Polyurethane: A Highly Versatile Polyurethane Insulation Material
Polyurethane is a closed-cell foam insulation material that is classified as a
polymer due to its chemical structure, with its cells containing a type of
low-conductivity gas. Mainly used in residential construction, polyurethane is
readily available as a spray foam, rigid foam boards or laminated insulation
panels. Polyurethane's durability, resilience and flexibility can make it
replace paint, cotton, rubber, metal and wood in thousands of applications.
Features of Polyurethane Insulation
Polyurethane's characteristics makes it versatile to use in different forms: it
can be hard like fiberglass, squishy like foam, bouncy like rubber, sticky like
glue or even protective like varnish.
The elastic properties in polyurethane has been categorized as elastomers, which
are used to create upholstery cushions. Polyurethane also has known
thermoplastic properties, enabling it to be smooth and rigid, with a sealed
surface that's water impermeable. Polyurethane can be used to seal surfaces like
wood, metal, and paint in order to protect them from fading, rot or corrosion.
Polyurethane also resists moisture and heat as an adhesive, making it ideal for
use in the sun or water. It can be found insulating walls, consumer coolers and
temperature-controlled vehicles. As an insulation material, polyurethane has the
highest R-value per thickness of any material used in residential construction.
Spray Foam or Liquid
Spray foam polyurethane insulation is sprayed into open wall cavities, expanding
rapidly to seal and fill the cavities. In contrast, liquid foam expands very
slowly, but reduces the chances of damaging the wall from over expansion.
Sprayed insulation is usually cheaper than installing foam boards, and liquid
foam insulation materials can be sprayed, injected or poured.
The foam is highly fire resistant and water vapor permeable at the same time.
Closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation is made with a non-CFC
(chlorofluorocarbon) gas, with a density of 32 kg per cubic meter. There are
also varieties of low-density open-cell polyurethane foam available, which are
more flexible and use carbon dioxide as the foaming agent.
Rigid Foam Boards
For rigid polyurethane foam board insulation, the reflective foil on the boards
acts as a radiant barrier when this type of insulation is properly installed.
Tests have shown that suggest that the R-value of rigid foam with metal foil
remains unchanged even after a period of 10 years.
Installing the right type of foam insulation can protect the building from both
extreme heat during summer and severe cold during winter as well as save money
on energy utility bills. It is always important to check if the insulation is
installed correctly, as an improper installation might not only leave gaps that
will cause problems later, but also make the overall insulation ineffective. |
