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A radical new approach to the addressing of structural problems caused by the presence of internal voids is now available through FOAMFILL. Where structural strength is required, but where weight is a particularly important issue, an increasingly frequently used solution is our new two component 1:1 ratio Rigid Foam System. This is processed through specialized dispensing machinery and produces a fully rigid foam, with an approximate density of 40 kg/cub mtr. The self heating foam has excellent comprehensive strength and shows a sound cell structure.

Spray Foam made from plant sources such as castor oil or soya bean is also available and has good environmental credentials. It uses no HFC’s or fire retardants, nor is it a food source for mould and is vapour permeable. Sprayed onto walls, it expands to form a flexible foam blanket and is also useful for places that are awkward to reach. Suitable for roofs and floors and can be trimmed post application. The amount required to achieve the thermal value required depends upon the individual construction. It is widely used in the USA and is becoming more so here, particularly replacing mineral wool in timber frames.

One of the major benefits of spray applied polyurethane foam is its ability to eliminated unwanted air leakage and produce a seamless blanket of insulation, which is joint free, bonding strongly to most building materials. Otherwise jointed systems give rise to potentially weak point, leading to a significant loss of insulation value and a route to water vapour.

In new build the use of an insulating material can be sprayed readily to any chosen depth, is ideal in achieving the higher values required and eliminating air leakage. For instance, a typical timber frame wasll would have required 50 mm of polyurethane foam under 2002 rules – to meet .0.34w/m²K. Now and increase in thickness of 75mm will achieve a 20% reduction. This gives a acceptable U Value of 0.27W/m²K. Similary, ground floors change from 40mm to 50mm in required thickness of insulating foam to reach the 0.22m²K target. For single storey buildings, where the ground floor represents a high proportion of total space, extra insulation values can be achieved.