Questions and answers about PU foam

Construction foam, filling foam, window foam, insulating foam, frame foam, PU in-situ foam, PUR foam or polyurethane foam: there are almost as many names for PU foam as there are applications. But regardless of the name, some questions are repeatedly asked when working with the products. The most frequent ones have been listed here.

Ecology and recycling

Where can I hand in the PU foam cans for recycling?
Can used PU foam cans also be collected directly from my company?
Why are spent PU foam cans classified as special waste?
What is the ecological benefit of PU foam?
What are the advantages of PU foam?
How much cheaper is it to use PU foam compared to mineral wool?
How good are the thermal protection and the insulation value of PU foam?

Working with PU foam

Where can I find PU foam that works at temperatures of - 25°C?
Does hardened assembly foam need to be covered to avoid contact with indoor air and prevent health risks?
Can plaster be simply applied over PU foam?
Is it possible to install a window simply using PU foam?
Is PU foam suitable for filling openings in brick walls?
How can I store an opened PU can?
Why do PU foam cans need to be used upside down?
How can construction foam be removed again?
Why do surfaces need to be moistened first?
What do I need to take into account when working with PU foam?
What do I do, if I can’t hold the PU foam can so that the valve is facing downwards, e.g. under a ceiling?
What do I need to take into account when filling hollow spaces?
How is a foam gun cleaned?

Questions about the product

What are the advantages of PU foam?
How much cheaper is it to use PU foam compared to mineral wool?
How good are the thermal protection and the insulation value of PU foam?
Where can I find PU foam that works at temperatures of - 25°C?
What is the difference between 1C PU foam and 2C PU foam?
What are fire protection foams?
Does PU foam continue to insulate correctly, even if it is exposed to UV radiation for a longer time?
Is PU foam as hard as concrete?
Is it possible to install a window simply using PU foam?
How much does PU foam expand after it has been applied?

Interactions with other materials

Where can I find PU foam that works at temperatures of - 25°C?
Does PU foam corrode other materials, for instance cable jackets?
Can plaster be simply applied over PU foam?
Does PU foam interact with other construction materials?
Is PU foam sensitive to moisture?
Can the joints in pumice walls be sealed with PU foam?
What can I use to cover/coat PU foam indoors?
On what surfaces does PU foam adhere to, and on which does it not adhere?

Active ingredients and health

Is there an isocyanate-free PU foam?
Are there studies about vapours from PU foam?
Do PU foams contain formaldehyde?
Do PU foams emit isocyanate vapours?
What do PU foams contain?
Are there any risks to health associated with PU foam?
Does hardened assembly foam need to be covered to avoid contact with indoor air and prevent health risks?
What do I need to take into account when working with PU foam?

Special application areas

Is there a pure white PU foam for decorative projects?
Is PU foam suitable for insulating caravans/motorhomes?
Where can I find PU foam that works at temperatures of - 25°C?
What are fire protection foams?
Can well foam be used under water?
Is PU foam suitable for filling openings in brick walls?
Can the joints in pumice walls be sealed with PU foam?
Can I fill moisture-sensitive areas of my boat with PU foam?
What do I do, if I can’t hold the PU foam can so that the valve is facing downwards, e.g. under a ceiling?

Sources of error

Why is my PU foam not correctly hardened in the model mould? Why do PU foam cans need to be used upside down? Problem: The PU foam does not foam correctly, the yield is deficient. Problem: The PU foam does not expand correctly or is slightly brittle Problem: The can cannot be completely emptied