However, there are disputes between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue. Not much official information. Separate moments, crumbs, which do not allow unequivocally answering the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? if harmful, how much?
Harm of polyurethane foam, far-fetched and real
- reduces sex drive.
Interest in the question of whether mounting foam passes water or not can arise in two cases. Firstly, if there is a small gap or crack available, it may even be outward, which must be urgently eliminated.
It is very tempting to close it up with polyurethane foam: it is very convenient to use a spray can, you do not need to prepare any kind of solutions and clean up after yourself the dirt. And the process of getting rid of shortcomings occurs in two ways: quickly and easily! The second situation is a recently installed window or outer door requiring finishing work.
In many ways, foam will be an obstacle to precipitation and collecting moisture, and many people ask if it is tight enough and whether any additional measures to prevent the liquid environment from entering the house. And if the cracks can be dealt with by other methods, albeit more laborious, then the windows are put on the foam anyway. Like it or not, but you have to delve into it. At least what other additional steps will need to be taken to improve and protect the window or door, while maintaining comfort in the room.
Mounting foam passes water or not- no one can give a definite answer with confidence, even an experienced repairman. The builders themselves disagreed: some say that it not only lets through, but also absorbs, others categorically deny and refute this. Our experts took matters into their own hands and set up 2 small experiments.
Perhaps they are not artistic and scientific, but they are convincing and reliable. And they are called upon to illustrate the characteristics of this mounting substance that have become a stumbling block. This will be discussed in our article.
Experience 1: throughput
The experiment was elementary simple: foam was sprayed onto a newspaper, placed in it a plastic cup and sprinkled it on all sides. The plastic cup was then pulled out of the manufactured structure. It turned out, albeit ugly, but solid, without holes and cracks, a vessel. We waited until our peculiar container hardens and dries well.
Then 250 milliliters of water was poured into it and left for one day. Someone will say that there is not enough time for experience. However, according to statistics, mounting foam is almost never subjected to such a long exposure to water in real conditions (except, perhaps, when the structure reinforced by it is flooded). Even a prolonged downpour does not lead to complete envelopment of the foam, so, in our opinion, the experiment looks quite correct. And here are the results:
- The surface under the "glass" remained completely dry.
- Wetting the walls from the outside with a paper towel did not even reveal individual drops, that is, water did not seep through the substance.
- Attention! What is characteristic: after draining the water from the container back into the plastic glass, only 200 ml remained!
- For some reason, the weight of a vessel made of hardened polyurethane foam has doubled.
From this we conclude: mounting foam does not pass water. But 50 ml disappeared somewhere, and the vessel became heavier! When cutting an impromptu container with a sharp clerical knife, water in some places directly flowed in streams from the resulting air material. Hence, it was assumed that she lingered in the irregularities of the inner wall.
The assumption was confirmed by squelching, which was heard when shaking a still whole uncut container. It seemed that the water lingered in the large pores formed by the foam during inflation. However, the version needed to be verified, and a second experiment was set up.
Experiment 2: moisture absorption
This time, two frozen pieces of the same polyurethane foam were placed in a bowl of cool water for a whole day. One was a drop formed naturally when the mounting material was sprayed, the second was a parallelepiped deliberately cut to expose internal pores (after all, cut off after installing, for example, a window, the mounting looks like that - porous).
Even after 24 hours, both participants in the experiment floated on the surface without flooding a millimeter. That is, their weight has not changed during this time, and they have not absorbed water. From this we conclude: in principle, mounting foam is a good waterproofing agent, and theoretically it should even protect the room from the penetration of moisture from the street into it.
Essential "but"
Despite the results of the experiments, we still agree with the builders who do not recommend the use of mounting foam for waterproofing and insist on sealing the seams when installing windows with other materials. The fact is that it is very unstable to constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Under the rays of the sun, it tends to gradually collapse; visually, this is manifested in the acquisition of a brownish tint by it.
At the same time, the polyurethane foam becomes very porous over time when it is located outdoors, and moisture already begins to pass through it without much difficulty. Accordingly, having sealed the outer gap with foam, pretty soon you will again face the problem of water penetrating from the outside into your home.
The same goes for windows. In order for the foam fasteners to continue to perform their functions and remain an obstacle to precipitation, it must be plastered, after cutting off the swollen bubbles. Alternatively, you can cover the foam joint with sealant, but in any case, you need to block access to it from light, which has such a detrimental effect on the material itself.
In addition, by blowing out the gap, you cannot control the completeness of its filling.
Is polyurethane foam harmful to health in an apartment
The gaps remaining during injection will allow water to pass through. This is the reason why many people believe that foam does not hold moisture.
Those who have chosen foam to seal the crack based on the ease of use of the spray can, let them think about how he will remove it from surfaces where accidental splashes fall - the foam is removed extremely poorly, and its removal can take much more time than if used traditional methods and plastered the defect.
Thus, it is not so important how the mounting foam behaves in a wet environment, whether it allows water to pass through or not - its other properties come to the fore, which prevent its use as a waterproofing agent, at least without additional support. Nevertheless, the original purpose of the magic spray is to fasten individual parts different designs, and here mounting foam is almost indispensable. And the rest of the functions are best left to perform other materials that were developed specifically for them.
Forum of chemists
Mounting foam partially crumbled.
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Why are we so sure of this? Because we pay them for it!
01 October 2015
at 19:52 Plastic windows installed 3 years ago, the company's employees filled the openings with mounting foam, and did not warn that the foam should be protected from the sun and other influences from the side of the facade.
polyurethane foam is harmful to health
As a result, the foam partially crumbled, and continues to collapse. What can be done, balcony on the 18th floor?
alex78sol
October 01, 2015
at 20:11Probably the most affordable option, this is to remove the decomposed foam to a good one and paint over it properly (in general, this should have been done immediately).
Leonid_32
October 01, 2015
at 20:54 Remove the old collapsed foam, and fill in new one instead. Or seal the gap with sealant, well, and then you need to cover the foam or sealant with plaster, or putty. Otherwise, water can enter the gap and enter the apartment.
neoless
October 03, 2015
at 0:35 Despite, on the 18th floor, secure yourself with cables. Consider everything carefully from the outside. Clean up crumbled foam. Seal with putty mixture. Or call the installers, they will definitely do it.
Irina777
October 03, 2015
at 1:59 We must try to remove the protruding remains of the mounting foam and cement these areas on top, I did this when installing MP windows. True, I immediately removed the remnants of the foam and cemented. Well, then you can already either putty, or paint, or if access is normal with plastic panels, you can make slopes.
Masha
October 03, 2015
at 2:50 Try to remove the foam as much as possible (this can be done with a construction knife if the seams are wide without touching window frame). At the same time, please note that most installers neglect the right technologies installation of windows and fix them only on the foam. In this case, this cannot be done. Make sure the structure is secured with dowels and special strips before cleaning the foam.
Further (we made sure that everything is tight, reliable), you buy a special frost-resistant foam and gently blow it into the cracks.
In combination with foam, PSUL is also used to protect the foam from moisture and ultraviolet radiation, as well as standard plastic panels, planted on a sealant.
Roman31
October 03, 2015
at 3:14 Remove the old foam, fill the gaps with fresh mounting foam and ideal plaster slopes. If money permits, you can hire appropriate high-altitude specialists, there are such masters in every city, look at the advertisements in the newspapers, they should offer their services.
MANIA
October 06, 2015
at 13:24 Alpine climbers undertake to redo only one edge, where there is normal access and nothing interferes, on the other edge, up to half of the windows, there is an aluminum sun protection, with very small rings. The distance between the sun protection and the windows / brickwork is 2 cm. The foam is in good condition on top - it is protected by the upper balcony, a drain was made from below and immediately cemented. What can be done in this case?
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Any mounting foam, before getting on the shelves, goes through a series of checks. And not nominal, but real. If it is put on sale (for how many years!), then the harmfulness of the mounting foam is minimal.
However, there are disputes between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue.
Is mounting foam dangerous?
Not much official information. Separate moments, crumbs, which do not allow unequivocally answering the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? if harmful, how much?
Let us first analyze the moment of using the foam. We’ll “climb” into the can later.
What are manufacturers warning us about?
1. Foam must not be sprayed near an open flame. It is also forbidden to smoke during work.
2. Foam should not be heated over a stove or other sources of fire (we hope that this will not occur to anyone). For these purposes it is necessary to use hot water.
In principle, these warnings are understandable. Mounting foam - combustible material, highly flammable (like many other aerosol materials).
Cured mounting foam is not dangerous. Unless, of course, it is not set on fire on purpose. Plus, there are fire-resistant sealants on the market designed to install fire doors and other similar structures.
Some manufacturers can read on the cylinders that the work with the foam should take place in well-ventilated areas. Plus, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves. Indeed, mounting foam is toxic. How dangerous is it to work with?
Diphenylmethane diisocyanate is a key material for the production of rigid polyurethane foams. For foaming, substances such as freon, pentane, for example, are used. As a result of the interaction of all components, polyurethane foam is formed. Its high thermal insulation properties determine the main scope of application:
The number of polyurethane materials in the construction market is growing rapidly. Accordingly, the demand for isocyanates, a key raw material, is increasing. The least dangerous in the group of isocyanates is diphenylmethane diisocyanate. During handling, a very low vapor pressure is generated, which reduces the hazard of the substance. But diphenylmethane diisocyanate is not absolutely safe.
Negative influence:
- substance - allergen and sensitizer;
- affects the respiratory system;
- can provoke asthmatic reactions;
- suppresses the immune defense of the body;
- reduces sex drive.
The reaction of a person to isocyanates is individual. In particular, the toxicity of mounting foam is low. But some people are so sensitive to isocyanates that a negative reaction occurs immediately.
Therefore, the use of a building mixture requires compliance with elementary safety rules:
1. You need to work with mounting foam in a ventilated area.
2. Optimum temperature air - twenty - twenty-five degrees above zero. More high temperatures undesirable.
3. You must also ensure that the surfaces to be treated are not too hot.
5. Don't forget to wear gloves too.
Mounting foam is a common material. There are people who work with her every day. If they all ended up in the hospital, the foam would be removed from the construction market. Therefore, toxicity assembly sealant minimal. But she is. Therefore, it is better to take precautions.
The industry does not stand still and today, along with its excellent and useful achievements, we are faced with such a phenomenon as harmful materials and compounds. Some of these substances have a significant Negative influence on human health and well-being.
Oddly enough, but some of the many harmful substances we can meet in construction.
Due to the use of low-quality materials or non-compliance with the installation rules, we are faced with the fact that ours and apartments become simply dangerous for health and living.
Facts and consequences of the use of non-environmental materials in the construction of a house
- the air in some residential areas is several times more harmful than on busy highways;
- more than half of those killed in fires die not from burns, but from poisoning with vapors of harmful substances formed when certain building materials are heated;
- the environmental friendliness of many materials on the construction market is highly questionable (60% of them are dangerous to human health).
Consider the most common building materials that can be dangerous.
SIP panels
This technology construction is considered by many to be inexpensive and harmless. However, if we consider it in more detail, then these determinants can be doubted.
This technology for building houses is not much inferior to others in terms of price, and upon thorough examination, it becomes clear that it is not so harmless.
The fact is that when building a house, a special design of the panel (sip-panel) is used, which, in fact, are foam boards, which are glued on both sides with wood boards.
OSB boards consist of pressed and glued wood chips. The adhesive used to form the boards releases some formaldehyde, but the amount is not that significant.
It causes the most concern. Since OSB boards are still wood material, and the tree has the ability to "breathe", they freely pass benzene, which is released. Therefore, the level of benzene in the house of sip panels will most likely be high.
Despite the fact that sip-panel houses are very warm and strong enough, a significant disadvantage of sip-panels is that they are highly flammable and burn very quickly. In addition, during combustion, polystyrene foam releases toxins that are deadly when inhaled, even in small quantities. For a lethal outcome, it is enough to take only three breaths. The poisonous gas phosgene in large numbers released during the combustion of the foam, causes paralysis of the respiratory tract.
Styrofoam formwork
Expanded polystyrene blocks used for formwork installation have been used in construction both in Russia and abroad relatively recently.
Construction mixtures
When buying building mixtures, strictly monitor their quality. Only original mixtures from reputable manufacturers can meet all safety requirements.
It is best to purchase building mixtures, like other materials, in serious specialized construction stores who value their reputation, which means they monitor the quality of the goods.
Mounting foam
Mounting foam - very comfortable material used in construction for sealing window and doorways at the time of their installation. It contains the poisonous poison formaldehyde. A significant proportion of this poison is released directly at the time of work with polyurethane foam.
After hardening, the release of harmful substances is reduced. When used on small areas formaldehyde emissions are negligible and can not damage, do not leave the foam open, always close it isolate it from sun rays.
Wallpaper
Wallpapers are represented today by a large number of varieties. You can choose not only from a huge number of colors, shades and patterns, but also execution materials.
Any mounting foam, before getting on the shelves, goes through a series of checks. And not nominal, but real. If it is put on sale (for how many years!), then the harmfulness of the mounting foam is minimal. However, there are disputes between ordinary consumers and specialists on this issue. Not much official information. Separate moments, crumbs, which do not allow unequivocally answering the questions: is polyurethane foam harmful? if harmful, how much? Let us first analyze the moment of using the foam. We’ll “climb” into the can later. What are manufacturers warning us about? 1. Foam must not be sprayed near an open flame. It is also forbidden to smoke during work. 2. Foam should not be heated over a stove or other sources of fire (we hope that this will not occur to anyone). For these purposes, hot water must be used. In principle, these warnings are understandable.
Is mounting foam dangerous?
SIP panels This construction technology is considered by many to be inexpensive and harmless. However, if we consider it in more detail, then these determinants can be doubted. This technology for building houses is not much inferior to others in terms of price, and upon thorough examination, it becomes clear that it is not so harmless.
The fact is that when building a house in sip construction, a special design of the panel (sip-panel) is used, which, in fact, are foam boards, which are pasted over with OSB wood boards on both sides. OSB boards consist of pressed and glued wood chips. The adhesive used to form the boards releases some formaldehyde, but the amount is not that significant.
The biggest concern is foam.
Menu
- Is it true that polyurethane foam emits harmful fumes, and it cannot do anything in a residential area? -
- which harmful substances present in the laminate.
Forum of chemists
- substance - allergen and sensitizer;
- affects the respiratory system;
- can provoke asthmatic reactions;
- suppresses the immune defense of the body;
- reduces sex drive.
The reaction of a person to isocyanates is individual. In particular, the toxicity of mounting foam is low. But some people are so sensitive to isocyanates that a negative reaction occurs immediately. Therefore, the use of a building mixture requires compliance with elementary safety rules: 2.
The optimum air temperature is twenty - twenty-five degrees above zero. Higher temperatures are undesirable. 3. You must also ensure that the surfaces to be treated are not too hot. 4. When processing large areas, it is recommended to use respirators.
5. Don't forget to wear gloves too.
What's in store for installers? polyurethane foam toxicity
Facts and consequences of the use of non-environmental materials in the construction of a house
- SIP panels
- Styrofoam formwork
- Foam skirting boards and insulation
- Frame houses with mineral wool insulation
- PVC structures
- carpet
- Construction mixtures
- Mounting foam
- Dye
- the air in some residential areas is several times more harmful than on busy highways;
- more than half of those killed in fires die not from burns, but from poisoning with vapors of harmful substances formed when certain building materials are heated;
- the environmental friendliness of many materials on the construction market is highly questionable (60% of them are dangerous to human health).
Consider the most common building materials that can be dangerous.
However, not many people know that carpet belongs to the class of highly flammable building materials, i.e. on a scale from 1 to 4, it is the most combustible material with a combustibility index of G-4. In addition, the carpet contributes to the rapid spread of flames in the room on the floor. Building mixtures When buying building mixtures, strictly monitor their quality.
Only original mixtures from reputable manufacturers can meet all safety requirements. It is best to purchase building mixtures, like other materials, in serious specialized construction stores that value their reputation, which means they monitor the quality of the goods. Mounting foam Mounting foam is a very convenient material used in construction for sealing window and door openings at the time of their installation.
It contains the poisonous poison formaldehyde.
Is polyurethane foam harmful to health in an apartment
As I now understand, not only for the smell to go away (naturally toxic), but also for the fact that oxygen and moisture are needed for polymerization. Again, I am not a chemist, but if the proportions of the components are not observed, then one of the components will remain unbound. And is it harmless? That's why I was worried about the results of the incorrect "work" of the mounting foam in my case.
But, like, experts here reassured me. Thank you. And then, honestly, I was already thinking about removing the tiles, taking out the bath and cleaning off the foam. A coating technology steel bath mounting foam is as follows (maybe someone else will come in handy): 1.
turned the bath upside down and put it on a soft surface (so as not to scratch) 2.
Important
Wallpapers Wallpapers are represented today by a large number of varieties. You can choose not only from a huge number of colors, shades and patterns, but also execution materials. Miscellaneous materials, used for the manufacture of wallpaper, differ in the degree of flammability and the release of harmful substances:
- vinyl wallpaper is flammable, and completely unnatural;
- cullet - non-flammable, do not contain substances harmful to humans, it is a good environmentally friendly material;
- paper ones are flammable, their quality and harmlessness depend on the quality of the paint used, with which the image is applied to the canvas.
Enamel paint and oil paints contain whole line toxic substances: benzene, toluene, arsenic, cadmium and xelon.
These are volatile compounds that are released into the air when working with paint.
In principle, these warnings are understandable. Polyurethane foam is a combustible material, highly flammable (like many other materials in aerosol packages). Cured mounting foam is not dangerous. Unless, of course, it is not set on fire on purpose. Plus, there are fire-resistant sealants on the market designed to install fire doors and other similar structures. Some manufacturers can read on the cylinders that the work with the foam should take place in well-ventilated areas. Plus, it is recommended to wear a mask and gloves. Indeed, mounting foam is toxic. How dangerous is it to work with? Diphenylmethane diisocyanate is a key material for the production of rigid polyurethane foams. For foaming, substances such as freon, pentane, for example, are used. As a result of the interaction of all components, polyurethane foam is formed.
Professional builders are most often aware of the negative properties of certain materials, but ordinary people may not know about them. Producers, focused primarily on profit, can be silent about them. How to reduce the harmful effects of polystyrene? First of all, you should consider competent and high-quality interior decoration.
Attention
Several layers of finishing material will help you isolate yourself from the foam layer. Because given material emits harmful substances under the action of direct sunlight, then a high-quality finish will be required outside. Styrofoam baseboards and heaters Styrofoam, as an inexpensive, fairly durable and easy-to-handle material, is now quite actively used in construction.
On the building materials market today you can see not only foam insulation, but also Decoration Materials: foam polystyrene skirting boards.
harmful to health frame structures become with poor sealing of mineral wool insulation, which is most often used in this type of building. By her own mineral wool it is not dangerous, however, dangerous microparticles are present in its fibers, which, even with a slight breeze, are carried around the room. PVC structures The material called PVC is a development of German and American scientists. This material was obtained as a result of work aimed at the disposal of chemical warfare agents, which accumulated in large quantities after the Second World War. By itself, this material is not dangerous, it releases harmful compounds when exposed to direct sunlight. Carpet The popularity of carpet in interior decoration is determined by the convenience of its use and aesthetic characteristics.
Mounting foam is used to seal various holes in walls, window and door frames. When the question arises whether it is possible to use polyurethane foam in a steam room, it is important to study what benefits it has and whether it can harm human health. What material can it be replaced for finishing the steam room?
Polyurethane foam - combustible material
Brief information about the material
Mounting foam is a combustible material that ignites easily. Therefore, it must be applied very carefully. When using the material, be sure to remember the following manufacturer's warnings:
- it is forbidden to spray foam near the fire;
- when working with mounting foam, it is forbidden to smoke;
- foam must not be heated over electric or gas stove, or campfire;
- it is recommended to use only hot water to heat it;
- you need to work with foam in ventilated rooms, protecting your hands with gloves, and the respiratory tract with a mask.
The applied hard mounting foam no longer poses a hazard. You can also additionally use special fire-resistant sealants.
Scope of application of the material
Mounting foam consists of diphenylmethane diisocyanate, freon, pentane and other substances that form polyurethane foam. Therefore, it is used for construction, sealing blocks of windows and doors, insulating pipes that conduct water, sealing cracks and seams, insulating walls, roofs, and floors. Sometimes foam is used in the construction of a bath.
Since mounting foam is produced in cans with pressure inside, it must be used carefully, according to the instructions.
When heated, the foam releases harmful substances
What is the danger of the material?
Mounting foam adversely affects the human body. The substances that make up the foam can provoke an allergy, an asthmatic reaction, act on the respiratory system, and suppress the immune system. Therefore, foam should be applied carefully, observing all safety rules.
Foam is dangerous when heated, as in this case it emits harmful substances. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it for finishing inside a sauna or bath. Otherwise, vacationers will breathe chemical fumes and can get severe poisoning.
The use of foam in the bath
If the bath is built using frames, you can use foam for mounting when building walls. It will not adversely affect human health, since the foam will be closed from above by walls.
If the foam is used to create a crate to which the lining will be fixed, with incorrect installation work perhaps it will evaporate into the bath. Which is hazardous to health.
Macroflex mounting foam, when used outside for finishing doors or windows, will not harm health if it is covered with wooden planks or plaster from above. If the foam is used directly inside in the bath, then vacationers will breathe chemical fumes. It is also important to take into account the fact that the foam does not like moisture. Therefore, for interior decoration steam rooms, it is recommended to use tow or other safer and more natural materials.
Technical characteristics of mounting foam
In addition to the tow, you can replace the mounting foam in the bath with moss. Since a wooden steam room must breathe. Moss will last a long time and will not harm your health.
Opinions of experts on the use of foam in the steam room
Most experts say that you should never use mounting foam for a steam room! Since an environmentally friendly bath should be built only from high-quality, natural materials. The following arguments for such an assertion are given.
- In places where a person spends a lot of time, foam with chemical substances that are harmful to health should not be used.
- Mounting foam is considered a harsh chemistry that absorbs moisture well. The accumulated moisture will serve to multiply microbes. In addition, the foam does not withstand sudden changes in temperature and humidity. This must be taken into account when building a steam room, since a bath is not a window into concrete house, which has a constant temperature and can be sealed with mounting foam.
- Contact in a damp room with a tree will provoke rapid decay under the applied foam. The only advantage of the material is that it can quickly close up all the holes. But quick result is not a good result.
- It is also important to remember that mounting foam in construction must be covered with plaster or cement from above. In the bath, the foam cannot be closed. Even lining is recommended to lay out with a gap so that everything breathes. Otherwise, the tree will begin to rot quickly, the ecology inside the steam room will deteriorate.
Conclusion of experts: the use of foam in the steam room is harmful to health
The conclusion of experts on the issue of using foam for installation in a steam room: it is strictly forbidden to use such material for the construction of a bath if the building is being built for the purpose of healing and quality rest without undesirable consequences in the form of poisoning.
Preparation of moss for a bath
In order to feel great in the steam room, instead of mounting foam, it is recommended to seal the cracks with moss. Since you can’t buy it in stores, you can prepare the material yourself.
In autumn, when there is less water in swampy places, it is necessary to choose a clean place with the help of hands or a pitchfork. Since it is recommended to lay out the moss when wet, it must be carefully collected from the swamp and placed in layers in bags.
About where to find a place with moss, you can ask the locals of the village or city.
When collecting moss, you don't have to worry about it being dirty. Since 95% of the material in the process of laying in a row is cleared of wild rosemary, blueberry bushes and other debris.
Collected moss in the summer must be stored under the film. In this form, it will not dry out under the influence of heat. In winter, the material is stored in any form in bags. Moss does not rot and is not afraid of moisture. Therefore, it can be stored for a long time and does not deteriorate.
For the construction of a bath and its design, use only natural quality materials. That as a steam room should strengthen health, and not harm it with chemical fumes. It is important to invest a lot of money once in high-quality materials than to spend it on restoring health after chemical poisoning in the future.
Fascinating and simple about the properties of mounting foam - in the next video.
