Polyurethane is a resilient, flexible and durable material that can take the place of paint, cotton, rubber, metal, and wood in thousands of applications. Polyurethane is a closed-cell foam insulation material that contains a low-conductivity gas in its cells. Polyurethane is categorized as a polymer based on its chemical structure. Polyurethane insulation is available in spray foam and in rigid foam board. Polyurethane can be made into laminated insulation panels. Polyurethane is a readily available insulation material mainly used in residential construction.

Polyurethane Insulation - Features

Polyurethane can be a hard material like fiberglass, squishy like upholstery foam, protective like varnish, bouncy like rubber wheels, or sticky like glue. Polyurethane Insulation has the highest R-value per thickness of any readily available insulation material used in residential construction. Polyurethane has elastic properties so has been categorized as elastomers. These are used to form cushions in upholstery. The polyurethane is also known as thermoplastic as it is rigid and smooth with a sealed surface impermeable to water. It seals surfaces like wood, metal, and paint to protect them from rot, corrosion, or fading. As an adhesive, polyurethane resists moisture and heat, so it's ideal for use in the sun or ocean. It insulates walls, temperature-controlled vehicles, and consumer coolers.

Liquid Or Spray Foam Polyurethane Insulation

Sprayed polyurethane insulation are usually cheaper than installing foam boards. Liquid foam insulation materials can be sprayed, injected or poured. Closed-cell polyurethane foam insulation is made with a non-CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) gas. The density for the closed-cell polyurethane is 32 kg per cubic meter. There is also low-density open-cell polyurethane foam. These foams are more flexible. Some low-density varieties use carbon dioxide as the foaming agent. The spray-foams are sprayed into open wall cavities and they expand rapidly to seal and fill the cavity. The liquid foam expands very slowly and thus reduces the chance of damaging the wall from over expansion. The foam is water vapor permeable and is fire resistant and won't sustain a flame.

Rigid Polyurethane Foam Board Insulation

Tests suggest that the R-value of rigid foam with metal foil remains unchanged even after 10 years. When installed accurately and correctly the reflective foil on rigid polyurethane foam board acts as a radiant barrier.

The right foam insulation can save money and it protects the building from the heat of summer and the cold of winter. The wrong kind of installation can mean your insulation leaves gaps or the depth and the insulation is ineffective.