Polyurethane foams – professionals ask, TYTAN answers
In this comprehensive FAQ series where we delve into the practical applications of polyurethane foams. At Tytan Professional, we’re committed to supporting our customers’ needs and ensuring they have all the necessary information to excel in their work. We’ve gathered numerous insightful questions from construction professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the polyurethane foams topic.
Whether you’re looking to improve your installation efficiency or ensure the quality of your work, we have the expert advice to help you achieve the best results.
By focusing on real-world applications, we hope to dispel any doubts and empower you in your daily construction tasks. Join us as we explore the essential tips and techniques in applying TYTAN polyurethane foams, ensuring that every professional is well-equipped to handle the challenges of modern construction.
Table of Contents
- How many windows can be installed from one can?
- Won't the foam warp or damage doors or windows?
- Do I really need water during application?
- How to clean the dirt from the foam?
- Is polyurethane foam environmentally friendly?
- Do foams always have to be transported in an upright position?
- Up to what minus temperatures can foams be applied?
- Is it possible to use a foam at minus 20? How about plus 30?
- Can the foam be stored, for example, outdoors in the car?
- How do you seal a window in a reveal wall?
- How long after applying foam to interior door frames can I remove the struts?
- How to perform airtight installation of windows in timber frame buildings?
How many windows can be installed from one can?
TYTAN replies: From one can of polyurethane foam we are able to install 6 to 8 windows of standard sizes. This, of course, depends on the width and depth of the expansion joints, the evenness of the reveal surface once the method of application. It is important that the foam is evenly distributed in the gaps to ensure adequate thermal and acoustic insulation. Polyurethane foam with a low level of post expansion allows controlled filling of expansion joints, so we can be sure that the installation will provide adequate thermal and acoustic insulation.
Won’t the foam warp or damage doors or windows?
TYTAN replies: The low-compression polyurethane foam is designed to eliminate the possible risk of warping door or window components. Thanks to its properties, it expands in a controlled and even manner, allowing it to safely fill gaps without excessive pressure on the frames. Proper surface preparation and following the manufacturer’s recommendations for foam application are also key.
Do I really need water during application?
TYTAN replies: Yes, wetting the surface before and after the application of one-component polyurethane foam is essential. Water ensures the proper course of the foam curing process, which is crucial for achieving the proper mechanical and adhesive properties of the foam. Thanks to water, the foam expands and cures faster and correctly, which allows for better filling of gaps. Wetting pu foam affects the achievement of a very good, dense and reproducible quality structure without holes and voids of the cured product. Foam that is applied dry and without wetting in ambient temperature conditions above 0°C). will not achieve a good quality structure, and thus excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
How to clean the dirt from the foam?
TYTAN replies: If the polyurethane foam is still fresh, it is best to use an acetone-based TYTAN cleaner, which will quickly and effectively remove the dirt. Gently apply the agent to the soiled surface and wipe it off with a clean cloth. If the foam has already hardened, it will be necessary to remove the dirt mechanically or use TYTAN cured foam cleaner. Cured polyurethane foam has very good adhesion to many building surfaces therefore it is more difficult to remove. For this reason, it is always a good idea to be careful during application to avoid accidental contamination. On the other hand, when removing the cured foam pu proceed gently so as not to damage the surface of the substrate on which it is located.
Is polyurethane foam environmentally friendly?
TYTAN replies: Our polyurethane foams are designed with minimal environmental impact in mind. We use technology that significantly reduces emissions of harmful substances (during product application and use), such as isocyanates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We use raw materials with a reduced carbon footprint and from renewable sources. Our polyurethane foams have a reduced carbon footprint compared to generic data. This makes our products safer for users as well as the environment.
Do foams always have to be transported in an upright position?
TYTAN replies: Yes, installation foams should be transported vertically with the valve up. Although modern foams are more resistant to damage, transporting vertically prevents damage to the valve and ensures that the foam works properly during application. Transporting cans vertically minimizes the risk of foam leakage and ensures that the pressure inside the can remains stable. This is especially important for longer transports or when foams are transported at varying temperatures.
Up to what minus temperatures can foams be applied?
TYTAN replies: Polyurethan foams have specific temperature ranges in which they can be used. Standard foams are designed for application at temperatures between +5°C and +30°C. However, we also have special winter foams that can be used even at temperatures as low as -10°C, and some as low as -20°C. When applying foam at low temperatures, it is extremely important that the can be stored in a warmer place before use. Ideally, it should be at room temperature. This allows the foam to expand properly and fill the gaps evenly. At high temperatures, above +30°C, there are also special foams that perform better. It is important to avoid applying foam directly to heated surfaces, as this can lead to too rapid curing and uneven expansion.
STANDARD FOAMS
They are designed for application at temperatures from +5°C to +30°C.
An example of such a product is:
STD Multi-Season Installation Foam: //tytan.com/sk/product/polyurethane-foam/std-all-season-pu-foam-ergo-2/
WINTER FOAMS
Can be used in temperatures as low as -10°C, and some as low as -20°C.
Here are some of them:
65 Winter Gun Foam: //tytan.com/sk/product/polyurethane-foam/low-expansion-65-winter-gun-pu-foam/
GUN Foam Winter: //tytan.com/sk/product/polyurethane-foam/gun-winter-polyurethane-foam/
SUMMER FOAMS
They perform better at temperatures of +30°C, which means you can boldly use them in the summer. But beware: it’s about the temperature of the air, not the temperature of the can.
Here are some of them:
ULTRA FAST 70 Rapid Gun Foam: //tytan.com/sk/product/polyurethane-foam/ultra-fast-70/
LOW-EX GREEN Low Compression Gun Foam: //tytan.com/sk/product/polyurethane-foam/low-ex-green/
Is it possible to use a foam at minus 20? How about plus 30?
TYTAN replies: At high temperatures, above +30°C, it is important to avoid applying foam directly to heated surfaces, as this can lead to too rapid curing and uneven expansion.
On the other hand, when applying foam in cold weather, it is important that the can is stored in a warmer place before use. Ideally, it should be at room temperature. This allows the foam to expand properly and fill the gaps evenly.
Can the foam be stored, for example, outdoors in the car?
Titan replies: Storing foams at extremely low temperatures can adversely affect their application properties. If the foam is exposed to freezing temperatures, it can cause uneven distribution, prolonged curing time, the appearance of a transient crumbling effect and a reduction in the quality of the structure of the cured pu foam. On the other hand, when storing mounting foam at high temperatures, such as in a car standing in the sun, one should be especially careful. High temperatures can increase the pressure in the can, which can lead to can damage, foam leakage and even explosion. It is recommended to avoid storing foam in areas exposed to direct sunlight. Always try to store cans in the shade or in places with moderate temperatures. Before applying the foam in high temperatures, make sure that the can was stored under proper conditions. The maximum storage temperature of pu foams is +30° C. In addition, pu foams at a storage temperature of +40° C and above undergo irreversible changes in product properties, their technical parameters and shorten the product’s useful life.
How do you seal a window in a reveal wall?
TYTAN replies: When sealing a window in a wall with a reveal, we must first make sure that the surfaces are clean and dry. Then,we install the appropriate expansion tape from the outside. This is an important part of the sealing, which provides an excellent seal against the effects of precipitation and high resistance to UV radiation. The outer tape also provides high vapor permeability for the sealed expansion joint. The next step will be to embed the window in the prepared opening (carry out mechanical installation) and perform sealing with polyurethane foam on the inside in several working cycles. Both before and after the completed application of pu foam, the surface should be moistened with water mist in conditions above 0°C. The excellent properties of low-pressure pu foam TYTAN ensure adequate thermal and acoustic insulation of the joint and protect the joinery from possible deformation of the elements. Once the pu foam is fully cured, cut off the excess and proceed to the insulation on the inside of the expansion joint. The coating should ensure an adequate level of vapor tightness and air-tightness. Such execution of sealing guarantees the provision of a dry and tight joint with appropriate properties and technical parameters.
How long after applying foam to interior door frames can I remove the struts?
TYTAN replies: The struts should be left in place until the installation foam is fully cured. Under normal atmospheric conditions, low-pressure foam cures within 24 hours. It is important to ensure that the foam is fully cured before removing the struts to ensure stability and proper seating of the door frame. Foam curing time can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In some cases, in cooler or more humid conditions, it may be necessary to leave the struts in place longer.
How to perform airtight installation of windows in timber frame buildings?
TYTAN replies: To perform airtight installation of windows in timber-frame buildings, it is necessary to use appropriate sealing tapes and TYTAN FLEX polyurethane foam designed for this purpose, which has high elasticity and low post expansion. Vapor-permeable tapes are used on the interior side to prevent moisture penetration from the interior of the room into the insulation layer. Vapor-permeable tapes are used on the outside to allow moisture to escape to the outside. The sealing process begins with filling the expansion gaps between the joinery frame and the surface of the wooden structure. For this task we use TYTAN FLEX polyurethane foam. It is important that the foam is evenly distributed, which provides adequate thermal and acoustic insulation. After the foam has hardened, cut off the excess with a special TYTAN knife and make a seal – covering the pu foam from the inside with TYTAN WINS liquid interior film. Importantly, the freshly applied film is blue in color, while after curing it will turn anthracite. From the outside, use a special TYTAN WINS liquid film in white.
