How to spray polyurethane foam yourself? DIY PPU from portable kits Polyurethane foam installation.

Reducing heat loss from any structure is one of the most pressing tasks facing engineers and builders. Despite the appearance various types new materials characterized by extremely low thermal conductivity, the role of an additional layer of thermal insulation, which is installed in mandatory, remains dominant.

Height individual construction caused an expansion of the range of relevant products. But each of the insulation materials has its own characteristics, based on which practically none of them can be considered a product “for all occasions.” Much depends on operating conditions, installation location and some other factors.

But still, there is a product that can be considered close to universal - polyurethane foam. This is a type of foam plastic, the production of which uses the effect of foaming the mixture. When hardened, a fairly dense sealing layer is formed. This material has found wide application in industry.

But we will consider it from the point of view of use for “home and family”. After all, he is not only good insulation, but is also capable of providing high-quality vapor and sound insulation. In addition, it is reliable protection metals from corrosion processes. According to some experts, it now ranks first among polymer materials in its properties.

Where can it be applied?

Thermal insulation of walls, basement, basement.
Loggias, door and window openings.
Ancillary buildings. Extensions, bathhouses, sheds, garages (including gate leaves).
For insulation of ventilation gaps in frame structures.
Sealing joints, crevices, cracks.

By the way, processing small areas is much more expensive than processing large ones. The cost of polyurethane foam spraying services from a specialized company can range from 14,000 rubles/m2.

If we are talking only about sealing seams or joints, then it is advisable to purchase a can of so-called polyurethane foam, and to her. But if it is necessary to process entire surfaces, then this method is clearly not suitable.

There are disposable installations on sale, with which you can do all the work yourself. And although after use the equipment is thrown into a landfill, from an economic point of view, purchasing it is much more profitable.

This insulation method is much more economical, since the resulting layer is much thinner than when using traditional materials - mineral wool, slabs - without compromising quality. In this case, any part of the surface can be processed, regardless of the complexity of its configuration and the ability to access it. And if you take into account the absence of seams and the adhesion of the composition to any base, then the advantages are obvious.

As an example, the FOAMKIT device (do not consider it an advertisement!). If you focus on a coating layer thickness of 2.5 mm, it is capable of treating an area from 18 to 94 m2 (depending on the model). The weight allows one person to carry it, and to bring the installation into working condition no professional skills required. The kit includes a spray gun. The possibility of breaks in work is provided. It is clear that after this the gun must be cleaned. In order not to waste time on this, it comes with replaceable nozzles (8 pcs.), which are simply replaced.

The price, respectively, is from 19,650 to 41,000 rubles.

A few notes

Polyurethane foam is often confused with penoizol. This is absolutely different materials, and each has its own specific application.
When spraying polyurethane on a facade or roof, a vapor barrier does not need to be installed.
You should work at positive temperatures - from 50 and above. However, the dew point of the treated surface must also be taken into account. Its temperature should exceed this value by at least 30.
The base must be clean. Application of the composition to dirt or dust is not allowed.

The main condition for the quality of work is correctly performed calculations (necessary thermal characteristics, vapor permeability, etc.), as well as compliance with technology. Therefore it is better to purchase ready-made compositions rather than making them yourself.

Improving the thermal conductivity of housing is a problem well known to many, especially homeowners. The presence of a huge number of insulation materials complicates the selection of a completely suitable universal material. Therefore, do-it-yourself insulation with polyurethane foam should be considered in detail.

Do-it-yourself insulation with polyurethane foam: features of the material

(PPU) – variety plastics. Formation is used in construction hard polyurethane foam. As a result of the combination of two liquid components, a chemical reaction occurs with the formation of a porous, quickly hardening substance, which has increased thermal insulation qualities. The popularity of the material as insulation is explained by its reasonable cost and possibility self-application using special equipment. PU foam differs in technical characteristics, areas of application and method of coating.

Filling with polyurethane foam

This method is used to insulate rooms with hollow spaces between walls that are filled with foam. The process of insulating an already operating facility is as follows.

Technical holes of about 10 - 15 mm in size are made in the surface of the wall reserved for pouring. They are made using a grid method, with a distance of 60 cm between each other.
Using special equipment, polyurethane foam is poured, starting from the bottom row
The entire cavity is filled in stages, sequentially, with foam. The result is a monolithic, insulating layer.

Pouring polyurethane foam has many positive characteristics:

Due to its location in the space between the walls, the material is not exposed to negative impact environment.
Insulation work can be carried out without the need to dismantle existing coatings.
Filling involves filling as much as possible all cracks, crevices, voids, even in hard-to-reach places.
Greater thermal conductivity compared to other methods.
Minimum costs time and effort.

When insulation is carried out at the stage of hollow construction (masonry with air gap, well masonry, etc.), polyurethane foam is poured during the construction of the structure every 1 - 1.5 meters. When swelling, the foam reliably fills the entire possible volume.

Spraying polyurethane foam

The method allows for insulation of structures inside and outside buildings. This method of insulation has a number of advantages that distinguish it from all others:

PPU firmly adheres to any surface, regardless of the material. The geometry of the surface does not matter.
Not required preliminary preparation spraying object. It is enough to remove dirt and dust.
Not afraid of seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Unaffected by precipitation.
The lightness of the material means that there is no additional load on the object, which allows you to spray polyurethane foam everywhere without restrictions.
This insulation option further strengthens the structure.
The absence of seams and joints that can reduce the thermal insulation properties.
Thanks to technical features, does not require additional transportation costs.
High environmental safety.

Spraying of polyurethane foam is carried out using special equipment. There are many varieties of this construction equipment for use on a production scale and for personal use.

Equipment for insulation with polyurethane foam

There are several varieties of such units. They differ in performance, operating principle, size and cost. There are domestic and imported installations, as well as homemade devices. Numerous positive reviews and high technical performance (at a very reasonable price) make it possible to especially highlight the equipment of American manufacturers.

Ready-made kit for spraying polyurethane “Foam Kit”

A disposable system for insulating polyurethane foam, Touch*n Seal Foam Kit, manufactured in the USA, is presented in the following configuration:

2 cylinders, sufficient for private use, filled with polyurethane foam.
Hose – 4 m.p.
Spray gun - “pistol”.
Nozzles 8 pieces - 4 each, for flat and round pressure.

Hoses are connected to the cylinders, a suitable nozzle is put on the gun, and the gun is mounted to the hose. Several disposable attachments allow you to take breaks while working. The kit is usable for a month, from the first opening. The layer hardens in 1 – 2 minutes. Excess will be removed after hardening.

Performing external and internal thermal insulation premises using polyurethane foam saves not only time, but also physical effort. Thanks to spraying, the material easily lies in an even layer on any surface, reliably protecting it from noise, cold and moisture penetration. If you use a disposable spraying installation, you can do polyurethane foam insulation with your own hands without much hassle.

Properties and characteristics

Polyurethane foam is made from two polymers - polyol and polyisocyanate. Before applying to the surface, the components are mixed, heated, and carbon dioxide is added. Spray insulation under high pressure, which makes it possible to effectively isolate even hard to reach places under the roof or between communications. After hardening, the material is a durable, hard coating without seams with a bumpy surface.

This insulation has many positive properties:

low thermal conductivity;
complete tightness;
environmental friendliness;
immunity to chemicals;
light weight;
durability.

In addition, the material has excellent sound insulation, does not allow moisture to pass through, is easily applied to any surface and is very firmly attached to it. Thanks to its high adhesion, the insulation is securely held even on the smoothest surfaces. Polyurethane foam is not flammable, is not afraid of mold, insects and rodents, and can withstand sudden temperature fluctuations without consequences.

The use of this insulation allows you to do without additional fasteners, waterproofing materials and primers, which significantly reduces the cost of the thermal insulation process.

The scope of application of polyurethane foam is quite extensive:

interior spaces residential buildings;
external walls of buildings;
roofs;
attics;
loggias and balconies;
baths;
garages;
sewer systems;
floors and foundations.

To perform thermal insulation with polyurethane foam yourself, you must have skills in working with a spray installation. To begin with, you can practice on some area outer wall under the guidance of an experienced master. If you follow safety precautions, you can work with the installation without fear. Of course, it is not so easy to master professional equipment, but now there are compact disposable installations on sale, the operating principle of which is much simpler.

Balcony insulation technology

Insulating a balcony with polyurethane foam will not take much time thanks to small area premises. Do-it-yourself thermal insulation is carried out from the inside of the balcony, since special equipment is required for external work.

During the insulation process you will need:

aluminum profile for sheathing;
screws and plastic dowels;
level;
drill;
spray installation;
insulation components.

Step 1. Surface preparation

Peeled or loose coverings are removed from the ceiling and walls of the balcony, and the corners and joints around the perimeter of the windows are checked. If there are deep cracks, they can be filled with pieces of foam plastic and sealed with putty. All small gaps and seams will be filled during the spraying process. There is no need to level or sand the surfaces.

Step 2. Making the sheathing

An aluminum profile is screwed to the walls and ceiling in vertical rows. Next, strengthen the sheathing with horizontal jumpers in increments of about half a meter. Be sure to screw the profile around the perimeter of the window and doorway. Window, door frame, it is recommended to close the communication pipes plastic film, since the insulation quickly sets and it is very difficult to clean it.

Step 3. Spraying insulation

Open the box of polymers and thoroughly shake the components. Connect hoses and a gun to them, select a nozzle with a narrow torch. First, polyurethane foam is blown into the cracks, the seams between the walls and ceiling are sealed, and the joints around the openings are treated. Then the nozzle is changed to a wide one and the insulation is sprayed onto the ceiling. Application should be uniform, the gun should be held at the same level and moved smoothly along the surface to be treated.

After insulating the ceiling, they move on to the walls; if there are noticeable defects, depressions, polyurethane foam is applied in a thicker layer, leveling the working plane. On smooth walls The insulation layer should be as uniform as possible. After spraying, carefully remove excess material from the sheathing.

Step 4: Finishing

Drywall, plastic or wooden panels. If finishing with decorative plaster is planned, a fiberglass reinforcing mesh is attached to the surface, on top of which plaster is applied.

Attic insulation

Insulating an attic is as easy as insulating a balcony, while saving space and materials. The ceilings do not need to be covered with a waterproofing film, treated with an antiseptic or a primer mixture. If the attic finishing involves clapboard or plasterboard cladding, insulation needs to be sprayed between the rafter beams. This will allow you to attach the sheathing to the base without damaging the tightness of the heat-insulating layer.

If finishing will be done from decorative plaster, spraying is carried out over the entire surface, including floor beams. Using the installation, polyurethane foam is first applied to the seams between the walls and roof, and then evenly distributed over the entire area of the attic. After the insulation has hardened, which occurs in a matter of minutes, you can begin finishing the room.

To insulate the floor you will need:

spraying installation;
container with polyurethane foam components;
cement;
sand;
water;
building level;
rule or long strip.

Step 1. Preparatory work

For insulation at the construction stage, the rough base is cleared of debris and dust, and the joints and seams around the perimeter of the room are sealed with mortar. If the floor is insulated during the renovation of a residential building, you first need to remove the top covering, remove accumulated debris, and check the joists for strength. Rotten sections of the floor should be replaced with new ones.

Step 2. Spraying polyurethane foam

Mix the components, connect the hoses and a gun with a nozzle and begin to cover the base of the floor with insulation. On concrete screed spray 2-3 layers of polyurethane foam; applying the material in one thick layer is not recommended. The space between the joists is insulated at a time, especially carefully distributing the composition along the corners of the ceiling.

Step 3. Applying screed and laying the coating

After the insulation has hardened between the joists, you can immediately install the main floor. If the spraying was on a concrete base, the insulation should be covered on top cement-sand screed. The solution is mixed in a container and distributed directly over the heat-insulating layer. Using a level, check the horizontality of the screed to avoid slope or unevenness. The solution is applied in a layer of 4-5 cm; a thinner screed will crack under mechanical stress.

When the layer of mortar has dried, begin laying finishing coating. Since polyurethane foam has high thermal insulation characteristics, you can lay linoleum or carpet on a thin backing on the screed.

Insulating the floor in the basement

Basements, especially damp ones, also need high-quality insulation. To properly insulate a basement floor, you first need to insulate the surface from excess moisture. Roofing felt and bitumen mastic are suitable for waterproofing the floor.

Step 1. Waterproofing device

The floor in the basement is covered with roofing felt, extending its edges 20 cm onto the walls. At the joints, the material is overlapped and the seams are coated bitumen mastic to make the base as airtight as possible. Along the perimeter of the basement, the roofing material should fit very tightly to the walls, so their surface is also covered with mastic and the waterproofing is pressed.

To avoid deformation of the protective layer, a screed is poured over the roofing material. If the basement is not too damp, you can coat it for waterproofing. brick walls mastic to a height of 10-15 cm, Special attention paying attention to the joints of the floor and walls.

Step 2. Applying polyurethane foam

After mixing the insulation components and connecting the hoses, they begin applying thermal insulation from the corner to the outlet. Spraying must be done in 3-4 layers, maintaining the same level over the entire area of the basement.

Step 3. Pouring the concrete screed

The surface of the insulation is checked by level, areas with large differences leveled in height. Prepare a solution for the screed and apply it on top of the polyurethane foam in equal portions. Using the rule, the mortar is leveled over the entire area so that the thickness of the screed is at least 5 cm. After the mortar has hardened and dried, tiles, linoleum or other finishing coating can be laid on the screed.

Video - DIY polyurethane foam insulation

Insulation of residential buildings and buildings for industrial or commercial purposes, experts recommend equipping them only on the outside. However, installation of insulation on external wall not always possible.

Reasons there may be several - from a ban by city authorities to technical difficulties that arise during the installation process itself.

In such cases, the option is allowed internal insulation subject to choice the right material for insulation.

Among the few disadvantages of polyurethane foam most often mentioned high price material needed to complete thermal insulation works equipment and services of relevant specialists.

However in detailed analysis each of these disadvantages turns out to be only a small problem that can be solved without special effort. Thus, the risk of destruction of the coating under the influence of ultraviolet radiation is eliminated by cladding using lining or drywall.

Acquisition costs polyurethane foam and spray equipment pay for themselves by reducing the amount of money invested in paying bills and purchasing medicines, as well as the absence of the need to change the insulation two or three years after installation.

The thermal insulation layer obtained thanks to sprayed polyurethane foam will last at least five decades, and its properties (high strength, moisture resistance, non-toxic, environmentally friendly), structure and shape remain the same as immediately after installation.

As additional plus It is worth mentioning the significant savings in space consumed when using other types of insulation. As for the costs of specialist services, they can also be eliminated if you do the insulation yourself.

For even more savings, you should not purchase large volume cylinders. An intentional or forced break in work exceeding 1 month leads to the need to purchase new installation for spraying. The device, which was in operation, becomes unusable.

Do-it-yourself technology for spraying polyurethane polyurethane foam

, used as insulation indoors, creates a moisture-resistant barrier . Main advantage such a barrier has good thermal insulation properties.

However, when it comes to internal insulation, the material application technology itself can create a lot of difficulties.

First of all, this is the impossibility of installing formwork and partially filling the prepared space with polyurethane foam. Wooden frames turn into bridges of cold and dampness.

Rectify the situation technology will help, providing the following actions:

The wall to which the PPU coating will be applied is thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt and oily contaminants, and then dried to improve adhesion with PPU. No surface sealing is required.
The cleaned surface is covered with a layer of antiseptic primer.
Window frames and glass must be covered with protective film.
Mount metallic profile. To do this you will need a level and a building level. The guide for the profile is mounted on the floor and ceiling, along the horizon line, marked with a level. Installation feature guide - fastening with a distance from the wall of 7 to 8 cm. Thus, it becomes possible to mount vertical profile and free.
Vertical metal profiles are mounted in a guide with a step width corresponding to the width of the plasterboard sheet. On average this figure is 60 cm.
The depth of each frame cell must correspond to the final thickness of the insulation.
The strength of the resulting frame is increased by horizontal crossbars.
After surface treatment and installation of the profile, polyurethane foam is sprayed in accordance with the specifications of the manufacturers of the selected brand of material. Basic Requirement– the temperature of the cylinder must be no less than 18 and no more than 35 degrees. Heating the cylinder is not allowed. To spray polyurethane foam, you need to put a special nozzle on the spray gun and switch it to maximum flow mode. The container must be shaken thoroughly. The thickness of the polyurethane foam layer should not exceed 4 cm. If a greater thickness is required, then after 20 minutes (after increasing the volume of the first layer), the next layer is sprayed. In this case, the distance from the wall to the gun should be not less than 35 cm.
A vapor barrier membrane is installed to prevent the entry of moist air from inside the room.
Drywall is attached to the profile according to the notches previously made on the ceiling and floor. Further additional wall It is built from plasterboard according to the instructions. On last stage A plasterboard wall can be painted, wallpapered or tiled.

Attention! All work with sprayed polyurethane foam should be carried out only in clothing specially designed for this purpose. The use of respiratory masks and gloves is mandatory.

Insulation using polyurethane foam - the best option for protection from cold residential buildings, as well as commercial premises, provided they have supply and exhaust ventilation systems.

Due to the special properties of the material, as well as technology features application, not only provides a reduction in financial and time costs for performing work, but also provides the opportunity to create the most comfortable microclimate inside insulated rooms.

Watch the video instructions for spraying polyurethane foam (PPU) with your own hands:

You can provide your home with high-quality thermal insulation different ways. One of the popular options is to insulate the house with polyurethane foam. The use of this technique will reduce the cost of paying heating bills.

It will be possible to carry out work with polyurethane foam to insulate walls on stone, wooden or brick surfaces. Modern coating interacts well with various materials, has a minimum hygroscopicity coefficient, does not crumble or deform during operation. How to properly carry out insulation work and what is needed for this is in our article.

Types of material

Manufacturers offer several types of this material. It is based on two components: polyisocyanate and polyol. By basic characteristics polyurethane foam for wall insulation is differentiated as rigid, semi-rigid, and also applied as a suspension on the prepared surface.

After insulating the walls with polyurethane foam in the form of slabs, closed cells material blocks the movement of moisture. These properties of the hard substance make it look like foam plastic or basalt wool.

The presented semi-rigid material has an open, cellular, dense structure. Thanks to these properties, it is possible to carry out insulation wooden houses polyurethane foam. Both varieties do an excellent job of sound insulation.

Depending on the circumstances, wall insulation with polyurethane foam is carried out both with outside, and from the inside. In addition to walls, it is used in the following cases:

for installation of slabs in basements or semi-basements;
when insulating floors or ceilings;
Due to the high degree of waterproofing and heat resistance, it is used to insulate foundations, underground or above-ground pipelines.

In the production of lightweight blocks, polyurethane foam granules are used. They are introduced using technology into ready solution to reduce the weight of manufactured products.

As an alternative, you can use foam to insulate the space between the walls. This method is certainly a leader in terms of insulation characteristics, but in the end it is very expensive.

Particularly popular is filling cavities or spraying polyurethane foam. The resulting result is much more durable with a high degree of efficiency.

Spray processing

Materials for the composition - liquid polymers and CO2

To prepare the composition, 2 liquid polymers are used - polyisocynate and polyol, which are mixed without air and foamed when carbon dioxide is added. It is applied to the surface or to workpieces with a special sprayer (gun). It is an excellent insulating agent because, firstly, it has excellent adhesion, and secondly, when it expands, it fills even small pores, completely eliminating even potential bridges and cold spots.

Polyurethane foam introduced in this way and hardened in the desired area, it gives any frame additional strength, does not allow moisture to penetrate the walls, protecting it from dampness.

The composition can insulate any vertical and horizontal surfaces

The price of sprayed thermal insulation with your own hands and with the help of specialists is different, but the result will be almost the same. When spraying, the constituent elements in liquid form mixed in an airless environment and under high pressure. The result obtained is dispensed onto the prepared surface using a special gun connected to the container via a hose.

A well-foamed solution forms excellent adhesion to any surface, located vertically or horizontally, without creating unwanted runoff.

The foam hardens after a short period of time, as soon as it increases several times. This process allows a specialist or homeowner, if spraying polyurethane foam is carried out with his own hands, to control the process as precisely as possible.

Carrying out work

Spraying polyurethane foam with your own hands requires special equipment. Theoretically, it can be assembled using ready-made diagrams, but there are certain nuances associated with operation. Do-it-yourself equipment for polyurethane foam requires precise settings in order to produce high-quality results. Such procedures require certain experience and practical skills in working with such installations.

The way out of this situation is to rent ready-made units and carry out insulation with polyurethane foam yourself without outside help. However, the cost may be quite high, which will make the procedure unprofitable financially.

The most accessible and accordingly effective method It turns out that the house is insulated with polyurethane foam by professionals. The costs will be repaid with high-quality and quick results.

VIDEO: New materials for wall and roof insulation

It is also practiced to purchase ready-made mats, which are pre-blown into blanks, hardened and cut into required sizes. This method cannot be called rational, since its characteristics are in no way inferior to penoplex, and the price is almost 2 times more expensive.

Specifics of the procedure

Whatever method is chosen, either do-it-yourself foam insulation or inviting outside specialists, the homeowner is obliged to understand the intricacies of the procedure;

the process of insulating polyurethane foam (as in the video above) is carried out both during the construction of the building and after its final construction;
layer can be applied to separate plot or on the entire prepared surface;
cavities can be filled through drilled technological holes.

The procedure includes the following steps:

Before applying polyurethane foam, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work by clearing the walls of old decorative or functional layers, removing plaster or old paint.
A frame is formed over the entire plane from construction profile made of metal or wooden beam. The cross-section of the beams is selected in such a way that cavities are formed inside required thickness for filling with insulation.

All beams or profiles on the surface are fixed by level and by beacons in order to level the plane, if necessary.
The cavities are foamed with polyurethane foam by spraying yourself or an invited specialist will do it. A special pistol is used in the work.

Previously, adjustment and adjustment work is carried out with the gun in order to achieve a jet output of the required intensity, forming a uniform layer.

As a rule, the process begins from the lower level, moving up the wall between the fixed beams.

Work proceeds layer by layer from bottom to top

Polyurethane foam insulation as shown in the video thin layer, which swells almost immediately, increasing its volume. It is allowed to add spraying when it is not possible to achieve required thickness the first time.
The frozen mass is trimmed construction knife to a height not exceeding the thickness of the beams. Excessive relief will interfere with the external decorative coating.

The leveled insulation can be plastered, covered with clapboard, covered brickwork. Before applying the plaster, it is necessary to cover the surface with a reinforcing mesh. She is fixed on wooden beams or metal profile.

It is strictly forbidden to leave exposed treated surfaces under sun rays for more than 3 days. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, carbon dioxide evaporates and the material loses all its properties. As soon as it hardens, it must be closed immediately. decorative panels- siding, lining, etc.

Disadvantages of PPU

Except large number positive factors, polyurethane foam has a number of disadvantages that must be taken into account when designing:

the cost of the material depends on the proportions and quality of its components; it does not belong to the budget group of insulation materials;
after applying the layer to the wall, you need to take care of protecting it from solar ultraviolet radiation;
Spraying work must be carried out with a high degree of safety, wearing protective suits and masks, since the components are aggressive chemical irritants that can quickly damage the respiratory, digestive, and vision organs.

After hardening, the material does not pose any health hazard. Even when heated, it does not emit chemically aggressive substances.

When applying the layer, it must be taken into account that when it expands, it can deform the rafter systems.

And the last thing you should not forget about. It does not pose a serious obstacle for rodents. Of course, mice don’t “love” polyurethane foam as much as polystyrene foam, but it won’t be a serious obstacle in their path.

VIDEO: How to apply it to walls yourself