Polyurethane Foam Insulation
As far as insulation of sound is concerned polyurethane foam insulation is used in two different forms- as a spray foam or as a solid foam panel. Polyurethane is the basic material from which foam is made. It possesses the best qualities of rubber and plastic. In the most common and popular forms we can see foam used in cushions of furniture, padding used in seats and upholstery of motor vehicles like cars. Foam Panels are like batts or rolls of insulation in their application and in the way they are installed. As a spray polyurethane foam is applied to insulate a wall completely from moisture and air.
Soundproofing effects of polyurethane foam
Polyurethane foam insulation when used as spray foam serves as a better sound barrier when compared to batts as it seals air gaps so completely that sound does not pass through the sides of beams. This also prevents the beams from vibrating which helps in dampening the transmission of sound.
Polyurethane has the property that makes it a good filter of medium frequencies like loud music and conversation. The open cell foam which is of lesser density is more suited for inner walls to reduce noise. For inner walls, using the less-dense open cell foam may be a better choice to prevent noise. But it is not a good water resistant and so additional moisture barriers may have to be installed.
Supply and Installation of Polyurethane Foam Insulation
Foam panels for Polyurethane foam insulation are available in different thicknesses and densities. For foam installation, the panels are sandwiched between the inner walls and outer walls or it can be cut to the required size and assembled like a frame as in the case of butts. Polyurethane foam panels can be handled safely as it does not give out smoke or particles. No special tools are needed as it is simple to install. But the spray foam is a chemical and requires the two components to be mixed carefully and so needs a professional to handle it. The spray foam, when it is sprayed gets into the cavities and expands to 100 times its initial volume. The chemical action that follows helps to seal the gaps in the wall effectively stopping leakage of air.
Spray acoustical foam is used for both thermal and acoustic insulation. But it is one of the costliest treatments, the cost being 3-4 times higher than that for butts. At the same time its performance level is very high as an insulating method. It is also dangerous and has to be handled carefully. Safety precautions must be taken. It must be done by qualified experts only. Do not try it yourself. Once installed, spray foam of polyurethane foam insulation is not easy to be removed properly.