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» Drying time of the mounting foam on the door. How long does it take for polyurethane foam to harden? Drying time of polyurethane foam. Properties of foam for installation work - let's try to understand in detail

Drying time of the mounting foam on the door. How long does it take for polyurethane foam to harden? Drying time of polyurethane foam. Properties of foam for installation work - let's try to understand in detail

≡ July 18, 2017 · Category: Finishing work

In reality, the question "How long does it take for foam to dry? installation work" is absolutely incorrect! The secret of changing the prepolymer into dense artificial latex is how advantageously it gets wet. In fact, the speed of “drying” of the foam depends on moisture. Let’s try to figure it out in detail.

1 Magnification rate is the main parameter

The value of this building material largely depends on its ability to increase repeatedly. Homemade foam can increase up to 60% of the original volume; highly professional compositions have a much higher coefficient - up to 300%. And the same foam in different conditions may not increase in the same way. The prepolymer is affected by temperature, air humidity, type of application, and the rate of foam release from the container. And different professionals in the same room may have different results. On the packaging, manufacturers indicate the largest yield of polymer material, but there is no need to look at it strictly.

The increase in prepolymer in the procedure of exiting the balloon and hardening is divided into 2 types: primary and secondary. The primary is the increase immediately after leaving the balloon, the secondary continues until the end of the process of changing the polymer material. The secondary increase in high-quality materials can reach 30%, which cannot be avoided when using them. In most cases, it is enough to fill the gap by one-third so that in the end it is completely filled with artificial latex.

In addition to expansion, artificial latex can also shrink, although for high-quality products this shrinkage is rarely 5%. If you observe large shrinkage, unfortunately, you have come across a very low-quality polyurethane. In this case, even a mass rupture may occur, which in turn will entail a lot of other problems. Any professional selects foam according to needs. For some, the main thing is a huge increase, in these cases Makroflex, Penosil GoldGun, Moment, Macrosil are suitable, with window installation It is advisable to use Tytan - it provides suitable magnification and hardens quickly.

2 Properties of foam for installation work - let’s try to figure it out in detail!

This sealant began to be used in the construction industry not so long ago, but in this short time, artificial latex has actually completely supplanted its former rivals. It is easy to apply, inexpensive, lasts for decades, and has sound and heat insulating properties. Very often it is used to seal gaps between the door opening and the door frame during its installation, and also during window installation.

As the sealant expands, it fills all the voids, firmly “glues” the surfaces together, and when it hardens, the polymer material attaches to the door frame or window. The foam is not afraid of precipitation and cold, it does not let electricity and is not afraid of fungus and mold. There is only one minus - the fear of ultraviolet radiation, however, very often the material is applied at the roughing step, which is then hidden under a decorative plaster layer.

Anyone who encounters such material very often begins to look at these parameters, such as:

  • Porosity of artificial latex. The smaller the pores, the more preferable - less plaster consumption and stronger structure of the material. The more closed pores on the surface, the material is of good quality - it will firmly conserve heat in the middle of the house.
  • Volume of foam for installation work. We are talking about the volume of the polymer material after it has hardened. It must be remembered that manufacturers indicate the volume based on typical climate conditions: above-zero temperatures, high humidity. IN winter time the volume of finished foam from a cylinder of the same company may be half as much, and the company has nothing to do with it - low temperature and low air humidity are to blame. It is also necessary to remember that the yield of material from a cylinder used with mounting gun, in most cases, more than from the option with a ready-made adapter, because manufacturers pump more gas into highly professional cylinders. It is a fact that in household cylinders most often the gas runs out before the material does, and this is wasted money. Classically, cylinders have a capacity of 300 ml, 500 ml and 750 ml. A 300-ml bottle contains about 30 liters of foam, which is enough to close a gap of up to five centimeters between one door frame and the door opening. If the gap is larger, it is proposed to save on making the gap width smaller by using a layer of expanded polystyrene or other material of this type. The foam yield from a 500 ml container is up to 40 liters, and from a 750 ml container – up to 50 liters. One 750 ml can is enough to finish 2 standard door frames.
  • Material adhesion. The very concept of “adhesion” means the ability of one material to stick to another. In the case of mounting foam, the adhesion of the material is quite strong to virtually any surface, not counting cellophane, polymer ethylene and Teflon. Due to its high adhesion rates, this sealant is often used as an adhesive, especially when gluing plastic eurolining or expanded polystyrene. Rest assured, after the binder has completely hardened, the panels can only be torn off with “meat.” Greater adhesion allows you to seal even large gaps by applying the polymer material in several layers. However, in these cases there is no need to save on material - foam Bad quality clings to the surface worse, falls down, and costs more. Simply put, it is better to buy the cylinder that is more expensive.
  • The quality of the cylinder. Both the design and quality of the cylinder can have an impact on the bottom line. First of all, good products are equipped with reliable valves that easily return to their original position after pressing, closing the access of air and the exit of gas. By the way, by looking at the cylinders you can actually determine what you are dealing with - good material or an inexpensive fake. In a store to compare, take two cylinders - if the contents are different in quality, then you will feel it. The best cylinder will be heavier; when moving, you will feel how the contents slowly roll from side to side. In an inexpensive container, the prepolymer will hang around like sour yogurt.

3 How long does foam dry for installation work - looking for the correct answer

As you already know, foam for installation work is a rather complex material and has a lot of invisible aspects. As is the case with the increase rate, which depends on most factors, it is very difficult to give the answer “How long does it take for installation foam to harden?” First of all, it depends on the moisture itself.

Water is involved in the polymerization procedure of the prepolymer; moreover, the foam has very high adhesion to wet surfaces, which is why it is recommended to wet the cracks and openings with water before applying the foam.

If the humidity is normal, then 3 hours will be enough for a five-centimeter layer to harden, after which you can cut off the protruding pieces of artificial latex and apply plaster. The final polymerization will take much longer - from 7 to 12 hours. If the weather is cold and dry, the process may take a day. Actually, this time will be the final solution to the question “How long does it take for the foam to “dry” for installation work.” In any case, if you have time, do not rush, wait until everything hardens properly.

To speed up the hardening process, sometimes spray the material or moisten it in any way that is comfortable for you. Do not forget that polymer materials are afraid of the sun's rays, so as soon as possible, protect the foam for installation work - paint or plaster the surface that comes into contact with ultraviolet radiation. The plastering process in most cases is similar to foam plastering.

tooran.com.ua

How long does it take on average for polyurethane foam to dry?

What is polyurethane foam? Polyurethane foam is a sealant with polyurethane foam filler. It consists of two main components - polyol and isocyanate. A polyol is nothing other than an aromatic diisocyanate, better known as methylene diphenyl diisocyanate.

Characteristics of polyurethane foam

Many craftsmen ask the question: “how long does polyurethane foam dry?” Before answering this question, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with its characteristics in detail.

The characteristics of polyurethane foam are:

  • 1. Volume of foam output. It is measured in the amount of expansion and release of polymer-containing raw materials per container. Measured in liters. Highly temperature dependent outer surface spray can, humidity, wind.
  • 2.Adhesion. This is a term denoting adhesion to various types and options of building surfaces. With this, the polyurethane foam is in complete order. But there are also exceptions. These are polyethylene, silicone, ice, Teflon, surfaces that are not free from an oil film.
  • 3. Viscosity. The result that you get during use, its quality largely depends on this characteristic of the working substance. Viscosity is affected by factors of increased or decreased temperature. At temperatures below 5+ degrees Celsius or above 30+, the polyurethane foam may begin to lose the desired consistency of the working mixture, which will have an extremely adverse effect on the result obtained in the future.

Properties of polyurethane foam

Due to its excellent characteristics, polyurethane foam has the following properties.

Installation properties – used during installation metal-plastic windows, installation of doors, attachment and connection of structures of various types.

Soundproofing properties - polyurethane foam retains and does not transmit sound waves of both the lower and high-frequency spectrum.

Thermal insulation properties - excellently retains heat inside the room in winter and prevents heat from outside from leaking into the house in summer. Model workshop

Sealing properties

Polyurethane foam, expanding during use, is capable of filling any cavities, joints that are inaccessible when using any other similar product.

Polyurethane foam is a self-hardening material, which is incredibly convenient for builders. Working with it is easy and simple precisely because of this property. Before the widespread use of polyurethane foam, its place was taken by materials such as cement and tow.

In the case of cement, you first had to mix it with water, make sure that the resulting solution reached a strictly defined consistency, then mix it evenly with tow. In the case of polyurethane foam, it is enough to go to the store and buy a cylinder. As you can see, everything is much more convenient.

And most importantly, polyurethane foam is a very versatile tool in the hands of a master; its uses can be counted in thousands of options.

Spray foam separation

Polyurethane foam can be divided according to the composition of the mixture into one-component and two-component. There is a separation of foam and temperature, which puts certain restrictions on its use. The temperature division is as follows - there is summer polyurethane foam, winter foam, and the most comfortable, all-season foam. Some divide the polyurethane foam according to the method of release from a special can. Foam with a pistol method is called professional; when foam is released from an adapter tube, the foam is called household.

Requirements for polyurethane foam

  • 1. Polyurethane foam must adhere perfectly to any surfaces without running off them.
  • 2. Shrink to a moderate size (will not shrink much from its original volume after complete drying).
  • 3.Have excellent elasticity.
  • 4. Crushing of frozen foam is unacceptable (especially important at low temperatures).
  • 5. If the cylinder contains 750 grams of working substance, its weight should not exceed 850-900 grams.

Hardening time of polyurethane foam

So, how long does it take for polyurethane foam to dry? The hardening time of high-quality polyurethane foam is 8 hours.

Video: Features of polyurethane foam

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metall-str.com

How long does it take for polyurethane foam to harden? They foamed the door frame. How soon can the door be opened?

It's all written on the can. 24 hours approximately.

24 hours.... depending on how much they blew :-)))

In general, it should be written on the cylinder. On average, the foam itself hardens in about 6 hours. This time directly depends on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air. But it’s better to wait a day.

You may not be able to open it if you haven’t installed a mounting spacer while the foam dries! And the door can be opened immediately, it has nothing to do with foam! The door frame is attached to the wall with anchors, screws, etc. etc... after that the gaps between the box and the wall are filled with foam. It's just a marriage on foam!

spacers are required, it dries in almost 4 hours, but it is better to add fastening in addition to polyurethane foam

We opened the window for a trial, so after 6 hours

Usually they write on a spray can. The time varies greatly depending on temperature, humidity and the gap left on the foam. To remove excess: from 2 to 12 hours. If you moisten it well before blowing, then when room temperature The foam inflates to its full volume in 2 hours and 2 hours to dry. With small flows, the door can be operated after 5-6 hours, maximum 12, if conditions vary significantly from the norm. The increase in volume occurs due to reaction with moisture.

The door can be opened after 2 hours.

open right away

Cut off the excess and if the foam inside has dried, you can open it, even if there is no additional fastener.

touch.otvet.mail.ru

Makroflex polyurethane foam: product series, consumer reviews

Macroflex polyurethane foam appeared on construction market a long time ago. The trademark was registered in 1978. Over a long period of existence, one-component polyurethane sealant has been improved, new products appeared on the market, and old ones disappeared.

Both professionals and home craftsmen were able to evaluate the advantages and study the disadvantages of foam.

Macroflex polyurethane foam: product lines

The main component of Makroflex polyurethane foam is polyurethane. Additional elements in different proportions allowed manufacturers to create different product lines.

1. Standard polyurethane foam.

A household version of polyurethane sealant in bottles with an applicator. There is a summer standard foam and a winter one.

2. Makroflex Pro mounting foam.

One-component sealants for professionals. To use them you need a pistol. There is a summer version and a winter version – Makroflex Pro Winter polyurethane foam.

3. Mounting sealant Macroflex Premium.

It is distinguished by a higher liquid yield from the cylinder (by approximately 10%; for Premium Mega - by 40%) and an improved composition. This series of sealants is intended for professionals working with pistols. After hardening, the density of Makroflex polyurethane foam remains unchanged. Therefore, the products in this line are ideal for installing windows and doors.

Minimum temperature applying the winter Premium option - -15 degrees. All foams in the series have low pressure during hardening, which makes it possible to dose the sealant more accurately.

4. Special foams Macroflex.

This line includes all-season and fireproof sealants. Macroflex 2×2 is an all-season option. Macroflex FR 77 – fire-resistant foam. Classified according to EN 13501-2:2005 and EN 13 501/1; in accordance with the DIN 4105 standard it has class B1. Macroflex Sibirskaya is a product for the harsh conditions of northern latitudes.

The designations on the cylinders “65” and “70” indicate increased foam yield.

Foam Macroflex: technical information

1. Fresh polyurethane foam has a slight specific smell. Cured polyurethane foam does not smell.

2. Primary hardening time (formation of a film on the surface of the foam) is five to ten minutes. This is at an air temperature of 20 degrees; humidity – 50 percent.

3. Complete curing time - from one hour to eighteen hours. How long the Macroflex polyurethane foam dries depends on air humidity. At a humidity of 93% - about an hour, 15% - about a day.

4. Secondary expansion indicator. The smaller it is, the better.

For standard Macroflex foam - about 150%.

For Makroflex Pro - about 80% (for Makroflex Pro 65), about 40% (for Makroflex Pro).

For Premium foam – about 40%.

For an all-season product – 50-100%.

For “Siberian” sealant – about 80%.

5. The amount of pressure during expansion.

If it is high, the sealant can deform the building structure. The lower the pressure, the more comfortable it is to work with foam. Professional Makroflex polyurethane foams have low pressure during expansion.

6. Standard and household options can be cut in 45-50 minutes. Pro products – in 35-40 minutes. Macroflex Premium – in 25-30 minutes.

7. For all Macroflex mounting foams, the shrinkage value does not exceed 5%.

Of the positive qualities of this foam trademark consumers note:

  • good adhesion to various building materials;
  • high level of noise and sound insulation;
  • durability and strength;
  • homogeneity of structure;
  • low degree of shrinkage;
  • significant primary expansion.

Among the disadvantages are:

  • high cost;
  • significant primary expansion (some craftsmen find it inconvenient to work, since it is difficult to calculate the optimal volume of filling the gap with foam).

stroy-king.ru

How long does it take for foam to dry | Construction portal

In this article we will consider two questions:

How long does foam dry? - Where and for what is polyurethane foam used?

Answering the first question, we can say that the drying time of the polyurethane foam will depend on the ambient temperature. If the air humidity is high enough, the drying speed can last only 4 hours. However, all builders recommend leaving the foam untouched for 24 hours.

Also take a close look at the cylinder. It will tell you how many hours you need to wait for the foam to dry.

Where and for what is polyurethane foam used?

Polyurethane foam appeared relatively recently and has become widespread. And indeed this material is very convenient, quick to use and has a number of advantages, which we will talk about later.

Polyurethane foam is put on a construction gun and applied to the place of use, where it successfully hardens.

Advantages of polyurethane foam and its properties:

Sound insulation.- Sealing.- Thermal insulation.- Connects and holds together.- Penetrates into almost all cracks and cavities.- Fills all empty space and is self-hardening.

Disadvantage of polyurethane foam:

Polyurethane foam is not used and is not bonded together with silicone or polyethylene.

Foam has replaced traditional materials such as bitumen, cork, cement and many others. This material is also considered universal, as it is capable of fastening and gluing incompatible surfaces in terms of properties and textures. Dried foam is an excellent insulator and does not conduct electricity.

Application of polyurethane foam:

Gluing. This material is suitable for fastening balconies, doors and window openings. Can also be used for fastening insulating materials. - Sealing. You can insulate the room by sealing any cracks. - Sound insulation. Any holes can be sealed with a short time.

Another small drawback of polyurethane foam temperature conditions. It is recommended to use it at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees Celsius.

Video: How long does it take for foam to dry?

hrw.ru

Please tell me, when installing plastic windows, the installation seams are sealed with foam. After what time does the foam begin to appear in them?

depends on the exposure environment, respectively, the more negative factors influences, such as cold, sun, the faster it collapses

Don't worry, before lunch. So it's still being destroyed. But what about the 20 year guarantee?

She doesn't start to destroy. It swells to the limit within 24 hours, then it needs to be carefully cut off and puttied. Both from the inside and from outside

Foam is destroyed only when it gets hit sun rays. So I didn’t detect it until the summer, it will stay idle - The question is unclear

what 2 hours! complete crap, just foam after installation, after 24 hours you need to cut it off and immediately close it either with slopes, platbands, etc., etc., because firstly, cut foam releases potassium cyanide in small quantities, but still, and secondly, under the influence sunlight it begins to collapse.

this foam needs to be sealed. on the outside with a special mixture that includes alibastra (professionals know) and on the outside you need to seal it LOVE from the sun, it will dry out and the wind will blow it out, and on the inside, too, but with putty. in this mode it will stand for 10 years without any intervention, and it is also afraid of moisture.

If you asked about it hardening, then two hours and you can work with it. And if it collapses, then even the foam for exterior use still collapses. It needs to be sealed with a slope once, and then forget about it. And no matter what you put on it, it will still collapse. If the external slopes are located so that it is impossible to reach from the room, then in this case the work can still be done.

Foam doesn’t break down for shit, you just need to look at what temperature the foam is intended for, for external work you need to use foam, my brother has had foam for five years, and the sun and frost, it doesn’t take anything, it just darkened, if it were destroyed, it wouldn’t be used in production in such quantities as now!

We installed the windows and laid the slopes in one day, all the seams were filled with something white, and then we painted, and the inside plastic slopes everything is closed, the foam does not see the light, and therefore does not collapse. I’ve had it at my dacha for 7 years now and it’s been spoiling in the sun. For now it’s just yellow, but signs of destruction have already appeared. so don't wait long, putty

touch.otvet.mail.ru

How to use polyurethane foam: the main nuances when working with it

Everyone knows that in modern world Polyurethane foam is used in almost all types of repair and construction work where its properties are required. This building material is used for installing doors, windows, window sills; sandwich panels and all kinds of insulation for pipelines are made from polyurethane foam; it is widely used for insulating large containers, such as water heating tanks, bathtubs, etc. similar products. The main advantage of this building material is its ease of use, which we will talk about on the pages of the site stroisovety.org. In addition, we will also answer questions about how to use polyurethane foam, what types of foam are there and how to choose it correctly?


How to use polyurethane foam photo

How to use polyurethane foam: what to choose, professional or household material

To date modern industry produces three main types of polyurethane foam - professional and household cylinders. There is also the so-called two-component polyurethane foam, which we will not consider in this article for one simple reason - it is used exclusively for production purposes. What is the difference between professional and household polyurethane foam? Which one should you prefer?

The answer to this question lies in the plane of your activity. If, due to the specifics of your work, you are faced with its use every day, then you undoubtedly need to opt for professional version polyurethane sealant. Professional polyurethane foam has one significant advantage - thanks to the gun used for its use, the yield of foam from one cylinder is much greater. Thanks to the same tool, a can of professional polyurethane foam can be used for a long time, and it will not dry out. Unlike professional foam, household polyurethane foam is intended exclusively for one-time use - the remains of this material will certainly dry out in the container after just a day.

In addition, when identifying the differences between household and professional foam, you should also pay attention to the characteristics of this building material - the density of the foam in professional cylinders is much higher, and their filling is also greater. The only thing in which household polyurethane foam is superior to professional foam is cost, as well as the absence of the need to use a foam gun for work, which, by the way, is also not cheap.


Gun for mounting foam photo

Now about the quality. As a rule, construction foam sold today can have different quality, which is quite difficult to assess by the type of cylinder. In principle, you can focus on price, or you can resort to the experience and observation of professionals. The fact is that all the qualities of polyurethane foam can be determined, as they say, offhand: by the weight of the container and how its contents behave when slightly shaken.

A high-quality foam container is heavier, and when shaken, its contents roll heavily from one end of the container to the other. You need to feel it - just take and compare two cylinders of the same volume, but different in price. Believe me, the difference will be noticeable immediately.


Construction foam: how to work with it

It is customary to write instructions point by point - this is how we will answer the question of how to use polyurethane foam correctly.

  • It doesn’t matter what kind of foam bottle you purchased (professional or household), the first thing you need to do is heat it up in hot water and shake well. This is necessary in order to mix the gas and liquid component of the foam, thus increasing the yield of foam from one cylinder.
  • Next, we screw the tube that comes with it onto the household cylinder, and install the professional one on the gun.

How to use polyurethane foam correctly photo

  • Now about the surface on which it is planned to apply polyurethane foam. Firstly, it must be cleaned of dust and dirt. Secondly, moisten thoroughly with water. The fact is that the polymerization process of polyurethane sealant is much better when high humidity. In addition, polyurethane foam adheres better to a surface moistened with water, which is by no means unimportant when blowing out large cracks - the foam does not fall out of them, as happens when working with dry surfaces.
  • At this step, we’ll talk directly about the process of applying polyurethane foam. There is nothing complicated here - the only thing you have to do is get used to measuring the amount of foam coming out of the container. In this regard, it is much easier to work with a professional foam cylinder and gun - the dosage of foam output is carried out by a special valve. In household cylinders, this process has to be regulated by pressing force on the cylinder valve. And one more nuance - during the foaming process, the cylinder must be kept with the valve down.

Polyurethane foam: instructions for use

  • After this, wait until the foam hardens. How long does it take for polyurethane foam to dry? As a rule, complete polymerization of this building material occurs within 6–8 hours. So, at least, the manufacturer claims, but in practice the situation is a little different - the hardening time of the foam depends on its volume and can reach up to 12 hours.
  • When the foam hardens, its excess is cut off with a sharp knife or metal file.
  • Polyurethane foam is a material sensitive to ultraviolet rays - it is destroyed under their influence, changes color and crumbles. If we are talking about using polyurethane sealant outdoors, then after drying and removing excess, the foam must be covered with cement mortar.

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    There are a number of factors that influence how long it takes polyurethane foam to dry. Polymerization or in simple language The hardening time of the foam is completely dependent on moisture. Water catalyzes this process, resulting in a certain pattern: the more the material gets wet, the faster it hardens.

    Polyurethane foam is valued primarily for its ability to expand after application to the surface. Moreover, the volume of this material increases several times.

    Conventional household sealants increase in volume by up to 60%. Professional compositions differing high quality, have a coefficient of more than 250%.

    Foam for household (with applicator) and professional use

    Has the same composition different coefficient expansion under the influence of various conditions.

    These conditions include:

    • Temperature indicator;
    • Method of application;
    • Air humidity level;
    • The speed at which a substance leaves a container.

    Although manufacturers include volume information on the label (final volume after expansion), do not rely too much on this data.

    Expansion of the substance occurs when the sealant leaves the container and hardens.

    Conventionally, this process is divided into two stages:

    1. Primary expansion - occurs when the material is applied.
    2. Secondary expansion – carried out until the conversion time is completed. For high-quality materials at this stage, the expansion coefficient is 30%, which is taken into account when working. More often than not, filling the space by a third is enough. As a result, the material, after expansion, will fill the gap completely.

    The foam shrinks. When choosing high-quality material, you don’t have to worry that it will cause problems , since shrinkage in this case is a rare event. The coefficient is 5% and shrinkage is difficult to notice with the naked eye. If this is visible, then the polyurethane is of low quality.

    Using foam when installing doors

    Features of polyurethane material

    Polyurethane foam is widely used in construction. Due to the expansion of the material, voids are filled and surfaces are glued together.

    Use applies to:

    • Installation of window and door designs;
    • Sealing of elements of communication systems;
    • Insulation of premises;
    • Filling hidden voids and defects on various surfaces, etc.

    Foam is vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the material is applied at the roughing stage. Subsequently, the cracks are closed with finishing materials.

    In addition to the expansion coefficient, there are other parameters that you pay attention to when choosing a material.

    Main characteristics:

    • Structure – a high-quality product is characterized by small cells and a large number of closed pores on the surface;
    • Final volume - the volume of foam after its drying time has completed. Some sealants with a 0.75 liter container volume can provide up to 60 liters of final volume;
    • Adhesiveness is the ability of a sealant to provide good adhesion to the surfaces to which it is applied. The exception is Teflon, cellophane, polyethylene - they do not lend themselves to good gluing with foam;
    • Cylinder design - high-quality containers are equipped with a reliable valve; the material must move slowly while the cylinder is moving.

    The result of applying different sealants

    Principle of material polymerization

    Water plays a major role in the curing of the sealant. When exposed to moisture, the level of adhesion increases, so experts recommend moistening the openings and crevices with water before applying the sealant.

    At normal humidity, a layer of foam five centimeters thick can dry within three hours. After this, a correction is made. All protruding and sloppy parts of the sealant are cut off and plastering is performed.

    Completion of polymerization occurs after 12 hours, sometimes less. The influence of frost and dry weather conditions increases the curing time, which can last an additional 24 hours. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is better to postpone further work until the sealant hardens.

    What else can you learn about polyurethane foam:

    There are ways to speed up polymerization. It is enough to moisten the surface of the sealant with improvised means or spray it with water from a spray bottle. To protect the material from the sun, the filled areas are covered with a layer of plaster or painted over (only those areas that receive sunlight).

    In contact with

    How long the polyurethane foam takes to dry is influenced by many factors, ranging from the quality and composition of the sealant used, to the temperature and humidity of the environment. All these characteristics must be taken into account for reliable sealing of cracks and openings.

    What is the coefficient of expansion of sealant

    The main value of polyurethane foam lies in its ability to expand quickly and repeatedly. Household types sealants are able to increase their volume by 60% of the original state, while professional compositions, which have a significantly better expansion coefficient, can increase by 2-3 times. The ability to increase in size depends not only on the composition and quality of the material, but also on the conditions in which it is used. The coefficient of expansion of the polymer is affected by temperature, ambient humidity, the rate of release of the composition from the container, and even the method of application to the surface to be treated.

    The maximum possible volume of foam output is always indicated on the cylinders, but such results can only be achieved under ideal conditions, so you should not trust the manufacturers’ statements 100%.

    The entire procedure for expanding the prepolymer is divided into two stages. Primary expansion occurs immediately after the material exits the balloon. Secondary expansion lasts until the final hardening of the composition and its transformation into a polymer. The material acquires the greatest volume at the first stage, however, it is not recommended to ignore secondary expansion; at this stage, the foam can acquire up to 30% of the maximum volume.

    Polyurethane foam can not only expand, but also shrink after leaving the container. For the good ones building materials The shrinkage value rarely exceeds 5%, that is, strong shrinkage may indicate low quality. Significant shrinkage of the foam often leads to rupture of the polymer mass, which in turn can cause additional problems.

    How to find a high-quality composition - look at volume, adhesion and packaging

    Foam for sealing cracks began to be used relatively recently, but in just a few years this material has gained enormous popularity among professional builders and home craftsmen. It is easy to work with, it has high-quality heat and sound insulation characteristics, and is also inexpensive. After applying the prepolymer, it expands greatly and fills the surrounding voids, thanks to which it can be used to secure door and window frames in walls, as well as for sealing any other cracks and openings.


    The polymer is not afraid of low temperatures and precipitation, does not transmit electric current, and is not harmed by mold and mildew. The only thing that can harm the performance of hardened polyurethane foam is ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, it is recommended to close the sealant when using it outdoors. facing materials. Among the most important characteristics of a polymer, one can note its porosity. For work, we recommend choosing compositions with minimal porosity - the smaller the pores, the stronger the material and the less its consumption during repairs.

    On the cylinders you can also find such a characteristic as volume - this is an indicator after hardening. Manufacturers indicate volumes for hardening under standard conditions at positive temperatures and high ambient humidity. During the cold season, it is not possible to obtain the specified volume of material from the cylinder. The volume of even the highest quality foam at sub-zero temperatures can be halved.

    A very valuable characteristic of any sealant is its adhesion, or ability to bond to surfaces. A high-quality sealant must have good characteristics adhesion to any materials. Problems with adhesion can only arise if it is necessary to secure cellophane, polyethylene or Teflon.

    The quality of the building material is also affected by its packaging itself - the cylinder. Good cylinders have reliable and durable valves that effectively prevent air from entering the cylinder and excessive gas escaping. By looking at the packaging, you can often easily distinguish high-quality polyurethane foam from low-quality ones. A high-quality container is heavy and when you turn it over, you can feel the contents slowly rolling around inside.

    How long does polyurethane foam dry - the exact polymerization time

    Polyurethane foam is a complex material, the quality and characteristics of which depend on many external factors. Polyurethane foam hardens under the influence of its individual parameters and environmental conditions. Humidity has the greatest influence on the rate of polymer hardening. The polymerization procedure directly depends on water, therefore, at high humidity, the rate of hardening of the composition increases, and the quality of adhesion to wet surfaces also increases. Experts recommend moistening cracks and openings with water before sealing them.


    At high humidity parameters, the hardening time of a five-centimeter layer of prepolymer will be no more than three hours, but after this the polymer will continue to gain hardness over the next 6-9 hours. At sub-zero temperatures, this procedure will last much longer – up to 24 hours. Construction professionals do not recommend rushing into the final finishing of foamed cracks and openings. It is best to give the sealant time to develop maximum strength. In summer - up to 24 hours for hardening, and in winter - up to 36 hours. To speed up the procedure, the material can be periodically sprayed or moistened by any other means. The main thing to remember is that the polymer is afraid of sunlight.

    Which sealant to choose - analysis of the modern market

    The key to successful renovation is the use of the highest quality, reliable building materials. To professionally seal seams and cracks, choose sealants that have the best technical and performance characteristics.

    Among all the brands of polyurethane foam on the market, we recommend paying attention to the following:

    1. 1. Moment Installation. A justifiably popular brand, represented in almost every hardware store. It is characterized by uniform density, good adhesion to almost all materials, can be used for external and internal repair work. The downside of the brand is strong secondary expansion, as a result of which the use of a large volume of foam can lead to deformation of the sealed seams.
    2. 2. Macroflex. One of famous brands. Can be used for work at any time of the year, adheres well to different surfaces, has a homogeneous structure and is characterized by minimal secondary expansion parameters. The disadvantages include the presence of open defects on the market. Typically, cylinders that are defective are those that, after a short period of operation, begin to produce either one gas or one sealant.
    3. 3. Soudal. A lesser-known brand that produces high-quality sealants. Foams for work in summer and winter are available on the market. Winter option can be used even at temperatures of minus 20 degrees. All products under this brand are characterized by good adhesion, slight secondary expansion and minimal shrinkage. Foams do not tolerate sunlight well.
    4. 4. Penosil. High-quality sealant with a uniform and dense structure. It has almost no secondary expansion and has good output volumes. Particularly effective for indoor work. Not suitable for outdoor use. At temperatures below -4 and above +35 it cannot be used.
    5. 5. Titan O2. Considered the most popular brand of professional sealants. At a low price, it has excellent performance characteristics, good adhesion and a dense structure. Can be used in different conditions.

    There is no perfect sealant. Any professional knows that every material has both positive and negative qualities. Therefore, to achieve a good result, you should carefully select the sealant and use it in full accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

    Polyurethane foam belongs to the group of sealing agents that cannot be avoided during the construction process. It is used in cases where it is necessary to seal seams/joints of more than 3 cm. You can often come across the question “How long does it take for polyurethane foam to dry,” but it turns out that it is not asked quite correctly. The fact is that the secret of turning a prepolymer into strong polyurethane foam lies in the degree of its wetting.

    Expansion coefficient

    The main feature of the described building material is its ability to expand several times. If we talk about household foam, then its coefficient of increase in volume reaches 60%; in professional compositions it can be as much as 300%.

    Attention! Identical types of material can behave very differently, and this is determined by environmental conditions. It's about about the air temperature, its humidity, type of application, speed of release of the foam composition from the container. Manufacturers always indicate overestimated output volume indicators, but you should not be guided by them alone.

    Before we figure out how long polyurethane foam takes to dry, let’s consider its types. It can be primary, i.e. the prepolymer begins to expand immediately when applied to the surface. As the name implies, secondary expansion lasts throughout all stages of the conversion of a macromolecular compound. This should always be remembered when using such building materials.

    The ability to expand is not the only characteristic. How long the polyurethane foam dries in an apartment sometimes depends on the degree of its shrinkage, which rarely reaches 5%. If this happens, then most likely you are using low-quality materials. Be prepared for the fact that mass rupture may even occur. Each master chooses for himself best option taking into account your needs. If the degree of expansion comes first for you, then the products Makroflex, Moment, GoldGan, Makrosil are suitable.

    Detailed description of the sealant

    Interesting! This type sealant in construction industry began to be used recently, but despite this it quickly supplanted its competitors.

    The advantages of polyurethane foam include:

    • easy application;
    • affordability;
    • durability.


    And the most important thing is that polyurethane foam has sound/heat insulating qualities. Often, building materials are used during the installation of doors and window units. As it expands, it completely fills the voids, gluing the working surfaces. How long the polyurethane foam should dry directly depends on the thickness of the layer. For example, if it is 5 cm, then it will harden within 3 hours after leaving the container. In solid form, the material is not afraid of precipitation, cold, mold, mildew and even electricity. But the same cannot be said about ultraviolet radiation. But this drawback is easily eliminated by applying a layer of decorative plaster.

    If you have to choose a sealant, then, in addition to how long it takes for Macroflex polyurethane foam to dry, you should be interested in the following parameters:

    How does hardening occur and how long can it last?


    At the beginning it was said that water plays the main role in the hardening process of the sealant. It is under its influence that the level of adhesion increases, so experts recommend pre-wetting the working surfaces. If you are interested in how long it takes polyurethane foam to dry when installing doors, then keep in mind that this indicator is influenced by the thickness of the layer and air temperature. At optimal performance completely dried excess pieces of material can be cut off after 3 hours and start plastering. As for the final polymerization, it lasts for another 12 hours. In cold and dry weather conditions, the process may take an indefinite amount of time. One thing is for sure, that the next stage of work can be started only after the porous mixture has completely hardened.

    If you are not satisfied with how long it takes the foam to dry when installing windows, you can speed up the process. To do this, you need to periodically spray the sealant (moisten it in any way convenient for you). Do not forget that despite many advantages, polyurethane foam is afraid of sunlight, so at the first opportunity it must be protected from it by plastering.

    Index Din Mounting KS Pistol NBS
    Fire resistance class of the material 4102 AT 3 AT 3
    Thermal conductivity 52612 0.035 W/(mºС)
    Tensile strength 53455 140 kPa 65 kPa
    Tension at break 53455 13% 17%
    Shear strength 53422 90 kPa 40 kPa
    Compressive stress at 10% strain ISO 844 25 kPa
    Foaming:

    When the surface is wet

    No humidification

    Hygroscopicity 53428 0,3% 0,3%
    Temperature stability Long-term from -40ºС to +90ºС

    from -40ºС to +130ºС

    from -40ºС to +90ºС

    from -40ºС to +130ºС

    Processing temperature from -10ºС to +35ºС
    Loss of adhesiveness (with a strip thickness of 30 mm) In 10 minutes In 10 minutes
    Cutting (with a strip thickness of 30 mm) In 60 minutes In 45 minutes
    In 24 hours In 24 hours
    Foam output 750 ml 42 l 45 l
    Raw Density 25 - 33 kg/m³ 15 - 25 kg/m³
    Shelf life in warehouse 12 months from date of manufacture
    Warehouse storage conditions in a cool, dry place in a horizontal position

    Do not forget about precautions, this will avoid unpleasant consequences.

    In fact, the question "How long does it take for spray foam to dry?" placed completely wrong! The secret to converting prepolymer into strong polyurethane foam is how well it wets. The speed of “drying” of the foam depends on moisture. Let's take a closer look.

    1 Expansion coefficient - the main parameter

    The value of this building material largely depends on its ability to expand many times over. Household foam can expand up to 60% of its original volume, professional compositions have a much higher coefficient - up to 300%. Moreover, the same foam can expand in completely different ways under different conditions. The prepolymer is influenced by temperature, air humidity, type of application, and the rate of foam release from the container. Yes and different masters in the same room there can be different results. On the packaging, manufacturers indicate the maximum volume of polymer yield, but you should not strictly rely on it.

    Expansion of the prepolymer during the process of exiting the balloon and solidification is divided into two types: primary and secondary. The primary expansion is called immediately after leaving the container, the secondary lasts until the polymer conversion process is completed. Secondary expansion for high-quality materials reaches 30%, which cannot be ignored when using them. Usually it is enough to fill the gap one-third so that it is eventually completely filled with polyurethane foam.

    In addition to expansion, polyurethane foam can also shrink, although for high-quality products this shrinkage is rarely 5%. If you observe large shrinkage, alas, you have come across a very low-quality polyurethane. In this case, even a mass rupture may occur, which in turn will entail a lot of other problems. Each master chooses foam according to his needs. Someone needs a large expansion, in such cases it will do Makroflex, Penosil GoldGun, Moment, Macrosil, when installing windows it is best to use Tytan– it gives optimal expansion and hardens quickly.

    2 Characteristics of polyurethane foam – let’s look into the details!

    This sealant began to be used in the construction industry relatively recently, but in this short time polyurethane foam has almost completely replaced its former competitors. It is easy to apply, inexpensive, lasts for many decades, and has sound and heat insulating properties. Most often it is used to seal gaps between the doorway and the door frame when installing it, as well as when installing windows.

    As the sealant expands, it fills all the voids, reliably “glues” the surfaces together, and when it hardens, the polymer secures the door frame or window. The foam is not afraid of precipitation and cold, it does not allow electricity to pass through and is not afraid of mold and mildew. The only drawback is the fear of ultraviolet radiation; however, the material is often applied at the stage of rough work, which is then hidden under a decorative layer of plaster.

    Anyone who comes across this material quite often begins to pay attention to parameters such as:

    • Porosity of polyurethane foam. The smaller the pores, the better - less plaster consumption and stronger material structure. The more closed pores on the surface, the higher quality the material is - it will reliably retain heat inside the house.
    • Volume of polyurethane foam. We are talking about the volume of the polymer after it hardens. It is important to remember that manufacturers indicate the volume based on standard climatic conditions: above-zero temperature, high humidity. In winter, the volume of finished foam from a cylinder of the same company may be half as much, and the company has nothing to do with it - low temperature and low air humidity are to blame. It should also be remembered that the yield of material from a cylinder used with a mounting gun is usually greater than from the option with a ready-made adapter, since manufacturers pump more gas into professional cylinders. It is a fact that household cylinders very often run out of gas before the material does, and this is money wasted. Traditionally, cylinders have a capacity of 300 ml, 500 ml and 750 ml. A 300 ml bottle contains about 30 liters of foam, this is enough to fill a gap of up to 5 cm between one door frame and a doorway. If the gap is larger, it is recommended, in order to save money, to reduce the width of the gap by using a layer of foam or other similar material. The foam yield from a 500 ml container is up to 40 liters, and from a 750 ml container – up to 50 liters. One 750 ml can is enough to treat two standard door frames.
    • Material adhesion. The very concept of “adhesion” means the ability of one material to stick to another. In the case of polyurethane foam, the adhesion of the material is very high to almost any surface, except cellophane, polyethylene and Teflon. Due to its high adhesion rates, this sealant is often used as an adhesive, especially when gluing PVC or foam panels. Rest assured, after the binder has completely hardened, the panels can only be torn off with “meat.” High adhesion allows you to seal even large gaps by applying the polymer in several layers. However, in such cases, do not skimp on the material - low-quality foam clings to the surface worse, falls down, and consumes more. In a word, it is cheaper to buy the cylinder that is more expensive.
    • The quality of the cylinder. Both the design and quality of the cylinder can affect the final result. Firstly, high-quality products are equipped with reliable valves that easily return to their original position after pressing, blocking the access of air and the exit of gas. By the way, it is by the cylinders that you can determine what you are dealing with - high-quality material or a cheap fake. In the store, take two cylinders for comparison - if the contents are of different quality, you will feel it. The best container will be heavier, and as you move you will feel the contents slowly rolling from side to side. In a cheap container, the prepolymer will hang around like sour yogurt.

    3 How long does polyurethane foam dry - we are looking for an exact answer

    As you already understand, polyurethane foam is a rather complex material and has many nuances. As is the case with the expansion coefficient, which depends on many factors, answering the question “How long does polyurethane foam harden?” is quite difficult. First of all, it depends on humidity.

    Water is involved in the polymerization process of the prepolymer; in addition, foam has increased adhesion to wet surfaces, which is why it is recommended to moisten cracks and openings with water before applying foam.

    If the humidity is normal, then 3 hours will be enough for a five-centimeter layer to harden, after which you can cut off the protruding pieces of polyurethane foam and apply plaster. Final polymerization will take much longer - from 7 to 12 hours. If the weather is frosty and dry, the process may take a day. It is this time that will be the final answer to the question “How long does the polyurethane foam “dry”?” In any case, if time allows, take your time and wait until everything hardens properly.

    To speed up the hardening process, periodically spray the material or moisten it in any way convenient for you. Remember that polymers are afraid of sunlight, so as soon as possible, paint or plaster the surface that comes into contact with ultraviolet radiation. The plastering process is similar in many ways.

    Print

    The drying process of polyurethane foam depends on many influencing factors: the quality of the material, its composition, temperature external environment and its humidity. All this must be taken into account before you begin to seal seams or openings.

    Description

    Polyurethane foam is classified as a sealing agent, which is almost impossible to do without. construction process. It is used in cases where there is a need to seal seams or joints with a depth and width of more than 3 cm. Before using this material, builders wonder how long it takes for the foam to dry completely, but it turns out that this question has been raised incorrect. First of all, it should be said that the main secret of the complete transformation of the material into strong polyurethane foam lies in the degree of wetting. But we will pay attention to this fact later.

    First you need to decide why builders prefer polyurethane foam:

    • its application is very simple;
    • pricing policy is available;
    • long service life.

    In addition, this material has qualities that insulate sound and make it possible not to lose heat from the room.

    Most often, foam is used during the installation of balcony blocks, windows or doors of various types. When applied, the composition begins to expand and at the same time fills all the voids, thereby gluing the desired surfaces. It should be noted that the hardening time also depends on the thickness of the layer that was applied. If it is no more than 5 cm, then within 3 hours after leaving the container the foam will reach the required density.

    Foam is also so popular for the reason that, when frozen, it is not susceptible to the effects of temperature, moisture and even electricity, in addition, fungus does not appear on it. It should be noted that the foam may undergo changes from the influence of ultraviolet radiation, but this defect can be eliminated if you use decorative plaster.

    Material characteristics

    With the help of polyurethane foam, various types of work are carried out, this does not necessarily apply to windows and doors; with the help of this sealing consistency, builders seal large cracks, eliminate voids and fasten structures. If you familiarize yourself with all the qualities of the material, you can understand that it can be compared with sealing compounds due to its ability to seal the necessary surfaces.

    Before examining the drying process in detail, you need to familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of the material.

    1. Output volume. This indicator shows what changes have occurred to the material compared to its original state. The unit in which this volume is measured is liters. The main aspects that affect this indicator are the temperature and humidity of the surface being treated.
    2. Clutch. This characteristic allows you to determine how well the material will adhere to the surface. Exception in in this case surfaces such as polyethylene, ice, greasy bases, Teflon and silicone may become damaged.
    3. Viscosity index. These data will depend on the quantity and quality of the components used to prepare the foam. In addition, this property will be affected by the external temperature. It is recommended to use the material only at temperatures from +5 to +30 degrees.

    If you use foam outside the established limits, it will lose its main qualities, and the original product will not meet all the requirements.

    If the consumer needs to purchase sealing foam, then, in addition to the drying rate, You need to pay attention to a few more main parameters.

    1. Porosity indicator. The smaller it is, the better quality foam. This parameter is determined by the number of pores in a closed state on the surface.
    2. Volume. In this case, you need to pay attention to the mass of the polymer already in a frozen state.
    3. The quality of the packaging, in our case the cylinder. It would seem that this is not such a serious criterion, but it is the design and integrity of the container that can affect the quality of the material inside and the final result.

    Requirements

    Polyurethane foam is a material that, like any other, has a number of requirements.

    These requirements include:

    • good surface bonding;
    • elasticity;
    • after hardening, the material should not crumble, even when exposed to sub-zero temperatures;
    • The shrinkage of the solution, which has already dried, should be moderate.

    We draw the attention of users to the fact that the foam is very resistant to direct sunlight. For this reason, after complete hardening, the excess is cut off, and all compacted areas are treated with paint or plaster. And in order not to disturb the density of the material and to do the application sequence correctly, you need to know how much time is needed for complete hardening.

    To eliminate gaps between door frames and openings, you will need only a third of the sealing compound. The material will begin to harden on the surface within half an hour after application. You may notice that a film will appear on the surface.

    Final drying can be expected 8 hours after the material is applied. The fixing process occurs due to the expansion of the substance, which leaves the container and hardens.

    Conventionally, this is divided into several stages:

    • primary, which is carried out immediately at the exit from the package;
    • secondary, which is not completed until the final transformation of the foam into a solid composition.

    If the material is of high quality, then at the second stage the expansion rate can reach 30%; this must be taken into account during the work process. Most often, a third of the material is spent filling the space; this is enough to fill all the cracks during expansion.

    But you should also pay attention to the fact that the foam should shrink; you should not be afraid of this action, it will not cause problems. In high-quality materials, shrinkage can reach 5%, and this is not noticeable from the outside. If shrinkage does occur, and this is clearly visible from the outside, it means that the polyurethane was purchased of poor quality.

    Polymerization time

    So, at the beginning we pointed out that water plays a rather important role in the use of polyurethane foam. This is explained by the fact that it is the liquid that increases the adhesion rate; for this reason, experts recommend moistening the work surface before carrying out work. It is not necessary to pour a large volume of water onto the walls; it is enough to use a regular spray bottle.

    If we consider the process of installing door structures, then, as already mentioned, the drying process will be affected by the thickness of the layer and, of course, the temperature of the environment. Under normal conditions, excess protruding foam can be cut off after 3 hours, and after that you can start plastering. Speaking about final hardening, it should be noted that it will occur after approximately 12 hours.

    Many people wonder how long it takes for foam to dry when installing windows or doors in an apartment., and if it’s already applied, then why does it take so long to dry? Foam takes a long time to dry for various reasons. One of the main ones is using it at the wrong temperature.

    How long the polyurethane foam takes to dry is influenced by many factors, ranging from the quality and composition of the sealant used, to the temperature and humidity of the environment. All these characteristics must be taken into account for reliable sealing of cracks and openings.

    What is the coefficient of expansion of sealant

    Which sealant to choose - analysis of the modern market

    The key to successful renovation is the use of the highest quality, reliable building materials. To professionally seal seams and cracks, choose sealants that have the best technical and performance characteristics.

    Among all the brands of polyurethane foam on the market, we recommend paying attention to the following:

    1. 1. Moment Installation. A justifiably popular brand, presented in almost every hardware store. It is characterized by uniform density, good adhesion to almost all materials, and can be used for external and internal repair work. The downside of the brand is strong secondary expansion, as a result of which the use of a large volume of foam can lead to deformation of the sealed seams.
    2. 2. Macroflex. One of the most famous brands. It can be used for work at any time of the year, adheres well to different surfaces, has a uniform structure and is characterized by minimal secondary expansion parameters. The disadvantages include the presence of open defects on the market. Typically, cylinders that are defective are those that, after a short period of operation, begin to produce either one gas or one sealant.
    3. 3. Soudal. A lesser-known brand that produces high-quality sealants. Foams for work in summer and winter are available on the market. The winter option can be used even at temperatures of minus 20 degrees. All products under this brand are characterized by good adhesion, slight secondary expansion and minimal shrinkage. Foams do not tolerate sunlight well.
    4. 4. Penosil. High-quality sealant with a uniform and dense structure. It has almost no secondary expansion and has good output volumes. Particularly effective for indoor work. Not suitable for outdoor use. At temperatures below -4 and above +35 it cannot be used.
    5. 5. Titan O2. Considered the most popular brand of professional sealants. At a low price, it has excellent performance characteristics, good adhesion and a dense structure. Can be used in different conditions.

    There is no perfect sealant. Any professional knows that every material has both positive and negative qualities. Therefore, to achieve a good result, you should carefully select the sealant and use it in full accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

    Polyurethane foam is one of those materials that has recently appeared on our market, but has already gained popularity and widespread use among builders and repairmen.

    Indeed, many have already abandoned the use of cement, plaster, mineral wool. In addition to the fact that it is quite difficult to work with these materials, there is still no guarantee that you will be able to completely seal all the holes and holes. Polyurethane foam is a truly universal option.

    This product has a number of advantages over other sealants:

    • ease of use;
    • no additional skills or abilities required;
    • speed of application;
    • affordable price;
    • ability to penetrate hard-to-reach places;
    • safety for human health;
    • possessing sound and heat insulating qualities;
    • high degree of adhesion to all materials.

    Polyurethane foam is used when installing windows, doors, when filling holes inside walls, ceilings, and sealing holes near pipes. As already noted, polyurethane foam can be used with metal, glass, wood, concrete, brick, and ceramics.

    To choose a good foam and carry out effective work, you should know the basic characteristics of this substance.

    Temperature is of great importance and affects drying time of polyurethane foam. It is believed that the best option would be a range from +5 to +30 degrees indoors. In addition, the can itself must be heated to a temperature of +10 degrees. Polyurethane foam dries out precisely when exposed to atmospheric conditions. Humidity is of no small importance, which also affects the speed and drying time of any polyurethane foam. If there is not enough moisture, before starting work, moisten the surface to be treated with water using a regular sprayer. Experiments have shown that ideal conditions are a temperature level of +20°C and a humidity level of 60-80%. Then the time for complete drying of the polyurethane foam is approximately 3-5 hours, but achieving such conditions is quite difficult.

    Most often, the first hard crust appears within 20-30 minutes, but complete hardening can take a day. It also depends on the amount of material applied. In any case, the hardening time of the polyurethane foam is usually written on the packaging. It may vary between different manufacturers.

    When working with polyurethane foam, remember the expansion it has. This substance usually increases in size 2 times: when it is first poured out of the can, and when it gradually hardens. This fact must be taken into account, since if the structure is not secured, this can lead to its deformation, because the hardened polyurethane foam is very strong and hard.

    Also, good foam has a sufficient degree of viscosity, which does not allow it to spread over the surface.

    Now many companies produce this product. You should not buy cheap polyurethane foam, otherwise you risk encountering low quality. It is best to use a well-known, reliable brand. Belinka has always produced quality products. In the catalog of this company you can find several types of polyurethane foam.

    BELINKA BELPUR PU FOAM GUN is a wonderful summer polyurethane foam, when working with which it is necessary to maintain the air temperature at least +5°C. It has a high level of adhesion to all materials, never spreads, does not crumble, and retains its properties for a long time. When working with this type of product, a gun is required. Working with such equipment is much more convenient and faster. The hardening time of this polyurethane foam ranges from 5 to 12 hours. Polyurethane foam is produced in cylinders of only 750 ml. This substance perfectly tolerates the effects of water, moisture, and chemicals.

    In fact, the question "How long does it take for spray foam to dry?" placed completely wrong! The secret to converting prepolymer into strong polyurethane foam is how well it wets. The speed of “drying” of the foam depends on moisture. Let's take a closer look.

    1 Expansion coefficient - the main parameter

    The value of this building material largely depends on its ability to expand many times over. Household foam can expand up to 60% of its original volume, professional compositions have a much higher coefficient - up to 300%. Moreover, the same foam can expand in completely different ways under different conditions. The prepolymer is influenced by temperature, air humidity, type of application, and the rate of foam release from the container. And different masters in the same room may have different results. On the packaging, manufacturers indicate the maximum volume of polymer yield, but you should not strictly rely on it.

    Expansion of the prepolymer during the process of exiting the balloon and solidification is divided into two types: primary and secondary. The primary expansion is called immediately after leaving the container, the secondary lasts until the polymer conversion process is completed. Secondary expansion for high-quality materials reaches 30%, which cannot be ignored when using them. Usually it is enough to fill the gap one-third so that it is eventually completely filled with polyurethane foam.

    In addition to expansion, polyurethane foam can also shrink, although for high-quality products this shrinkage is rarely 5%. If you observe large shrinkage, alas, you have come across a very low-quality polyurethane. In this case, even a mass rupture may occur, which in turn will entail a lot of other problems. Each master chooses foam according to his needs. Someone needs a large expansion, in such cases it will do Makroflex, Penosil GoldGun, Moment, Macrosil, when installing windows it is best to use Tytan– it gives optimal expansion and hardens quickly.

    2 Characteristics of polyurethane foam – let’s look into the details!

    This sealant began to be used in the construction industry relatively recently, but in this short time polyurethane foam has almost completely replaced its former competitors. It is easy to apply, inexpensive, lasts for many decades, and has sound and heat insulating properties. Most often it is used to seal gaps between the doorway and the door frame when installing it, as well as when installing windows.

    As the sealant expands, it fills all the voids, reliably “glues” the surfaces together, and when it hardens, the polymer secures the door frame or window. The foam is not afraid of precipitation and cold, it does not allow electricity to pass through and is not afraid of mold and mildew. The only drawback is the fear of ultraviolet radiation; however, the material is often applied at the stage of rough work, which is then hidden under a decorative layer of plaster.

    Anyone who comes across this material quite often begins to pay attention to parameters such as:

    • Porosity of polyurethane foam. The smaller the pores, the better - less plaster consumption and stronger material structure. The more closed pores on the surface, the higher quality the material is - it will reliably retain heat inside the house.
    • Volume of polyurethane foam. We are talking about the volume of the polymer after it hardens. It is important to remember that manufacturers indicate the volume based on standard climatic conditions: above-zero temperature, high humidity. In winter, the volume of finished foam from a cylinder of the same company may be half as much, and the company has nothing to do with it - low temperature and low air humidity are to blame. It should also be remembered that the yield of material from a cylinder used with a mounting gun is usually greater than from the option with a ready-made adapter, since manufacturers pump more gas into professional cylinders. It is a fact that household cylinders very often run out of gas before the material does, and this is money wasted. Traditionally, cylinders have a capacity of 300 ml, 500 ml and 750 ml. A 300 ml bottle contains about 30 liters of foam, this is enough to seal a gap of up to 5 cm between one door frame and the doorway. If the gap is larger, it is recommended, in order to save money, to reduce the width of the gap by using a layer of foam or other similar material. The foam yield from a 500 ml container is up to 40 liters, and from a 750 ml container – up to 50 liters. One 750 ml can is enough to treat two standard door frames.
    • Material adhesion. The very concept of “adhesion” means the ability of one material to stick to another. In the case of polyurethane foam, the adhesion of the material is very high to almost any surface, except cellophane, polyethylene and Teflon. Due to its high adhesion rates, this sealant is often used as an adhesive, especially when gluing PVC or foam panels. Rest assured, after the binder has completely hardened, the panels can only be torn off with “meat.” High adhesion allows you to seal even large gaps by applying the polymer in several layers. However, in such cases, do not skimp on the material - low-quality foam clings to the surface worse, falls down, and consumes more. In a word, it is cheaper to buy the cylinder that is more expensive.
    • The quality of the cylinder. Both the design and quality of the cylinder can affect the final result. Firstly, high-quality products are equipped with reliable valves that easily return to their original position after pressing, blocking the access of air and the exit of gas. By the way, it is by the cylinders that you can determine what you are dealing with - high-quality material or a cheap fake. In the store, take two cylinders for comparison - if the contents are of different quality, you will feel it. The best container will be heavier, and as you move you will feel the contents slowly rolling from side to side. In a cheap container, the prepolymer will hang around like sour yogurt.

    3 How long does polyurethane foam dry - we are looking for an exact answer

    As you already understand, polyurethane foam is a rather complex material and has many nuances. As is the case with the expansion coefficient, which depends on many factors, answering the question “How long does polyurethane foam harden?” is quite difficult. First of all, it depends on humidity.

    Water is involved in the polymerization process of the prepolymer; in addition, foam has increased adhesion to wet surfaces, which is why it is recommended to moisten cracks and openings with water before applying foam.

    If the humidity is normal, then 3 hours will be enough for a five-centimeter layer to harden, after which you can cut off the protruding pieces of polyurethane foam and apply plaster. Final polymerization will take much longer - from 7 to 12 hours. If the weather is frosty and dry, the process may take a day. It is this time that will be the final answer to the question “How long does the polyurethane foam “dry”?” In any case, if time allows, take your time and wait until everything hardens properly.

    To speed up the hardening process, periodically spray the material or moisten it in any way convenient for you. Remember that polymers are afraid of sunlight, so as soon as possible, paint or plaster the surface that comes into contact with ultraviolet radiation. The plastering process is similar in many ways.

    Polyurethane foam belongs to the group of sealing agents that cannot be avoided during the construction process. It is used in cases where it is necessary to seal seams/joints of more than 3 cm. You can often come across the question “How long does it take for polyurethane foam to dry,” but it turns out that it is not asked quite correctly. The fact is that the secret of turning a prepolymer into strong polyurethane foam lies in the degree of its wetting.

    Expansion coefficient

    The main feature of the described building material is its ability to expand several times. If we talk about household foam, then its coefficient of increase in volume reaches 60%; in professional compositions it can be as much as 300%.

    Attention! Identical types of material can behave very differently, and this is determined by environmental conditions. We are talking about the air temperature, its humidity, the type of application, the speed of release of the foam-like composition from the container. Manufacturers always indicate overestimated output volume indicators, but you should not be guided by them alone.

    Before we figure out how long polyurethane foam takes to dry, let’s consider its types. It can be primary, i.e. the prepolymer begins to expand immediately when applied to the surface. As the name implies, secondary expansion lasts throughout all stages of the conversion of a macromolecular compound. This should always be remembered when using such building materials.

    The ability to expand is not the only characteristic. How long the polyurethane foam dries in an apartment sometimes depends on the degree of its shrinkage, which rarely reaches 5%. If this happens, then most likely you are using low-quality materials. Be prepared for the fact that mass rupture may even occur. Each master chooses the best option for himself, taking into account his needs. If the degree of expansion comes first for you, then the products Makroflex, Moment, GoldGan, Makrosil are suitable.

    Detailed description of the sealant

    Interesting! This type of sealant began to be used in the construction industry recently, but despite this, it quickly supplanted its competitors.

    The advantages of polyurethane foam include:

    • easy application;
    • affordability;
    • durability.


    And the most important thing is that polyurethane foam has sound/heat insulating qualities. Often, building materials are used during the installation of doors and window units. As it expands, it completely fills the voids, gluing the working surfaces. How long the polyurethane foam should dry directly depends on the thickness of the layer. For example, if it is 5 cm, then it will harden within 3 hours after leaving the container. In solid form, the material is not afraid of precipitation, cold, mold, mildew and even electricity. But the same cannot be said about ultraviolet radiation. But this drawback is easily eliminated by applying a layer of decorative plaster.

    If you have to choose a sealant, then, in addition to how long it takes for Macroflex polyurethane foam to dry, you should be interested in the following parameters:

    How does hardening occur and how long can it last?


    At the beginning it was said that water plays the main role in the hardening process of the sealant. It is under its influence that the level of adhesion increases, so experts recommend pre-wetting the working surfaces. If you are interested in how long it takes polyurethane foam to dry when installing doors, then keep in mind that this indicator is influenced by the thickness of the layer and air temperature. With optimal performance, completely dried excess pieces of material can be cut off after 3 hours and plastering can begin. As for the final polymerization, it lasts for another 12 hours. In cold and dry weather conditions, the process may take an indefinite amount of time. One thing is for sure, that the next stage of work can be started only after the porous mixture has completely hardened.

    If you are not satisfied with how long it takes the foam to dry when installing windows, you can speed up the process. To do this, you need to periodically spray the sealant (moisten it in any way convenient for you). Do not forget that despite many advantages, polyurethane foam is afraid of sunlight, so at the first opportunity it must be protected from it by plastering.

    Index Din Mounting KS Pistol NBS
    Fire resistance class of the material 4102 AT 3 AT 3
    Thermal conductivity 52612 0.035 W/(mºС)
    Tensile strength 53455 140 kPa 65 kPa
    Tension at break 53455 13% 17%
    Shear strength 53422 90 kPa 40 kPa
    Compressive stress at 10% strain ISO 844 25 kPa
    Foaming:

    When the surface is wet

    No humidification

    Hygroscopicity 53428 0,3% 0,3%
    Temperature stability Long-term from -40ºС to +90ºС

    from -40ºС to +130ºС

    from -40ºС to +90ºС

    from -40ºС to +130ºС

    Processing temperature from -10ºС to +35ºС
    Loss of adhesiveness (with a strip thickness of 30 mm) In 10 minutes In 10 minutes
    Cutting (with a strip thickness of 30 mm) In 60 minutes In 45 minutes
    In 24 hours In 24 hours
    Foam output 750 ml 42 l 45 l
    Raw Density 25 - 33 kg/m³ 15 - 25 kg/m³
    Shelf life in warehouse 12 months from date of manufacture
    Warehouse storage conditions in a cool, dry place in a horizontal position

    Do not forget about precautions, this will avoid unpleasant consequences.

    There are a number of factors that influence how long it takes polyurethane foam to dry. Polymerization, or in simple terms, the hardening time of the foam, is completely dependent on moisture. Water catalyzes this process, resulting in a certain pattern: the more the material gets wet, the faster it hardens.

    Polyurethane foam is valued primarily for its ability to expand after application to the surface. Moreover, the volume of this material increases several times.

    Conventional household sealants increase in volume by up to 60%. Professional compositions of high quality have a coefficient of more than 250%.

    Foam for household (with applicator) and professional use

    The same composition has a different expansion coefficient under the influence of different conditions.

    These conditions include:

    • Temperature indicator;
    • Method of application;
    • Air humidity level;
    • The speed at which a substance leaves a container.

    Although manufacturers include volume information on the label (final volume after expansion), do not rely too much on this data.

    Expansion of the substance occurs when the sealant leaves the container and hardens.

    Conventionally, this process is divided into two stages:

    1. Primary expansion - occurs when the material is applied.
    2. Secondary expansion – carried out until the conversion time is completed. For high-quality materials at this stage, the expansion coefficient is 30%, which is taken into account when working. More often than not, filling the space by a third is enough. As a result, the material, after expansion, will fill the gap completely.

    The foam shrinks. When choosing high-quality material, you don’t have to worry that it will cause problems , since shrinkage in this case is a rare event. The coefficient is 5% and shrinkage is difficult to notice with the naked eye. If this is visible, then the polyurethane is of low quality.

    Using foam when installing doors

    Features of polyurethane material

    Polyurethane foam is widely used in construction. Due to the expansion of the material, voids are filled and surfaces are glued together.

    Use applies to:

    • Installation of window and door structures;
    • Sealing of elements of communication systems;
    • Insulation of premises;
    • Filling hidden voids and defects on various surfaces, etc.

    Foam is vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the material is applied at the roughing stage. Subsequently, the cracks are closed with finishing materials.

    In addition to the expansion coefficient, there are other parameters that you pay attention to when choosing a material.

    Main characteristics:

    • Structure – a high-quality product is characterized by small cells and a large number of closed pores on the surface;
    • Final volume - the volume of foam after its drying time has completed. Some sealants with a 0.75 liter container volume can provide up to 60 liters of final volume;
    • Adhesiveness is the ability of a sealant to provide good adhesion to the surfaces to which it is applied. The exception is Teflon, cellophane, polyethylene - they do not lend themselves to good gluing with foam;
    • Cylinder design - high-quality containers are equipped with a reliable valve; the material must move slowly while the cylinder is moving.

    The result of applying different sealants

    Principle of material polymerization

    Water plays a major role in the curing of the sealant. When exposed to moisture, the level of adhesion increases, so experts recommend moistening the openings and crevices with water before applying the sealant.

    At normal humidity, a layer of foam five centimeters thick can dry within three hours. After this, a correction is made. All protruding and sloppy parts of the sealant are cut off and plastering is performed.

    Completion of polymerization occurs after 12 hours, sometimes less. The influence of frost and dry weather conditions increases the curing time, which can last an additional 24 hours. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is better to postpone further work until the sealant hardens.

    What else can you learn about polyurethane foam:

    There are ways to speed up polymerization. It is enough to moisten the surface of the sealant with improvised means or spray it with water from a spray bottle. To protect the material from the sun, the filled areas are covered with a layer of plaster or painted over (only those areas that receive sunlight).

    How long the polyurethane foam takes to dry is influenced by many factors, ranging from the quality and composition of the sealant used, to the temperature and humidity of the environment. All these characteristics must be taken into account for reliable sealing of cracks and openings.

    What is the coefficient of expansion of sealant

    The main value of polyurethane foam lies in its ability to expand quickly and repeatedly. Household types of sealant are capable of increasing their volume by 60% of their original state, while professional compounds, which have a significantly better expansion coefficient, can increase by 2-3 times. The ability to increase in size depends not only on the composition and quality of the material, but also on the conditions in which it is used. The coefficient of expansion of the polymer is affected by temperature, ambient humidity, the rate of release of the composition from the container, and even the method of application to the surface to be treated.

    The maximum possible volume of foam output is always indicated on the cylinders, but such results can only be achieved under ideal conditions, so you should not trust the manufacturers’ statements 100%.

    The entire procedure for expanding the prepolymer is divided into two stages. Primary expansion occurs immediately after the material exits the balloon. Secondary expansion lasts until the final hardening of the composition and its transformation into a polymer. The material acquires the greatest volume at the first stage, however, it is not recommended to ignore secondary expansion; at this stage, the foam can acquire up to 30% of the maximum volume.

    Polyurethane foam can not only expand, but also shrink after leaving the container. For good building materials, the shrinkage value rarely exceeds 5%, that is, strong shrinkage may indicate low quality. Significant shrinkage of the foam often leads to rupture of the polymer mass, which in turn can cause additional problems.

    How to find a high-quality composition - look at volume, adhesion and packaging

    Foam for sealing cracks began to be used relatively recently, but in just a few years this material has gained enormous popularity among professional builders and home craftsmen. It is easy to work with, it has high-quality heat and sound insulation characteristics, and is also inexpensive. After applying the prepolymer, it expands greatly and fills the surrounding voids, thanks to which it can be used to secure door and window frames in walls, as well as to seal any other cracks and openings.

    The polymer is not afraid of low temperatures and precipitation, does not transmit electric current, and is not harmed by mold and mildew. The only thing that can harm the performance of hardened polyurethane foam is ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, when used outdoors, it is recommended to cover the sealant with facing materials. Among the most important characteristics of a polymer, one can note its porosity. For work, we recommend choosing compositions with minimal porosity - the smaller the pores, the stronger the material and the less its consumption during repairs.

    On the cylinders you can also find such a characteristic as volume - this is an indicator after hardening. Manufacturers indicate volumes for hardening under standard conditions at positive temperatures and high ambient humidity. During the cold season, it is not possible to obtain the specified volume of material from the cylinder. The volume of even the highest quality foam at sub-zero temperatures can be halved.

    A very valuable characteristic of any sealant is its adhesion, or ability to bond to surfaces. A high-quality sealant should have good adhesion characteristics to any materials. Problems with adhesion can only arise if it is necessary to secure cellophane, polyethylene or Teflon.

    The quality of the building material is also affected by its packaging itself - the cylinder. Good cylinders have reliable and durable valves that effectively prevent air from entering the cylinder and excessive gas escaping. By looking at the packaging, you can often easily distinguish high-quality polyurethane foam from low-quality ones. A high-quality container is heavy and when you turn it over, you can feel the contents slowly rolling around inside.

    How long does polyurethane foam dry - the exact polymerization time

    Polyurethane foam is a complex material, the quality and characteristics of which depend on many external factors. Polyurethane foam hardens under the influence of its individual parameters and environmental conditions. Humidity has the greatest influence on the rate of polymer hardening. The polymerization procedure directly depends on water, therefore, at high humidity, the rate of hardening of the composition increases, and the quality of adhesion to wet surfaces also increases. Experts recommend moistening cracks and openings with water before sealing them.

    At high humidity parameters, the hardening time of a five-centimeter layer of prepolymer will be no more than three hours, but after this the polymer will continue to gain hardness over the next 6-9 hours. At sub-zero temperatures, this procedure will last much longer – up to 24 hours. Construction professionals do not recommend rushing into the final finishing of foamed cracks and openings. It is best to give the sealant time to develop maximum strength. In summer - up to 24 hours for hardening, and in winter - up to 36 hours. To speed up the procedure, the material can be periodically sprayed or moistened by any other means. The main thing to remember is that the polymer is afraid of sunlight.

    Which sealant to choose - analysis of the modern market

    The key to successful renovation is the use of the highest quality, reliable building materials. To professionally seal seams and cracks, choose sealants that have the best technical and performance characteristics.

    Among all the brands of polyurethane foam on the market, we recommend paying attention to the following:

    1. 1. Moment Installation. A justifiably popular brand, presented in almost every hardware store. It is characterized by uniform density, good adhesion to almost all materials, and can be used for external and internal repair work. The downside of the brand is strong secondary expansion, as a result of which the use of a large volume of foam can lead to deformation of the sealed seams.
    2. 2. Macroflex. One of the most famous brands. It can be used for work at any time of the year, adheres well to different surfaces, has a uniform structure and is characterized by minimal secondary expansion parameters. The disadvantages include the presence of open defects on the market. Typically, cylinders that are defective are those that, after a short period of operation, begin to produce either one gas or one sealant.
    3. 3. Soudal. A lesser-known brand that produces high-quality sealants. Foams for work in summer and winter are available on the market. The winter option can be used even at temperatures of minus 20 degrees. All products under this brand are characterized by good adhesion, slight secondary expansion and minimal shrinkage. Foams do not tolerate sunlight well.
    4. 4. Penosil. High-quality sealant with a uniform and dense structure. It has almost no secondary expansion and has good output volumes. Particularly effective for indoor work. Not suitable for outdoor use. At temperatures below -4 and above +35 it cannot be used.
    5. 5. Titan O2. Considered the most popular brand of professional sealants. At a low price, it has excellent performance characteristics, good adhesion and a dense structure. Can be used in different conditions.

    There is no perfect sealant. Any professional knows that every material has both positive and negative qualities. Therefore, to achieve a good result, you should carefully select the sealant and use it in full accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.