Is PUR foam flammable? The most important information about its safety

What is PUR foam  and when  is it used?

Polyurethane foam  used in construction (PUR) is a spray-applied  insulation  material, which  fills even hard-to-reach gaps. After  expansion  and hardening, it has a structure of microcells  that  act as an insulator. It  adheres  perfectly  to the  substrate,  thanks  to which no thermal bridges  are created.

Due  to  its  insulation  properties,  PUR foam  is  increasingly   found   in  apartments, single-family houses,  as well  as large  industrial and  warehouse  facilities.  It  is used both  during  the  renovation of  old  buildings and  in new developments. The versatility  of this material  allows for the insulation of attics, roofs, ceilings or foundations.

See: https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/blog/the-cost-of-polyurethane-foam-insulation-what-is-worth-knowing-before-making-a-decision/

Is PUR foam a flammable material?

Contrary  to some opinions,  PUR foam is not an “easy fuel” for fire. When exposed to high temperatures, a carbonized  coating is formed  on its surface, which limits the supply of oxygen to the internal insulation layers. After the source of fire is removed, the foam stops burning.

Reaction to fire classes of PUR foam – how to understand them?

The reaction to fire class determined on the basis of the standard PN-EN  13501-1:2019-02P helps to determine how the material  will behave in contact  with  a flame. PUR foam is most often  classified as class E, which  means  that  after  the source  of  fire  is removed,   it will not  sustain the flame. In more  advanced  systems, e.g. in combination with a plasterboard with appropriate parameters, higher classes, such as B-s1, d0, can be obtained.  In such a configuration, the insulation practically does not emit smoke or flaming droplets, which improves the conditions for possible evacuation and limits possible damage.

Influence of operating conditions on the fire safety of PUR foam

The effectiveness and safety of insulation depend not only on the foam itself, but also on the method of its application  and the conditions of use. When PUR foam is properly applied and its layer is covered, for example, with a plasterboard of an appropriate fire rating, the entire  system can effectively defend itself against flames. Regular inspections of the insulation condition, especially in places exposed to moisture or damage, help maintain its properties for many years.

Find out more: https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/blog/open-cell-or-closed-cell-foam/

The use of PUR foam and fire safety requirements

Building  regulations and standards  precisely define fire safety requirements that partitions or insulation must meet. In residential buildings, PUR foam meets these requirements in combination with  an appropriate cladding. In facilities  with  a higher  risk of fire, such as warehouses of flammable materials, special fire-resistant paints and coatings can be additionally used to increase the resistance of the entire  structure. Before choosing  the final method  of insulation, it is worth consulting with experts who will help you choose the most suitable option for the needs and character  of the building.

How to increase safety?

What to do so that after installing the insulation, there is no feeling of anxiety when the question arises again: Is PUR foam flammable?  Applying  a few practical  tips will certainly  increase the sense of security.

• Choose an experienced team and products from reputable manufacturers – this is a guarantee of compliance  with standards  and proper  parameters of PUR foam.
• Select the appropriate insulation thickness and finishing materials, such as plasterboards of a specified flammability class, to strengthen the barrier against flames.
• Conduct periodic  inspections  of  the  insulation condition, especially  in places prone  to  moisture or  mechanical  damage.
• Use the advice of  a fire  protection specialist  to  choose  the  best  possible solutions  and  be sure  that  the  insulation is optimal both  in terms  of  heat and  safety.

Is PUR foam flammable? Summary

PUR foam is a modern insulation material. Although it is not fully non-flammable, in practice it does not significantly  increase the risk of fire spread, giving valuable time to react in a threatening situation.  Properly selected and applied installation methods  make PUR foam an element of durable and effective insulation (e.g. spray insulation). Thanks to this, investors, property owners,  contractors  of construction or renovation works  and residents  can enjoy both energy savings and a sense of security.

Find out more: https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/blog/foam-or-mineral-wool-a-comparison-of-roof-and-floor-slab-insulation-methods/