Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of polyurethane foam, in principle, are all on the surface. It is difficult to imagine modern construction or renovation work without this material. First of all, this substance is simple and easy to use, while it has excellent adhesion to many building materials, which makes it universal. There is also no doubt about the filling ability of the material.
Since the pressure after expansion of the Macroflex remains minimal, the distribution of the foam occurs very carefully. In this case, losses are reduced to zero. After hardening, the foam turns into a solid building material with a cellular structure, the mechanical strength of which is high. In addition, the sealant does not conduct sound and helps retain heat.
In addition to the fact that polyurethane foam is resistant to moisture and does not age, its safety for humans is beyond doubt. The material is completely non-toxic, both in liquid and frozen form. The composition does not contain propellants that can harm human health. This material has no odor after hardening.
However, any building material may have its drawbacks. Macroflex mounting foam 750 ml, the presented technical characteristics of which are no exception. For example, it is rational to use it only for fairly impressive seams (up to 40 cm), since small defects look like more jewelry work. In addition, “Macroflex” is not frost-resistant and can be destroyed under the influence of sunlight. It is not advisable for the frozen foam to be in water, since liquid entering the pores can destroy the structure.
If you plan to use foam in an aggressive environment, then this point is also undesirable. This is due to the vulnerability of the foam structure under the influence of various destructive substances, such as hail, snow, exhaust gases, too sudden changes in temperature or pressure. At the same time, it is unacceptable to use only foam to fasten, say, a window block, since under the influence of the external environment it can slightly change its properties.
Description and purpose
Polyurethane is the basis of a product intended for fixing polystyrene foam boards. Using adhesive foam, the insulation boards are fixed to the internal and external walls of the house. No special skills are required to carry out installation work. A non-specialist can work with the construction product.
The composition of the adhesive foam includes additives that increase adhesion; it is several times higher than that of classic polyurethane foam. Scope of application of adhesive foam from:
- glue brick blocks;
- fasten facing slabs of stone and wood;
- fix plasterboard slabs;
- glue window sills indoors and outdoors;
- fix heat-insulating materials to the façade and foundation.
Adhesive foam is a new product. It was specially developed for gluing polystyrene and foam boards. Previously, products with cement binders were used for this purpose. Aerosol polyurethane foam is used for gluing different materials:
- cardboard;
- plywood;
- GVL;
- chipboard;
- drywall;
When using construction foam, work efficiency increases. Operation of the product does not require additional equipment, water consumption, or electricity costs. There is no dirt or dust at the work site.
Rules for using "Macroflex"
To get an ideal result, you need to apply foam only according to the technology indicated by the manufacturer.
Preparation for use
Before use, the cylinder is brought into the room and kept at room temperature for at least 12 hours. Immediately before use, shake the container for 15 seconds, then remove the protection cap and screw on the gun. In the working position, the cylinder should be positioned upside down. The release of foam is controlled by pulling the trigger of the gun.
Before starting work, prepare the base or joining surfaces. They should be clean, free of dirt, dust, and construction debris.
It is important that the base is not icy or covered with snow, while slight moisture is allowed, which even enhances adhesion
All contact surfaces adjacent to the workers are covered with film or covered with masking tape. If the substrate is not level, level concrete mortar is applied to it in advance, otherwise the strength of the masonry will decrease.
Application of Macroflex foam
Working with foam does not require any special skills or abilities. The composition only needs to be applied evenly to the base, shaking the container periodically. When building a brick or block wall, the foam is sprayed in two continuous strips up to 4 cm wide, retreating from the edge of the elements by 3-5 cm. If they are building a thin wall of 0.5-1 bricks, make only one strip in the middle.
Sheet materials are glued as follows: foam is applied to the underside of the material in spots in increments of 15 cm, moving 5 cm from the edge, then immediately connected or leaned against walls or other structures, and pressed firmly. Hold the sheets or panels for 5 minutes, then proceed to work with the next element. The seams are rubbed down 2 hours after installation is completed.
When installing window sills, apply foam cement in three strips to the fixing part of the product. Afterwards, the window sill is placed in its proper place, pressed on top with a weight, and left for an hour. To check the evenness, use a level, correcting the position of the window sill for 2-3 minutes. Steps and prefabricated stair structures are installed in a similar way. When sealing seams and holes, take into account that the foam will expand greatly in the future, so they are not filled completely.
Recommendations for using Macroflex
The application procedure is simple - when the valve is opened, the liquid substance of polyurethane foam is released out under the pressure of the gas in the can and gradually hardens, interacting with water in the atmosphere. Hardening of the material lasts a day. In this case, the foam expands in volume from 50% to 250%.
Non-frost-resistant foam is used at temperatures above +5°C. At low temperatures close to zero, the can is kept at room temperature for at least 12 hours before use. Before starting work, shake the container. To apply Macroflex to the surface, the can is held bottom up, both in the case of manual application of foam and using a mounting gun.
Before foaming, the surface must be cleaned of dust and slightly moistened. Moistening the surface will increase the adhesion of the foam and speed up hardening. The amount of foam applied is adjusted by changing the angle of the outlet valve. After filling with Macroflex, you need to immediately clean off uncured stains using a special cleaner. Otherwise, frozen pieces of foam will have to be peeled off the surface with great difficulty.
Roof insulation from the inside
Briefly about the Makroflex brand
Makroflex was originally a Finnish company. In 2003 joined Henkel. Henkel Makroflex is now a global supplier of polyurethane foams.
The entire range of TM Macroflex is certified by quality management in accordance with ISO9001, ISO14000, OHSAS18000 standards.
In addition to mounting foams, the range has been expanded to include a wide range of sealants and adhesives.
Every year the company develops, produces, and supplies products that meet the latest standards and consumer requirements regarding quality, ease of use, and environmental friendliness.
About the manufacturer
The history of the Makroflex brand began in 1978 in Finland. Then the first polyurethane foam was released, intended for sealing windows, which was sold in packages of 9 and 18 kg. Two years later, in the city of Saarijärvi, the production of foam in a 1000 ml container began.
Polyurethane foam Makroflex original PRO professional 750 ml. Photo Petrovich
The first automatic production line was launched in the city of Pärnu (Estonia) in 1989 . Foam canisters take on the familiar green color.
In 1990, production was introduced without the use of gases that destroy the ozone layer.
In 1994, a representative office was opened in Russia.
In 1996 , the product range expanded; production of acrylic and silicone sealants was launched in Pärnu, Estonia.
In 1998, the plant in Estonia was certified according to the ISO9001 standard . At the same time, a new visual identity of the brand appeared on foam packaging - green circles.
In 2003, one of the key events in the history of the brand took place; the company became part of the German concern Henkel .
In 2005, the assortment was replenished with construction adhesives.
In 2011, the brand was recognized as a leader among manufacturers of branded polyurethane foams.
In 2014, the production of WHITETEQ foams was launched , which are strikingly different from the products on the market.
Since its formation, Makroflex has been committed to the principles of efficiency of its products and integrity towards customers. Commitment to these principles has allowed the brand to win the trust of customers from around the world, to become a reliable partner and manufacturer of quality products with a wide range of advantages.
Makroflex: household or professional
There is an opinion that beginners should use household foam in their work. This is partly true. For work such as sealing small cracks and installing small products, household foam is used. It makes no sense to buy a professional one for this type of work. As for professional foam, it is applied to the surface using a gun, which allows you to more accurately dose the volume and control the consumption of the substance.
The main difference between household and professional foam is shrinkageHousehold foam doubles in volume. As for the secondary professional expansion, it is practically absent. The shrinkage coefficient of professional foam is minimal: from 0 to 3%, which cannot be said about household foam, where the indicated figures are 5-7%. Household ones are used once, professional ones – repeatedly.
Professional foam Makroflex 750 ml is used for:
- thermal insulation of roofs, heating networks or walls;
- filling cavities;
- creating partitions with soundproofing properties;
- in fire-resistant structures, as fire protection (Makroflex FR77 fire-resistant).
It should be remembered that the substance hardens in about 24 hours. Because of this, large voids cannot be filled at one time. Use several balls.
Range
For every consumer there is a product made from the Makroflex line:
- Makroflex Premium is a premium product that has increased pressure in the cylinder for quick foam release.
- Makroflex PRO 65 professional - foam comes out in increased volumes and standard.
- Macroflex special installation compounds: 2x2 - all-season, FR77 - fire-resistant, 2K 8MIN, Siberian 65 PRO - winter, foam-cement - construction;
- Makroflex White is a one-component white composition.
Polyurethane foam: composition
Polyurethane foam on the market is presented in one-component and two-component mixtures. Moreover, its overwhelming share belongs to one-component sealant. GOST mounting foam, composition and technical characteristics.
The foam includes two main components - MDI and polyols. Mixed in a pressure cylinder, they turn into a one-component liquid prepolymer. When leaving the container under the action of the propellant gas (propellant), the substance enters into a polymerization reaction with water molecules present in naturally humid air.
Foaming occurs, the volume of the mass expands by 3 or more times, and the formation of a densely elastic durable substance with a porous structure - polyurethane foam. It will take approximately 24 hours for the reaction to complete and to cure completely.
In a two-component composition, an activator is added to the base (prepolymer). Being in the same cylinder, they are separated by a shutter and do not mix. When the lock is removed, activation and rapid polymerization occurs, independent of air humidity. The mass begins to harden immediately in the container. The process lasts from three to ten minutes. In this short time you need to have time to use the entire composition. It takes 4 hours for the foam filler to completely harden. Considering the need for quick, skillful manipulations, it is advisable for specialists to work with this product. Mounting foam technical characteristics and properties.
In addition to the base and a mixture of liquefied gases (propane-butane), various additives are added to the foam composition to impart certain properties (fire resistance, increased adhesion): stabilizers, plasticizers, surfactants and others.
Basic methods of protection
Under ultraviolet light, foam sealant decomposes in the same way, regardless of the manufacturer. First, the foam darkens, then becomes brittle, and then completely crumbles. Ultraviolet radiation destroys the structure of the foam in only a year, a maximum of a couple of years.
The shelf life is affected by the thoroughness of application, the quality of the material, the angle of exposure to sunlight, the thickness of the applied layer, etc.
You can find out the service life of the polyurethane foam on the cylinder; it is different for each manufacturer.
Even if the polyurethane foam lasts a maximum period of four years, this is still a short period of time. But the installation of ventilation, doors, windows is supposed to be carried out no earlier than in 10-15 years.
The video describes in detail the properties and characteristics of foam sealant.
After completing the preparation of the top layer, they proceed to choosing a technique and performing processing:
- Puttying. To do this, use a finishing frost-resistant plaster mixture, liquid plastic, or ordinary window putty, but with an admixture of liquid glass. Any of the listed compositions is applied with a spatula from bottom to top;
- Mounting tape. Constructing a protective layer in this way is the simplest and least expensive method, but the aesthetics of the final result is a big question. It is quite difficult to match the tape to the tone of the window or door frame, and it is also not possible to paint on top, because it will simply peel off;
- Paint and varnish compositions. The best method is to coat it with an acrylate paint compound. It provides high adhesion to foam sealant. This durable device, and therefore the service life of the foam, will ensure the combination of puttying and acrylate painting.
Paint and varnish material with acrylate base
Purpose and scope of application of foam Makroflex 750 ml
The foam container is already ready for use, so you can use it immediately after purchase. The main essence of its action is expansion and filling the entire space after application. Moreover, it can be used on any surface, since Macroflex Pro has excellent adhesion to all materials, even if they are wet. Of course, the foam yield will depend on general environmental indicators - temperature, humidity, as well as the total volume of space filled.
The most common actions for which the mounting tool is used:
- Filling voids during construction, sealing any gaps during repairs;
- Increasing the level of noise insulation;
- Sealing joints between pipes and filling around the pipe space;
- Installation and subsequent insulation of doorways, frames and window sills, wall panels;
- Installation of roofing materials, which includes not only their joints, but also insulation.
The most successful surfaces for adhesion of Macroflex Pro foam are concrete, stone, metal and wood. However, it exhibits its properties perfectly with plastic as well as glass. The most important thing is that there is no ice on the surface, since even humidity will not be an obstacle for the sealant to demonstrate its best qualities.
In some cases, the mounting foam "Macroflex 750 ml" technical characteristics will be indispensable in everyday life, especially if repair work is planned on both a large and small scale. For example, when replacing old wooden frames with plastic windows, which is popular today, one cannot do without using just such a hermetic material. An excellent option would be to use Macroflex when sealing cracks in the walls, if any are found under the old coating.
Polyurethane foam is often used as insulation due to its impermeability. For example, it is used to insulate doorways at the entrance to a house or apartment. Due to its expansion, the foam perfectly fills all the space provided for it, provided that the appropriate environmental parameters are present (temperature, humidity, etc.).
Specifications
- The main base material is polyurethane;
- Packaging capacity – 750 ml;
- The maximum volume after expansion is up to 65 l;
- Secondary expandability – no higher than 120%;
- The pressure created is less than 31 N/dm²;
- Drying time from 7 to 16 minutes;
- Complete hardening time: humidity 93% – 1 hour; humidity 15% – 15 hours.
- Density after hardening – 16-26 kg/m³;
- Fire resistance characteristics – B3 self-extinguishing (DIN 4102);
- Thermal stability -54 °C – +100 °C;
- Water absorption – max. 20%;
- Compressive – tensile – minimum 3.0 N/cm²;
- The spontaneous combustion limit is more than 400 °C;
- Thermal conductivity, fire resistant – 0.04 W/m*K.
Sealing cracks in window openings
Soudal
Special mention should be made of super-frost-resistant foam. Which successfully promotes its product to the Russian market, since such sealant is in demand in cold conditions. The unique characteristics of “Soudal”, with the help of which construction and installation works are carried out, replacement of windows and doors at temperatures down to minus 25 ° C.
This material is durable, resistant to stretching and compression. The adhesive properties of foam to basic materials (stone, metal, concrete and wood) even at extremely low temperatures meet European requirements. This type of sealant is fire-resistant, and in terms of other characteristics Soudal twice exceeds the requirements for similar materials that exist today.
ShakeTec Pro
All Makroflex cylinders are equipped with ShakeTec technology, but Internet users are interested in the option of professional all-season foam in a 750 ml container. Therefore, let’s consider the composition of Makroflex Original PRO all-season - pistol foam for use at ambient temperatures from -10 to +35 degrees. It is used for insulating window and door frames, filling seams and voids, creating soundproof screens and partitions.
Polyurethane foam MAKROFLEX Original professional all-season 750 ml. Photo by Maxidom
Additional tips and tricks
The optimal temperature of the working mass inside the cylinder is 23 °C. To achieve this, it is recommended to keep it at 22-25 °C for about 12 hours before starting work. Use the product as follows:
- shake the bottle 20 times;
- remove the protective cover;
- attach the gun.
During these operations, keep the cylinder upside down. When doing the main work (applying glue), hold it with the bottom up. The speed of foam release can be adjusted using standard methods using a screw on the gun and a trigger. Shake the can regularly during use.
To prevent the foam from hardening, adhere to the following rules for operating the gun:
- do not remove it while there is foam in the container;
- when the glue runs out, quickly disconnect the empty container, replacing it with a new one;
- After completing the work, clean the device with a special liquid (Premium Cleaner);
- Remove the hardened mass mechanically.
It is recommended to store cylinders with glue for no more than 15 months, maintaining a storage temperature of 5-25 °C. At the same time, place them strictly vertically, the valve should look up. When transporting, wrap the product in cloth. Transport in the trunk. Observe safety precautions when working. Do not smoke or light a fire near. It is necessary to ensure a flow of fresh air in the room. Protect the skin of your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles. Do not inhale vapors.
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How long can the material be stored in a cylinder?
Polymerization of the polyurethane foam begins literally immediately after the material is manufactured. This eventually leads to an increase in viscosity right in the middle of the container.
The polymerization process occurs evenly in the first months, and then begins to accelerate. Storage conditions affect the speed of the process either negatively or positively. The cylinder most often indicates a shelf life of one year from the date of manufacture. But high-quality foam does not lose its properties even after the expiration date. This is due to the use of high quality raw materials and the development of good formulas.
Adviсe
Recommendations from experts on the use of Makroflex polyurethane foam:
- Before use, the foam must be kept at room temperature for about 12 hours, this is necessary to completely warm the mixture.
- Installation work with Macroflex products can only be carried out after shaking the can one hundred percent so that the finished foam solution has a uniform consistency when released. During use, the can must be held upside down, regardless of how the foam is applied to the coating (manual method or using a gun).
- Before applying the mounting solution to surfaces or coatings, they must be cleaned of dust and various contaminants. Metal coatings that are contaminated with old sealant can be easily cleaned with white spirit. Also, for better adhesion, it is recommended to moisten the surfaces with water using a special sprayer.
- If there is a need for a break in construction work (more than 15 minutes), the channel and tube must be cleared of the foamed mixture before resuming use of the mixture.
- Foam stains that have not yet hardened can be easily cleaned with specialized cleaning products. The frozen mixture can only be subjected to mechanical action (cutting from surfaces).
- It is recommended to use Macroflex for filling cracks and seams ranging in size from 0.5 cm to 8 cm. In narrow cracks the mixture may not penetrate to the required depth, as a result of which voids may form. Wide seams and cracks will not be able to withstand the heavy mass of the mortar.
Safety precautions for installation work with Makroflex foam:
- Do not allow the finished mixture to come into contact with the skin or organs of vision; severe irritation may occur. If this happens, immediately wash the composition off the skin or rinse your eyes with warm water.
- Never remove a cartridge from a gun that is not completely used. Only an empty cylinder can be replaced.
- Construction work with polyurethane foam is carried out only in rooms with good ventilation. When spraying the mixture, harmful substances are released that affect the respiratory system. It is recommended to use protective equipment.
- Do not apply foam material to hot surfaces or old electrical wiring. Contact between foam and hot surfaces may result in an explosion. Unreliable wiring can cause a spark to suddenly appear, which will lead to dire consequences. Also, do not smoke near sealing solutions.
See the following video about the pros and cons of Makroflex polyurethane foam.
Details
Consumption of Makroflex foam
The composition consumption will depend on the shape and size of the seam. With a rectangular cross-section, the flow rate should be calculated using the following formula - G*W, where G is the depth of the seam in mm and W is the width of the seam in mm. For example, if the depth and width are 6 mm, then the flow rate will be calculated as follows: 6 * 6 = 36 ml. In the case of a triangular seam, the calculation will look like this - 0.5W*D. If the depth and width are 10 cm, then the flow rate will be 50 ml. To ensure maximum foam output, it is worth cutting off the tip of the cartridge at an angle of 45 degrees.
Drying time
The drying parameter depends on many factors - the temperature of the installation mixture, air and environmental humidity, the type and volume of the applied material. At a temperature of +20 degrees, the foam will dry within a couple of hours, but the final hardening will occur only after 12 hours. At a lower temperature, the mixture will dry for a day. During the initial hardening of the mixture, it can be painted, puttyed or cut. The duration of foam hardening can be accelerated by moistening, which also affects adhesion to building materials.
Types of foam
The manufacturing company has developed solutions that are competent in terms of technology and operation for all users. We offer to buy at a good wholesale price:
- Makroflex Premium – premium class polyurethane foam with increased yield;
- a wide range of professional and standard products for use for various purposes;
- several types of special grades for use in specific situations.
| Makroflex Premium | Type | Characteristics, application |
| Premium | Professional foam for a gun with increased output. Application temperature +5…+30. Used for insulating windows, doors, filling hollow spaces, sealing holes, making partitions with high sound insulation, filling air spaces around pipes, roof insulation. | |
| Premium Pro Winter | Apply at t -15…+25. Leave at room temperature for about 12 hours before use. | |
| Premium Mega | Particularly high yield – 45% more than standard cylinders. Operates at temperatures +5 …+30 | |
| Premium Mega Winter Pro | Winter, works in the temperature range -15…+25 | |
| Premium Window Pro (All Season) |
Recommended for use in areas requiring the highest quality | |
| Macroflex pro and standard | LOWEX PRO |
|
| PRO | It has a good cellular structure and high mechanical strength. Suitable for insulating tile roofs, wall panels, sealing joints in window and door frames, etc. High adhesion, sound and heat insulation | |
| MAKROFLEX 65 PRO | Increased foam yield, for work on all surfaces at temperatures +5…+30 | |
| All-season | Does not lose properties when working in hot or cold conditions (up to -10) | |
| 65 PRO all-season | Same performance with increased output | |
| Standard | The cylinder is equipped with an applicator tube. t +5…+30. An economical solution to problems of filling voids on different surfaces. Good adhesion and mechanical strength. | |
| Macroflex 65 standard | With increased output | |
| Makroflex Winter | Standard, with applicator | |
| ALLSEASON | All-season, works in the temperature range -10… +25 | |
| Special | Macroflex 2x2 | Works with gun and applicator tube |
| FR77 | Fire resistant: does not catch fire for 240 minutes (the specific time depends on the type of linear joints) | |
| Construction cement | Serves to connect building materials and fasten them to each other. Used when installing stairs, window sills, binding building blocks, etc. | |
| 2K 8MIN | 2-component polyurethane foam. Accelerated polymerization process | |
| SIBERIAN 65 PRO winter | Professional, with increased output, operates at temperatures -18…+25 | |
| Makroflex WhiteTeq (White Technology) | White foam, UV resistant. Finely porous. Has high noise and heat insulation. Thermoplastic, able to compensate for movement and vibration. | Shelf life 12 months. Application:
|
Characteristics and properties of the Macroflex composition
Single-component Macroflex foam has the following performance characteristics, regulated by the manufacturer:
- Specific gravity 20 kg/cubic meter.
- The duration of film formation on the surface is up to 9 minutes.
- The time before removing the hardened foam is no more than 30 minutes.
- The maximum seam size is 50 mm.
- Daily moisture absorption up to 1%.
- Moisture absorption in 28 days ≤ 10%.
- Sound absorption level 60 dB.
- The masonry area from one cylinder is 10–12 sq. m.
- Thermal conductivity level is 0.037–0.40 W/mK.
- The ambient temperature range for using glue is from -5 to +35 °C.
- The optimal temperature of the glue container is +5-+30 °C.
- Resistance of hardened foam from -40 to +90 °C.
- Temperature resistance limit +110 °C.
- Fixation strength 0.08–2.0 MPa.
The described material can replace cement-like mixtures and cement itself
The maximum degree of binding, equal to 2 MPa, is ensured upon contact with wood, polycarbonate, glass, ceramics, and a number of plastics. Macroflex adhesive foam provides average bond strength (0.1–0.3 MPa), bonding building materials of inorganic origin with a high concentration of pores - concrete, plasterboard, foam concrete, ceramic blocks. The composition secures the foam, guaranteeing a tensile force of more than 0.15 MPa. Minimum strength characteristics of 0.08 MPa are ensured when fixing panels made of polystyrene foam and mineral wool.
Polyurethane foam, offered in 0.85 or 1 liter packaging, confidently competes with building mixtures and surpasses cement in many respects. Macroflex effectively eliminates cold bridges and provides increased adhesion. The glue has the following properties:
- ready to use;
- ease of use, including at sub-zero temperatures;
- effective fixation and sealing of various materials;
- accelerated hardening;
- possibility of reliable fastening of panels in a vertical plane;
- high noise insulation and heat protection characteristics;
- use for performing work indoors and outdoors.
Service life and storage
The durability of polyurethane foam depends on operating conditions. If you exclude exposure to direct sunlight, mechanical stress in the form of scratches, cuts or impacts, as well as significant heating and excessive cooling, then it can remain sealed for several decades.
The guaranteed service life is 15-18 years. Applying protective coatings to polyurethane foam seams significantly increases the durability of the material.
The reliability of the material depends on the conditions and duration of storage of the cylinders. The guaranteed shelf life is usually 18-24 months.
