Using construction foam as intended

Construction foam has many application areas, but this does not mean that it can be used for all of the insulation work required in buildings. Read more about the improper use of foam.

In comparison with classic insulation materials, polyurethane foam is very convenient to use. This convenience has increased with the development of one-component foams, which in recent years has culminated in innovative solutions in terms of both product composition and tools. As a result, we have received numerous questions about the use of construction foam, in particular about the use of PENOSIL EasySpray spray foam for insulating floors.

Based on its properties, PU one-component foam is not suitable for use in the full thermal insulation of floors. PENOSIL foams are specifically intended for filling joints. To achieve an insulation layer, it is good practice to use classic insulation materials: rock or glass wool, loose wool, and polystyrene. If you prefer expanded polystyrene (EPS), then PENOSIL products will help you to fill the joints and cracks between boards. We recommend PENOSIL Premium Elastic Gunfoam, which has increased elasticity compared to regular foams. You might also consider PENOSIL EasyGun foam, which comes with a thin applicator to fill narrow and hard-to-reach joints.

A reasonable level of insulation thickness is around 20 centimetres. Insulating with one-component foam is insufficient to achieve this result and is also expensive. To achieve good adhesion, the surface must be free of oil, dust and loose particles. Thus, for example, applying spray foam to sand that serves as the substrate of a floor will not provide a good result. In addition, the issue of moisture arises. Although moisture does not damage the foam itself, the insulating properties of a damp material are lower. The sprayed layer of one-component foam must also not be walked on, as it is soft and cannot withstand the load.

There are many places in buildings where the use of conventional insulating materials is not possible – frame corners, narrow and uneven surfaces, and behind pipes and wires. This is where spray foam with a special composition is of great help and often the only practicable solution. Common applications for spray foam are facade and wall insulation surface repairs, prevention of condensation on cold surfaces, insulation of water and ventilation pipes, minor repairs to roofing insulation, etc.

Text: Maria Ševeljova, Product Manager