How Polyurethane Foam Improves Energy Efficiency in Buildings

The Importance of Polyurethane Foam in Building Thermal Insulation

Energy is lost by buildings through gaps, cracks, and poorly insulated areas, which in turn drives up costs for heating and cooling. Polyurethane foam solves this problem by serving as a high-performance thermal barrier. Unlike other traditional insulation materials competing in the market which often leave small gaps, this foam expands enough to fill the small openings in window frames, door jambs, and even around pipes. This seamless filling results in an airtight barrier that stops the passage of hot or cold air from the building’s interior to its exterior. Each of its closed cells reduces heat conduction and stabilizes the temperature of the building's interior, so it is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Take window installations for example. It helps eliminate the thermal bridge problem of gaps between the window frame and the wall, which results in energy loss for heating or cooling.

Improving Energy Efficiency by Reducing Air Leakage 

Buildings are open to outside air every time there are unsealed spaces or poorly managed air systems, resulting in the leakage of outside air. Even the tiniest, inconspicuous cracks in walls or gaps in doors and & windows cause HVAC to work overtime to maintain a building’s comfort. The problem can be addressed by expanding polyurethane foam. Once it’s sealed and installed, it can expand 30 times in size and fills every void or gap in the constructed form. Where fiberglass or cellulose insulation leaves spaces unsealed, inlets or 좁힌 basement walls, or even relay crack 乾燥  outlet walls, it can be a complete barrier even in unsealed encapsulated form. This limitation of air change construction closures means less energy is being consumed by external and internal heating systems or HVACs. In fact, energy use active spent heating or cooling a building can be reduced by 20-30 percent after ultra-closed cell planar polyurethane air barrier systems are installed throughout the building. This is true. Severe locked air humidification systems do not serve the HVAC because they manage the internal humidity. The air system is outside of internal humidification and is locked, meaning encapsulated in the building.

Long-Term Durability and Sustained Energy Savings 

When thinking of the longevity of energy-efficient products and performances, the efficiency of the material used and how effective it is years down the road should also reflect energy savings performance. This is the case with toughness polyurethane foam. Of all insulation products, polyurethane foam is the most durable. Unlike certain insulation products that settle, degrade, and absorb water, polyurethane foam maintains, the shape and the thermal properties for over a quarter century. Its resistance to moisture promotes durability since it prevents the formation of destructive mold and rotting that can compromise the insulation and building structure. Furthermore, the energy required to reinstall insulation is significantly reduced since the foam’s stability promotes a waste-free material cycle. From a building owner’s perspective, durability is the sign that energy savings will always be positive. This is true for building with polyurethane foam which sustains savings for over two decades, truly a cost-effective durability.Adherence to Eco-Friendly Construction Standards

With an increased global focus on sustainable construction, polyurethane foam pioneers the integration of green building standards and eco-friendly building practices. Many formulations of the foam are low V.O.C. emitting and are considered safe formulations, and thus contribute to the construction and maintenance of foam-enclosed buildings to safe indoor air quality. Furthermore, the energy-saving attributes of polyurethane foam help qualify buildings for green construction certifications. For example, foam polyurethane-insulated structures save energy, and thus, contribute to earning green construction certification points, while attaining praise for the reduction of their carbon footprints. The versatility of polyurethane foam construction integration, be it wood, metal, or stone, to glass and tile, works for a variety of eco-friendly construction designs, be it residential, commercial, or industrial. Choosing polyurethane foam construction integration solves energy efficiency issues and contributes to the worldwide campaign for constructing buildings of sustainable energy!