Polyurethane foam in questions and answers: how to choose, store and use it correctly

Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

Household polyurethane foams with an applicator tube: Foam Premium (Penosil) summer (750 ml pack - 262 rubles). Photo: Penosil

Polyurethane foam is an indispensable element of many construction works. It is used when installing windows and doors, filling various openings and openings, for connecting and sealing frame construction structures, fixing wall panels and roofing slates. Among the main manufacturers of these products are Henkel (Makroflex trademark), Bison International, Den Braven, Penosil, Profflex (Profflex, Storm Gun trademarks), Soudal, Selena (Tytan Professional trademark). The price of a cylinder with polyurethane foam depends on its volume, weight, popularity of the brand and ranges from 100 to 600 rubles. It is worth noting that polyurethane foams are divided into one- and two-component ones. Since most of the foams presented on our market are single-component, let’s talk about them.

The consequence of poor sealing is distortions, sagging, and reduced service life of windows. Correct use of foam provides the necessary heat and sound insulation. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

What is polyurethane foam?

Maxi (Profflex) all-season (750 ml pack - 218 RUR). Photo: Profflex

One-component polyurethane foam is a polyurethane sealant in an aerosol package. The basis of the foam is a prepolymer (prepolymer) synthesized from a polyol and isocyanate. As a result of the polymerization reaction, partly occurring inside the cylinder, and mainly in the air, after release outside, these substances form polyurethane. Coming out of the container, the prepolymer sharply increases in volume (20–40 times) and turns into foam. Expanding, it penetrates into hard-to-reach cavities and fills voids. Then the cellular mass gradually polymerizes (hardens), absorbing moisture from the air or from a previously wetted surface. After a day, it becomes a chemically stable substance - polyurethane. It is non-toxic, does not deteriorate for a long time, and is resistant to moisture. This rather rigid, finely porous material consists of closed cells and serves as a good insulator.

Why do you need seam protection?

Careful sealing of the polyurethane foam can extend the service life of the hardened layer; over time, the cracks will not be blown out, and the frame will gain additional fixation, eliminating the risk of box shifts. The modern mixture, even after complete hardening, is unable to withstand the effects of external factors; due to direct exposure to sunlight, people often notice that the layer begins to change shade, and at the moment of touch the material simply crumbles.

Such excesses can be avoided if reliable protection is provided, and it is not difficult to grease the joints; the porous structure ensures excellent adhesion to plaster, putty and mortar. Some building owners resort to using gypsum plasterboard or siding, protecting the hardened mixture from moisture or ultraviolet radiation. Each of the finishing methods has positive aspects; at the time of choosing how to seal the polyurethane foam, it is better to familiarize yourself with them in detail.

How is household foam different from professional foam?

Tytan Professional STD (Selena) summer (750 ml pack - 315 RUR). Photo: Selena

The container with household foam is equipped with a special applicator tube. Thanks to this device, no additional tools are required to release the viscous mixture. Household foams are generally single-use products. The yield of the mass is difficult to dose, and it itself is characterized by high density and low polymerization rate. Professional foams are designed for repeated use and better sealing. In them, the supply and dosing of the foam jet occurs using a plunger gun. It is screwed onto a special ring on the cylinder. It is professional foam that should be given preference when installing doors and windows.

Tools for applying plaster

To work you will need:

A stationery or wallpaper knife to cut off the foam.
Roller or brush for applying liquid primer.
Metal spatula (narrow and wide) – the wide one is used to scoop up the plaster, and the narrow one is applied. Using a narrow spatula, you can also seal corners, thin seams, and hard-to-reach places.
A gray rubber spatula is useful for rubbing sealant into joints and processing arc-shaped and round seams. Relevant for windows and walls with finishing, where it is important not to scratch the surface.
Containers for solutions.
A trowel for leveling the applied solution.
Gloves, a bucket of water to immediately wash the tools and floor.
A drill with an attachment or a construction mixer - mix dry mixtures.
Masking tape to cover areas that do not need to be plastered and to ensure a straight seam line.

A rubber spatula and gypsum plaster will be needed for finishing

At what temperature can foam be used?

Soft foam cleaners: PU Foam Cleaner Click (Soudal) (500 ml pack - 257 RUR). Photo: Soudal

Depending on the operating temperature range, polyurethane foams are divided into summer, winter, and all-season. For the former, the range of permissible temperatures is in the positive zone: from 5 to 30 ˚C. Winter and all-season foams are used in a wider range: from –10 °C (some from –25 °C) to 30 °C. In this case, it is worth considering the manufacturer’s advice on the temperature of the cylinder. In the cold season, with low air humidity, the course of chemical reactions slows down, the viscosity of the mixture increases, and the pressure in the cells of the foam mass decreases. For normal operation of winter foam, many manufacturers advise warming the balloon to room temperature (23 °C), keeping it in a living room for about a day or immersing it in warm water (about 30 °C). However, there are products for which the use of a cold cylinder is acceptable.

Winter foams contain components that help better absorb moisture from the environment and maintain the desired consistency at low temperatures. Winter foams can be used in cold and warm seasons without compromising their performance properties. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

How to protect after cutting from the street and not only, why: from destruction and so on

The use of polyurethane foam allows you to solve various construction, repair and finishing issues . The composition penetrates deeply into all cracks and irregularities of the treated surface and reliably adheres to the base . The connections can withstand mechanical and deformation loads. But under the influence of external factors, assembly seams lose their properties. is influenced to varying degrees by . Therefore, it is necessary to protect installation seams at all stages of work. Outside (from the street) - from ultraviolet radiation and precipitation , in the center - from low temperatures, i.e. Insulation is carried out from the inside (from the side of the room) - from condensation and steam .

Polyurethane foam TYTAN LEXY 20 300 ml. Photo by Maxidom

The presence of a protective layer allows you to solve several problems . Firstly, extend the life of the foam. Secondly, exclude the possibility of moisture getting on the surface of the seam. Thirdly, maintain the integrity of the seam. Fourth, prevent the formation of fungus and mold. Fifthly, give it a more attractive appearance. As a result, treatment is necessary to prevent loss of characteristics and quality, and, consequently, destruction of the seams. Various materials and means are used for effective protection.

Putty/putty for external and internal work, what to putty on: putty/mastic and other options

Puttying assembly joints involves performing several stages of work , where surface treatment takes only part of the time.

Ready putty TURY moisture resistant 1.7 kg. Photo by Maxidom

1) First of all, you need to choose the composition and prepare the tools . To perform the work, the performer will need a knife, a container for the mixture, narrow and wide spatulas, and gloves. Using a narrow spatula, the solution is selected from the container and applied to a wide one, with which the surface is treated. A narrow spatula will also be needed for sealing corners and processing hard-to-reach places. When choosing a putty composition, several circumstances must be taken into account:

* Location of treated surfaces. For interior work, the optimal solution would be to choose one composition, and for working with the facade and in wet rooms - another.

* Layer thickness and slot width. It is recommended to plaster deep surface defects. Since the putty is designed to hide small defects and is applied in a thin layer. But the plaster is suitable for leveling unevenness up to 15 cm deep. As an example of high-quality compositions for work in dry rooms, we can mention the Fugenfüller putty from Knauf . For facade work, it is necessary to choose mixtures based on cement or polymers. A universal remedy is Neomid putty . When protecting installation seams, you cannot do without a primer. It additionally protects the putty and provides better adhesion to finishing materials. Acrylic primer has the greatest list of advantages.

2) After choosing a means of protection, the installation seams must be prepared for work . Even with the most careful application of the foam, the composition lies unevenly on the base , as it significantly increases in volume. Excess foam is removed 8-12 hours after foaming; this can be done conveniently using a knife with a triangular-shaped oblique blade. It is important to start work only after the foam has completely polymerized. To avoid getting poor quality results, it is recommended to wait 24 hours . Since lower rates for foam curing can only be achieved when working under ideal conditions. It is also necessary to make a recess in the seam, thus freeing up space for putty. As a result, you need to get a smooth surface without any obvious defects.

3) The surface must be cleaned of dust and debris ; it is recommended to use a vacuum cleaner.

4) The installation seams must be treated with a primer mixture and allowed to dry.

Reference. In most cases, foam is used to fix products of various types and textures. To avoid destructive processes, it is recommended to apply a special pre-compressed sealing tape (PSUL) to the seam before priming and filling.

5) The putty is applied in the following sequence:

5.1) The solution is mixed. The mixture is prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the proportions are indicated on the packaging. You should take a prudent approach to determining the amount of solution. If there is too much of it, it will harden, it will not be possible to revive it, and as a result, the unused putty will have to be thrown away. The mixture should be enough for 30 minutes of work.

5.2) The first layer of starting putty is applied . If defects are still noticeable, an additional layer will have to be applied. The thickness of the layer depends on the type and variety of putty. But the general recommendation is to apply the mixture in a thin layer.

Reference. The dense filling of voids and cracks is facilitated by the perpendicular application of the mixture. The putty is not distributed level with the height of the joint, but with a slight excess.

5.3) After the starting layer has dried, it is recommended to sand it and prime it .

5.4) Finishing putty is applied . After it dries, sanding with fine-grained sandpaper and priming is carried out.

5.5) Grouting is carried out only after the putty has completely dried. The result is a smooth coating that fits perfectly with paint or wallpaper.

Thus, there is nothing complicated in the process of puttying assembly joints. To obtain the desired result, you only need to strictly follow the technological process.

Reference. To process a large number of assembly seams, it is not always appropriate to use putty. This will require a lot of material and time. A simple option is to prepare cement mortar. To mask the seams, grout is added to the solution. After the cement has dried, the seams can be painted in a suitable color.

Paint it, what to paint it with so it doesn’t collapse

After applying the putty, you can begin painting the assembly joints . For exterior work, it is recommended to use façade paints; they are weather-resistant. For indoor work, you need to choose products for interior work or universal paints. The best option for protecting polyurethane foam is an acrylate composition , which has excellent adhesion. Depending on the type of paint, it is applied either with a thin brush from bottom to top to the corner of the frame, or by spraying from an aerosol can.

The paint is applied evenly , if necessary in two layers. It is possible to paint over the assembly seams, for example, with Tytan universal acrylic aerosol paint. It is suitable for both internal and external work.

Mounting tape, how to close it

Special tape is the most cost-effective and fastest option for protecting seams. It is also the most questionable from an aesthetic point of view , so this method is often considered as a temporary measure . Because after a few months you will have to re-glue it with tape. The surface is pre-leveled, cleaned of uneven surfaces using sandpaper, and wiped from dust, dirt, and condensation.

Attention. The sticky side should not be touched with your hands, otherwise it will reduce the quality of fixation.

Suppliers have a range of tape in various colors , which allows you to choose the best option for window frames and door frames.

Is it possible to apply plaster, what to plaster with, how to plaster

Among all the options, the universal means of protection is plaster . It is used inside and outside, BUT provided that the properties of the composition correspond to the operating conditions. The plaster has vapor permeability, increased adhesion, strength, provides waterproofing and an aesthetic appearance of installation joints.

Cement plaster Axton. Photo by Leroy Merlin

Plaster is represented by a significant number of options . As protection, it is recommended to use mixtures based on cement and gypsum; products containing silicone are a good option. But they are not universal. Therefore, when using plaster, it is necessary to consider :

1) Purpose of the room : living room, balcony, bathroom. The complex of work in each is different, which is due to the unequal level of humidity.

2) Is the application carried out on the façade or indoors? In the first case, the main parameter of the plaster is its waterproofing properties.

3) Size of the slots.

It is important that the plaster has elasticity . This characteristic ensures a long service life of the coating and prevents the risk of damage to the material as a result of shrinkage of the base and temperature changes.

There are general recommendations for choosing plaster to protect installation joints on various structural elements:

1) Window and door frames : gypsum, silicone and cement mixtures. When using the first type of solution, you must first apply cement plaster, and gypsum plaster on top of it.

2) Bathroom and kitchen - cement mixtures that perfectly withstand exposure to moisture.

3) Unheated balcony and facade - cement frost-resistant mixture, which must contain polymer additives, which prevents deformation of the building material as a result of temperature changes and shrinkage of the base.

4) Residential premises in which the humidity level does not exceed normal levels - gypsum plaster.

Deep penetration primer Ceresit CT17. Photo by Leroy Merlin

As for brands, the most popular brands are Rotband, Ceresit, Forward.

To plaster the installation joints you will need:

spatulas: narrow and wide, rubber and standard; the first is for adding the mixture, the second is for applying, the third is for grouting;
roller or brush for applying primer;
sharp knife (construction or stationery);
sandpaper;
container for preparing the mixture;
trowel for leveling the surface;
construction mixer for mixing components, a drill will do.

The work is performed in the following sequence:

1) Preparatory work , which we have already written about, includes removing excess foam, cleaning from dust and dirt, and applying a primer.

2) Application of plaster is carried out according to the instructions:

2.1) The construction mixture is prepared , the dry material is diluted with water in accordance with the proportions presented on the packaging by the manufacturer.

2.2) The plaster is applied sequentially , in 2-3 layers, between the installation of which there must be a break of 2-3 hours. When working with gypsum plaster, 2 hours is enough; with cement plaster, you need to wait about 3 hours. The recommended thickness of the plaster layer is 5 mm.

Reference. Strengthening the coating is often required. For this purpose, a metal mesh for internal use is used. The mesh is attached after applying the first layer of plaster.

Attention. For more reliable protection, it is recommended to cover the installation joints with plaster with an overhang of 2 mm. from each side.

2.3) When the mixture dries, the coating is leveled with a trowel . Then it is recommended to go over the top with fine-grit sandpaper (after 2-4 days).

Why do you need to shake a can of polyurethane foam before work?

ECO Tytan Professional (Selena) (500 ml pack - 235 RUR). Photo: Selena

A container of polyurethane foam contains several components of different densities. If stored immobile for a long time, they can become distributed in layers. Therefore, before starting the process, the container should be shaken vigorously for half a minute to mix the components. Also, shake it periodically during use and especially after smoking breaks. Insufficient shaking can lead to the formation of a coarse foam structure and reduced volume. During operation, the cylinder is held upside down. In this position, the propellant gas drops below the polymer mass and ensures maximum use of the contents.

The surfaces on which polyurethane foam is applied must be thoroughly dust-free and free of dirt, oils, grease and ice. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

What materials are best?

After the polyurethane foam is applied and the window sill, drainage and slopes are installed, even with the most careful execution there will still be small gaps that are sealed with sealants.
In the retail chain you can purchase several dozen very effective sealants for PVC windows. They contain various polymers that give them certain characteristics.

The form of implementation is tubes with a pasty and plastic mass, most often white. After the sealant is applied to the surface that has leaks, it gradually hardens, creating an airtight and moisture-resistant layer.

Let's look at the most popular types of sealants for sealing between structural seams of PVC windows.

Silicone

Available in the form of a universal paste of organosilicon compounds, intended for internal and external use. There are acidic and neutral types.

Advantages:

how to calculate the amount of roofing per roof calculator

To the disadvantages:

Acrylic

The sealant is used for external work.

Advantages:

The disadvantages include:

Liquid plastic

The material is produced on the basis of PVC from MS polymers.

Advantages and
disadvantages:

Butyl or polyisobutylene sealant

It is produced on the basis of a rubber-like substance.

Advantages:

The disadvantage is the low-strength composition.

Theocol sealant

Produced using polysulfide components.

Advantages:

The disadvantages of this type of sealant include:

Steez A

Acrylic sealant with a one-component composition, area of application for outdoor work.

Advantages:

Flaws:

Steez B

Acrylic one-component sealant for interior work.

Advantages:

Disadvantages: it is not able to remove moisture from the seam, so it can only be used for interior work in conjunction with Steez A.

Steam and waterproofing tapes

The materials must be used to create a warm seam system using PSUL - a vapor-permeable self-expanding sealing tape.

Advantages of PSUL Euroband:

to be a disadvantage .

How much foam is needed to fill cavities?

Cleaner for hard foam: Tytan Professional (Selena) (100 ml pack - 379 RUR). Photo: Selena

In order to prevent deformation of insufficiently strong walls during the expansion of the foam mass, it is recommended to fill no more than a third of the voids and cracks with foam. When installing interior doors, it is advisable to use several spacers to secure the frame. Then the foam increasing in volume will not be able to deform it. However, with the correct professional dosage of foam, this is not necessary.

The volume of finished foam depends on the capacity of the cylinder and its filling, the temperature of the air and the cylinder, air humidity, the quality of the gun and the qualifications of the craftsman. High-performance foams produce 65 liters or more, while regular foams produce 25–45 liters.

How to beautifully close the foam

After installation, the window unit looks unfinished. In order for the glass block to fit harmoniously into the design of the room and the facade of the house, you need to properly hide the foam mass. There are 5 popular ways to help you beautifully design slopes.

Plaster

An inexpensive method allows you to hide traces of the polymer, insulate the frame and create a smooth surface around the profile. The material used is a cement-sand mixture or alabaster (gypsum). Knowing how to cover the foam on plastic windows, it is easy to harmoniously fit the structure into the design of the room.

Should surfaces be dampened before applying foam?

Relative air humidity of more than 50% is sufficient for the normal process of foam polymerization. In such conditions there is no need to moisten the surfaces. However, with low humidity (less than 50%), which is typical during the cold season and hot summer days, moistening the seams and cavities will increase adhesion and improve the curing of the foam. This should be done without fanaticism, so that there are no drops on the surface and no water accumulates, otherwise its excess will prevent the foam from connecting to the surface.

The construction gun must be cleared of foam immediately after removing the empty cylinder, preventing the mass from hardening inside the gun. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

Why do you need to seal and close knots?

Since the main material that can be used to seal mounting cracks in window openings is construction foam, which can be destroyed under the influence of precipitation and UV radiation, it requires protection. After the foam layer is leveled from sagging, it must be waterproofed and covered with finishing materials. If this is not done, the foam will collapse very quickly and through holes will be exposed.

Technology for sealing technological seams created when installing PVC windows:

After this, the window sill, drainage and slopes are installed. They seal small gaps up to 5 mm between the frame and the wall opening, as well as the frame, drainage and window sill.

When can you cut off excess foam?

The polymerization time of polyurethane foam is affected by the temperature of the environment, the cylinder itself and the size of the cavity. On average, professional foam hardens in a cavity 30 mm wide in 20–30 minutes, while household foam hardens somewhat more slowly—in 40–60 minutes. The expansion process is completed in a day, and then you can begin to remove the solid mass.

Vertical gaps are filled with polyurethane foam, moving from bottom to top. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

The hardened foam is carefully cut off with a sharp knife. Photo: ShutterStock/Fotodom.ru

Construction Materials
How and with what to wash polyurethane foam from hands and clothes: a complete review of means and methods

Foam cleaners

Winter professional mounting foams: Makroflex Premium Mega 70 (Henkel) (870 ml pack - 390 RUR). Photo: Henkel

The polyurethane foam remaining after mechanical cleaning of the gun, cylinder (valve and the outside of the cylinder itself), clothing and other surfaces can be easily removed using a special aerosol cleaner. There are two types of cleaners available:

for soft foam;
for hardened foam.

They all contain strong solvents. Therefore, before use, it is advisable to test the effect of the aerosol on a hidden area of the surface being cleaned.

How to clean fresh?

The polyurethane foam used during installation has a viscous consistency at the time of application and has the ability to expand, filling holes and gaps. When exposed to air, the material begins to harden .

If flakes of polyurethane foam get on the door itself, you can remove them before they harden. But at the joints it is advisable not to touch the sealant so as not to disrupt its insulating ability.

The bulk of fresh polyurethane foam that gets on the door can be removed with a plastic spatula or wooden scraper . It is necessary to make clear, sharp movements with the tool, without smearing the composition over an even larger area.

The solvent will help remove the remaining sealant. The most harmless way is to use a rag soaked in vegetable oil. But you can use other means. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the material of the door itself.

In most situations, the following preparations are suitable:
Fresh foam should not be washed with water, since contact with any wet surface accelerates adhesion and hardening.

How to store and reuse a foam canister?

Soudafoam Maxi 70 (Soudal) (pack 870 ml - 336 RUR). Photo: Soudal

You can interrupt work with household polyurethane foam, the container of which is equipped with an applicator tube, only for a short time, no more than half an hour. The mixture dries quickly in air and can block the exit of the remaining foam. When using professional foam, manufacturers recommend not removing the gun from the cylinder until all the contents are empty. During storage, the trigger mechanism of the pistol is blocked with a metering screw.

In this condition, the cylinder with the gun can be kept for 1–2 weeks. But its prolonged exposure to warm and humid conditions significantly reduces the shelf life of polyurethane foam. But a dry and cool room is ideal for storing the cylinder. Moreover, they install it vertically, with the valve up, since a horizontal position leads to valve malfunction.

Selecting putty and preparing the mixture

The second question that faces us is what kind of plaster we need to choose, but this is also a solvable problem. It is best to choose a frost-resistant putty that will not succumb to climatic influences. If you are interested in the name, then we recommend you the putty brand - ROTBAND. Also note that it is necessary to prepare the putty mixture 5-10 minutes before direct use. Instructions for preparing the solution are always written on the back of the package, but the classic use of plaster is: add the mixture to water and stir until there are no lumps; if they still appear, add a little more warm water.

Does foam need to be protected from sunlight?

Tytan Professional ICE 65 (Selena) (870 ml pack - 340 RUR). Photo: Selena

Polyurethane foams are very sensitive to UV rays. The hardened mass darkens and crumbles under the influence of sunlight. The foam must be protected from light by plaster, panels, etc. In addition, the frozen mass does not tolerate temperatures above 110 ° C, exposure to alkalis, acids and compounds used to remove foam residues.

Step-by-step instructions for sealing

The technology for sealing installation joints depends on the wall material, window design, selected consumables and scope of work. The main operations that the contractor must perform when sealing and sealing assembly seams and gaps between the surfaces of structures:

To ensure that the applied sealant does not harden, the work is carried out in sections. If the surface of the frame or window sill needs to be degreased first, acetone should not be used for this purpose.

Adhesive foam

GoldGun 65 (Penosil) (875 ml pack - 345 RUR). Photo: Penosil

The scope of application of polyurethane foam is expanding. Many manufacturers, including TECHNONICOL Corporation, Henkel, Selena companies, offer adhesive foams for fixing thermal insulation boards made of polystyrene foam, extruded and pressed polystyrene foam, when installing external and internal thermal insulation systems on surfaces made of concrete, brick, plastered, etc. In addition , adhesive foams are used in the construction of walls and partitions from aerated concrete, ceramic and other blocks. Unlike conventional foams, adhesive foams have higher adhesion and a low degree of expansion.

Professional mounting foams: all-season Construction 70 (Penosil), application temperature from –10 to 30˚С (pack of 870 ml - 336 rubles). Photo: Penosil

Summer Soudafoam Professional 60 (Soudal) (750 ml pack - 390 RUR). Photo: Soudal

Summer Tytan Professional Gun (Selena) (750 ml pack - 343 RUR). Photo: Selena

TOP 5 funds

The popularity of a particular sealant is determined by the purchasing activity of large trading platforms. And also based on customer reviews. Among the sealants for sealing the seams of PVC windows, the following materials are the most popular.

Cosmofen 345

Liquid plastic from a German manufacturer. The place of sealing is between a quarter of the brick wall and the frame from the outside, option: PSUL + finishing + Cosmofen 345.

Advantages:

The disadvantage is that it has a strong, toxic odor, so it can only be used outdoors.

The cost of a 310 g tube is 590 rubles.

Quelyd 007

Universal sealant for internal and external use from France. Installation location - outside side and top walls, option: PSUL + finishing + Quelyd 007, inside side walls, top wall and window sill, scheme: vapor barrier tape + finishing + Quelyd 007.

Advantages:

There is only one drawback - high cost. The price of a 430 g tube is 650 rubles.

Soudal fix all high tack

Belgian universal sealant made of synthetic rubber. Installation location - outside side and top walls, option: PSUL + finishing + Soudal fix all high tack, inside side walls, top wall and window sill, scheme: vapor barrier tape + finishing + Soudal fix all high tack.

Advantages:

The disadvantage is the high price, a 290 g tube costs 950 rubles.

MasterTeks ProfiMaster

Polish universal transparent acrylic sealant. Installation location - outside the side surfaces and the upper part of the opening, option: PSUL + finishing + MasterTeks ProfiMaster, inside the side walls, top wall and window sill, scheme: vapor barrier tape + finishing + MasterTeks ProfiMaster.

Advantages:

Flaws:

Price - 570 rub. for 1 tube.

Moment

White universal silicone sealant made in Russia. Installation location - outside side surfaces and upper part of the opening, option: PSUL + finishing + Moment, inside side walls, top wall and window sill, scheme: vapor barrier tape + finishing + Moment.

Advantages:

The disadvantage is the presence of an odor at the time of application, which later dissipates.

Price per tube - 350 rubles.

We clean plastic windows and doors from foam

Even with high-quality installation of plastic products, stains on wood jambs, glass and window sills cannot be avoided. It is impossible to remove the mixture from polyurethane foam using chemicals.

You need to remove dirt from plastic as follows:

Scrape off the fresh grout with a piece of wood or a spatula. If the plastic surface is flat, then there will be no mark left on it.
If you don’t know what is the best way to clean old polyurethane foam, then cut off the top layer of the mixture with a knife, and then apply warm sunflower oil for 15 minutes. This will soften the dried material. At the end, you can remove the remaining foam using a sponge with an abrasive surface.
We use a pharmaceutical product - Dimexide gel. It perfectly removes dried grout, even stains that are a year old. It has a low price, so it is profitable to use. Wear gloves before working. Apply the gel to the stain with a brush and distribute it evenly. In 5 min. Remaining foam is removed with a sponge.

Possible difficulties and errors

The first errors due to improper sealing will be detected by the owner of the window immediately when cold weather sets in; such a window begins to siphon from under the installation seams, and condensation appears abundantly outside and inside the structure, while the slopes turn black with mold.

If these signs were discovered by the owner on PVC windows, and their installation was carried out by a specialized organization, then their representatives urgently need to be invited to eliminate the defects.

If the work was carried out independently, then most likely the following gross mistakes :

How to remove with special preparations?

Special cleaners can be used to remove foam from surfaces. Many companies are engaged in their production. Including those that supply the polyurethane foam itself to the product market.

Kudo Foam Remover

Foam Remover is a remover of hardened polyurethane foam. The product is intended for removing polyurethane composition from plastic, metal and other surfaces with a non-porous structure.

Thanks to its convenient packaging, Kudo spreads well over the surface. Cost – from 140 rubles for a volume of 210 ml. Read reviews here and here.

Soudal

The product is intended for removing polyurethane foam from a wide range of types of surfaces. The product comes with a spatula and brush for ease of use.

Soudal is suitable for cleaning frames, window sills and glass. The remover should not be used on brass, copper or zinc metal surfaces. Price – from 600 rubles per 100 ml. Read reviews here.

Polynor Cleaner

The cleaner is designed to remove polyurethane foam and non-hardening Polynor insulation from various surfaces. The product is suitable for treating window frames, window sills and glass . The product is based on acetone.

Polynor is sprayed onto the stained area of the plastic window. Cost - about 200 rubles per bottle. Read reviews here.

What are seams and gaps?

The gap between the wall and the frame appears due to the fact that the window design is slightly smaller in size than the technological opening in the wall. These are the requirements of the technological map and GOST for installing a PVC window block to provide space for thermal expansion of the window frame. Ideally, such seams are foamed, then waterproofed and sealed with putty and sealant.

Advantages of using foam to seal mounting gaps when installing PVC windows:

high level of free space filling;
ability to bear high loads;
high characteristics of moisture, noise and thermal protection;
low cost;
high speed of work;
simple application process;

The disadvantages of polyurethane foam for sealing installation joints include:

Its high susceptibility to UV rays, therefore, after hardening and removal of excess, it must be covered with finishing and protective waterproofing materials.
Foam at high temperatures can expand up to 10%, and at low temperatures, on the contrary, shrink.

Where exactly is sealing required after installation?

If the technical installation of PVC windows in the wall is carried out correctly, cracks will form :

between the frame and the top and vertical walls;
between the window sill and the frame.

If the installers follow the technology for installing the block, then such gaps do not exceed 2 cm, this is enough to ensure thermal expansion of the window frame. If the foam was applied correctly during installation work, then the completion of the sealing of the window block is carried out using putty solutions and sealant