A type of polymer exploited in solid or foam format, polyurethane has won the hearts of people looking for effective, durable and manageable insulation. Whether thermally or acoustically, this material brings high satisfaction. It has a positive impact on energy bills and the quality of life on a daily basis. Will this insulation really be useful for those who adopt it? Here is a summary of these properties with Caulking Elite,a company specializing in renovation, caulking doors and windows, which operates throughout Greater Montreal.
Polyurethane foam: a multifaceted insulator
Excellent for absorbing sound and vibration, reducing noise, energy and heat loss in particular, flexible and durable, polyurethane foam impresses with its many capacities. It is used in the mattress sector, the automotive industry, in the insulation of buildings, or to seal holes in electrical cables, air ducts, plumbing piping …
It also helps to combat pest infestation, by its tightness, and can slow the spread of flames under certain conditions. These properties of impermeability, thermal and sound insulation earn it a special place among modern insulating materials such as mineral wools. Caulking Elite and its team of professionals use it in particular because of its ability to cope with the rigour of Quebec winters, for caulking, window caulking,doors …
Polyurethane foam: thermal insulation
In the face of climate change induced by human activity and the constraint of preserving oneself from seasonal variations, the challenge of limiting consumption of electricity, gas and other fuels is taking on a global dimension. One of the major measures is to save energy by slowing its loss. Very adhesive and very insulating, polyurethane has a very reduced thermal conductivity in its forms of panels or foam, in the order of 0.022 W/m k. It therefore retains heat perfectly. It is thus illustrated in the caulking of the façade which can present a certain permeability to drafts.
The foam fits into all the gaps, and removes the smallest thermal bridges responsible for heat loss. Polyurethane foam works on a small or large scale to insulate large surfaces such as that of a foundation wall.
In addition, it achieves this result with a limited thickness of materials throughout the insulating system. Where 19 centimetres of expanded polystyrene or mineral wool (glass or rock) are needed, 12 centimetres of polyurethane are sufficient to obtain a thermal resistance R of 5.45 m². k/W. This equates to a noticeable saving of space, because during the wall insulation works, it ensures the inhabitants to save valuable square meters of living space.
It is convenient for old houses and small rooms in general.
At this stage, Caulking Elite also makes sure to install the appropriate sealant to defective doors and windows or damaged joints, in order to reinforce the insulating effect. The company carries out the installation of cold-cut door, low-weather door, window weatherstripping, with adfast technologies, adseal…
Sound insulation: a strong point of polyurethane foam
In addition to its honeycomb system that allows it to keep a room heated at a good temperature longer, this material also brings significant acoustic comfort to the habitat whose walls it covers. Thanks to its high impermeability, it limits the evolution of surrounding noises at the same time as the progression of humidity.
Numerous and useful features in polyurethane
Many of these packages make it easy to transport and use. It can arrive in a cylinder from the hardware store and thus allows quick insulation in case of window changes or other work. Its lightness gives it great maneuverability and reduces the need for labor to install it on surfaces.
Without overloading the structure of the building, it also ensures thermal insulation, similarly very convenient for frames that no longer need to be reinforced, it ensures flawless insulation of roofs.
It offers an optimal reaction in those parts of the habitat that withstand major mechanical stresses. Its minimum thickness therefore does not taint superior quality performance.
The panels are intended for roofs, just below, for the lining of a wall or floor (under the floor in particular). The projected foam remains very advantageous for hard-to-reach locations. It requires careful installation by skilled Professionals of Elite Caulking. These insulation workers will easily confirm the superior performance of this material on extruded polystyrene, or expanded polystyrene.
Polyurethane foam has a relatively high cost at first glance, but its durability of 40-50 years, its reduced labor cost, and a comparison of purchase prices per cubic meter tend to classify it as more economical in the long run.
It should not be exploited in any way and requires the expertise of a professional. It is also important to ensure that it is not exposed to flames directly, by adding a protective coating such as gypsum panels, plaster or suitable paint. This is mandatory to protect against its high flammability and the toxicity of the smoke that emerges from it.
At Calgeutrage Elite, we ensure the renovation and caulking of doors and windows, the repair of seals. Our team of professionals is deployed in Greater Montreal to satisfy you in diligent and efficient ways.
