the type of foam, is 150-470 rubles.
"Moment Installation" - differs in a dense and uniform structure, is well painted, is quite common in a network of construction stores. It has a large indicator of secondary expansion, and after a couple of years it can lose elasticity. The price is 145-245 rubles.
"Sudal" - a very high-quality product with a fine-grained structure. Differs in the absence of shrinkage. Available in several versions - winter, summer and fire resistant. Has a mild odor. But it is not sold everywhere. Cost - 195-395 rubles.
"Penosil" - It has a good rate of foam exit from the cylinder, it has a bright white color and a low secondary expansion coefficient. Not intended for outdoor use. At a temperature of more than + 35 °, it ceases to foam. Price - 200-485 rubles.
"Titanium" - has a dense structure, lack of shrinkage and a small indicator of secondary expansion. It is used for thermal insulation of heating systems and water supply. The foam yield can be defined as medium, not complete. The price varies from 200 to 265 rubles.

7. What to look for when buying

Of course, you will not be able to evaluate the quality of the material directly in the store, but there are several signs which will help you choose a really high-quality product:

Pay attention to the packaging, or rather its condition. There should be no scratches, dents, nicks or other mechanical damage on the container. Their presence indicates improper storage, which will necessarily affect the final result, or negligent transportation, which indicates the unreliability of the manufacturer.
Be sure to check the expiration date of the composition. The “fresher” the date, the better the substance possesses.
Turn the bottle up and down several times or shake it lightly. You should feel how the fluid inside rolls easily and quickly. If it seems that the components are “falling” to the bottom of the container, then the curing process has begun. Mix as it should, such a foam will not work.
The weight of the cylinder according to your sensations should exceed the volume stated on the package. A 500 ml bottle should not weigh exactly 0.5 kg. This means that there is much less liquid inside, and at the exit you will get fewer liters of finished foam.

So fast visual inspection it will already say a lot about the product that you are holding in your hands and will protect it from fakes.

How to choose a mounting foam

The choice of mounting foam depends primarily on the conditions in which it will be sprayed and used. For domestic use, a universal option is suitable. For fire hazardous premises, all materials used, including insulating materials, 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 the range of its operating temperatures.

When reviewing the proposals of building stores, the characteristics of the finished mass, user reviews, and opinions of professionals were studied. When comparing materials and adding them to the TOP 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,
The ability to buy in popular stores,
Level of purchase.

For a residential user, the availability of an applicator is also important, and the ability to use a cylinder with a gun will be more important for professionals.

Macroflex

Macroflex from the Estonian manufacturer Henkel is included in the best all-season mounting foams with a one-component composition based on polyurethane foam. It combines an affordable price and good product properties, which is why it is loved by 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, which is resistant to mechanical damage.

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

Advantages:

Simple application
Bonding to most surfaces,
Fills the cavity evenly
Non toxic
Good insulating properties.

Disadvantages:

Afraid of the sun,
The cylinder immediately needs to be used in its entirety.

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.

TechnoNIKOL No. 800 Master

Reviews about TechnoNIKOL polyurethane foam are mostly positive. It was developed by a Russian manufacturer for domestic use in various weather conditions. The sustained 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 insulation material. Tack-off time is only 15 minutes, and full polymerization is 24 hours. The mass freezes under the influence of moisture.

Advantages:

High penetration
Even distribution without jerking,
Dense homogeneous texture after drying,
Manufacturer Reputation.

Disadvantages:

At low temperature it may bubble.

The cylinder must be stored exclusively vertically, otherwise the composition loses some of its properties.

Titanium O2

The best universal mounting 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.

The composition is characterized by a high level of adhesion to concrete, brick, glass, gypsum, wood surfaces. The foam does not contain CFC and HCFC, making it environmentally friendly.

Advantages:

Economical consumption
Low secondary expansion,
No pungent odor
High degree of sound and thermal insulation.

Disadvantages:

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

Soudal

Professional foam that can be bought at most hardware stores. It has a low expansion and is suitable for thin joints where accuracy of application is especially important.

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

Advantages:

Size stability
Homogeneous texture,
Ease of application
Complete protective gloves.

Disadvantages:

Users note in the reviews that there are defective cylinders with a poorly functioning valve.

The best fire resistant foam

Fire-resistant qualities are especially important when applied in rooms with high temperature conditions: baths, factories, restaurants, night clubs and other entertainment venues. Fire retardants added to their composition, giving non-combustible properties to the entire composition. After conducting an analysis of this market segment, 3 leaders were identified who are preferred by professionals.

Nullifire

A renowned manufacturer of fire retardant coatings of excellent quality. Proprietary refractory polyurethane foam is able to restrain the fire in the installation joint for up to 4 hours, prevents the spread of smoke and toxic gases. Product quality is confirmed by a safety certificate.

A mass of 880 ml cylinders is sold, of which 45 liters of finished insulation material are obtained. Universal valve fits under sprayer or gun. It is possible to apply material at a temperature from +5 to +35 degrees. The full load, including the mobility of the joints, the aggregate withstands after 24 hours.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

Destroys under UV rays
The price is above average.

For maximum effectiveness, foam is recommended to be used with manufacturer sealants.

Rush Firestop Flex 65

Professional installation material with refractory qualities, which you can buy at an affordable cost. It ideally fills joints of any thickness, has a low level of expansion during hardening and expansion of the material. The shape of the aerosol gives a uniform mass output throughout the use of the entire container.

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

Advantages:

Moisture resistant
Operating temperature - from -50 to +90 degrees,
Affordable price,
Good adhesion to various materials.

Disadvantages:

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

For maximum performance, the container should be held strictly vertically upside down and shake it from time to time. In this case, a homogeneous dense material is obtained. In frost, the output will be slightly less than in warm weather.

Remontix PRO 65

Good foam under the gun, corresponding to the flammability class G1 and GOST. It can resist heating 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 for convenient single use at home. When spraying, the mass lays evenly and increases well in volume, making it suitable for filling large voids.

Advantages:

High-quality result in any weather
It is well cleaned with flushing liquid,
Durability,
It hardens quickly.

Disadvantages:

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 mounting foams

Winter foams are designed for sealing joints at low temperatures, which is important for outdoor construction work in cold weather. In terms of adhesive and insulating properties, they are not inferior to summer materials. We conducted an analysis of 10 winter aggregates sold in construction stores, and selected the 3 best ones.

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 l of the finished mass is obtained. The spray temperature of the product is from -18 to +30 degrees. Neither in the cold nor in the heat does it spread during application.

The composition has strong adhesion to almost any surface. It is not necessary to wet the material, since the Penosil Gold Gun hardens well in any humidity. All material leaves the container without leaving anything in the package.

Advantages:

Quick hardening,
Moderate secondary expansion (15%),
Uniform structure
Eco-friendly composition
Low cost.

Disadvantages:

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

Irfix STD Winter

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

Advantages:

Complete applicator
Resistance to aging
Uniform expansion,
Low price,
Easy to paint.

Disadvantages:

Before use at minus temperature, the cylinder 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. During expansion, the mass exerts low pressure on the surrounding structure, which allows you to work with brittle materials, such as drywall. The mass is sold in 750 ml cylinders with a yield of up to 65 liters.

Advantages:

Extended shelf life
Manufacturer reputation
It dries quickly
Suitable for filling large spaces,
Excellent insulating properties.

Disadvantages:

There is no application tube in the kit, the bottle is intended only for use with a construction gun.

What polyurethane foam is better to buy

To decide which mounting foam is best, you need to understand which 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 frost, you need to make sure the wide working temperature range of the material.

Among the universal joint fillers, the leaders are:

Macroflex is the best all-season foam at an affordable price. A complete applicator tube, a large selection of cylinder volume and good mass properties make it popular among builders and lay people 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 analogues,
Titanium O2 - foam under the gun with a high level of performance. From a 750-ml bottle, 65 liters of finished mass are obtained,
Soudal is the best placeholder for thin joints or places where you need accurate application.

For commercial facilities, refractory materials must be used. Foam is no exception. Among fire resistant aggregates, the best are:

Nullifire - insulating aggregate that inhibits 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 is the best option for a gun for professional use in rooms with increased fire safety requirements.

The TOP mounting foams for winter include:

Penosil Gold Gun 65 - material with the lowest atomization temperature up to -18 degrees without loss of mass quality,
Irfix STD is the fastest setting material. Full hardening takes place in just 6-16 hours,
Makroflex Winter Pro is the best option for working at low temperatures. High productivity, uniform application and expansion speak in favor of its purchase.

Having studied the TOP-10, each builder or layman will understand the advantages and disadvantages of insulation materials from different manufacturers and will be able to choose a suitable option for himself among universal, refractory or winter mounting foams.

Specifications

The quality of polyurethane foam is determined by several characteristics.

The volume of foam. This indicator is influenced by temperature conditions and humidity. At lower temperatures, the volume of sealant is less. For example, a cylinder with a volume of 0.3 l when sprayed at +20 degrees forms 30 l of foam, at 0 temperature - about 25 l, at a negative temperature - 15 l.
Degree of adhesion determines the strength of the connection between the surface and the material. There are no differences between winter and summer species. Many manufacturing plants try to produce compounds with good adhesion to wooden, concrete and brick surfaces. However, when using foam over ice, polyethylene, Teflon, oil bases and silicone, adhesion will be much worse.

Expanding ability - This is an increase in the volume of sealant. The higher this ability, the better the sealant. The best option is 80%.
Shrinkage - This is a change in volume during operation. In the event that the seating ability is too high, the structures are deformed or the integrity of their seams is violated.
Excerpt Is the duration of the complete polymerization of the material. With increasing temperature, the exposure time decreases. For example, winter polyurethane foam freezes at temperatures from 0 to -5ºС up to 5 hours, up to -10ºС - up to 7 hours, from -10ºС - up to 10 hours.
Viscosity Is the ability of the foam to stay on the ground. For universal use, professional and semi-professional assembly foams are produced. Semi-professional options are ready for use after installing the valve on a foam bottle, professional ones are applied with an assembly gun equipped with a dispenser.

The advantages of the mounting composition include the following:

multifunctionality
heat and sound insulation properties,
tightness
dielectric,
resistance to temperature changes,
long term of operation,
easy application.

The disadvantages of the sealant are represented by the following features:

instability to ultraviolet radiation and high humidity,
short shelf life
some species are capable of rapid ignition,
difficult to remove from the skin.

Polyurethane foam is a universal product that performs several functions.

Tightness. It fills the gaps, warming the interior, removes voids around doors, windows and other details.
Gluing. It fixes the door blocks so that there is no need for screws and nails.
Secures the base for insulation and insulation, for example, for the sheathing of a building with foam, the mounting composition will be the best option.
Soundproofing. Building material fights with increased noise during ventilation, heating systems. They close up the gaps between the pipelines, the connection areas of air conditioners and exhaust structures.

Terms of use

Experts recommend adhering to several rules when working with polyurethane foam.

Since mounting foam is not easy to remove from the skin, you should first arm yourself with work gloves.
In order for the composition to mix, shake it thoroughly for 30-60 seconds. Otherwise, the resinous composition will come from the balloon.
For fast adhesion, the workpiece is moistened. Then you can go directly to the application of foam. The cylinder must be held upside down to displace the mounting foam from the cylinder. If this is not done, the gas will be squeezed out without foam.
Foaming is carried out in slots in which the width is not more than 5 cm, and if more, then use polystyrene. It saves foam and prevents expansion, which most often leads to structural failure.

Foam from the bottom up with uniform movements, filling a third of the gap, because the foam solidifies with the expansion and fills it. When working at low temperatures, you can only work with foam heated in warm water up to + 40ºС.
For quick setting, it is necessary to spray the surface with water. It is forbidden to spray at low temperatures, so it is impossible to obtain the desired effect.
In case of accidental contact with mounting foam on doors, windows, floors, it is necessary to remove it with a solvent and a rag, and then wash the surface. Otherwise, the composition will harden and remove it without damaging the surface will be very difficult.
30 minutes after using the mounting compound, you can cut off the excess and plaster the surface. For this, it is very convenient to use a hacksaw or knife for construction needs. Fully setting foam begins after 8 hours.

Professionals recommend that you carefully read the safety precautions before working with polyurethane foam.

Sealant can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Therefore, it is recommended that the worker use safety glasses, gloves and a respirator in case of poor ventilation. After hardening, the foam does not harm human health.
In order to avoid the purchase of fakes, you should use some recommendations: ask the store for a product certificate, examine the quality of the label. Since they try to produce fakes with minimal expenses, printing does not attach much importance. Label defects are visible on such cylinders with the naked eye: displacement of paints, inscriptions, other storage conditions, date of manufacture. Expired material loses all its basic qualities.

Manufacturers

The construction market is rich in a variety of sealants, but this does not mean that all of them meet the quality requirements. Often, foams that do not pass certification and do not meet the necessary requirements come to stores. Some manufacturers do not completely fill the composition in the tank, or instead of gas use volatile components that harm the atmosphere.