Polyurethane foam is the best insulation in the world, with excellent thermal, acoustic, waterproofing properties.
Also, it is applied in a continuous layer without interruptions, which is an advantage incomparable with any other insulation technology.
Not only it perfectly fulfills its insulation role, but also the insulation period is immensely superior to any other insulation technology.
Applied correctly, the polyurethane foam fulfills its duty, lasting for decades.
Thermoinsulation
Thermoinsulation and protection
Thermo/waterproofing
Difference between Polyurethane foam and Polystyrene
There are several criteria to be considered for choosing the insulation method, presented in table below:
| Polyurethane foam |
Polystyrene |
| Thermal transfer coefficient = the material resistance value with which an insulation is achieved at thermal transfer | |
| 0.020 W/mp K | 0,036 W/mp K |
| Chemical durability |
|
| Resistant to damage caused by other chemicals | Sensitive to petroleum based solvents (eg. Gasoline), insect sprays and adhesives |
| Fireproofness |
|
| Thermally stable; not melting- not damaged until the temperature reaches 700°C – 800°C => becomes brittle- Does not burn and does not sustain combustion | It softens at temperatures above 190°C- Melts at temperatures between 240°C – 300°C- Some products are fireproofed and do not sustain combustion, but melt at a very low temperature |
| Dimensional tolerance |
|
| It is applied on any surface, depending on the required thickness and density | Strict tolerances for thickness and size. |
| Panel connection |
|
| Not additional materials required; applied without interruption, eliminating thermal bridges between the panels, on the entire surface of the building, regardless of its size and shape | Other materials are also needed for bonding and stabilization of the panels (adhesive, mesh reinforcement, dowels for polystyrene, corner profiles, primer, etc) |
| Waste material |
|
| No such loss => cost reduction | Acquired in boxes, covered area ranging from 4-7 square meters; the aquired quantity is not totally necessary => considerable amount of waste material |
| Soundproofing | |
| Polyurethane foam insulation can achieve perfect accommodation, including not only insulation of exterior related elements (walls,roof), but also windows and doors, their frames, pipes and flooring. | Isolation of windows and doors, their frames, pipes and floor is not possible using expanded polystyrene. |
| Waterproofing | |
| Closed cell polyurethane foam is has waterproofing properties. | Expanded polystyrene is hygroscopic, absorbing and retaining water, loading the structure, resulting in its detachment, favoring mold and dampness. Humidity will dissolve the salts in the masonry and take them out to the surface, destroying the paint applied to the wall, the plaster, gypsum boards or any other porous material. |
| CONCLUSION: Polyurethane foam offers a more secure value for the structure safety. | |