Reading time: 7 minutes No time?
If you need to blow out a joint or a crack, a gun for mounting foam will come to the rescue. This device allows you to seal tight spaces. We offer to understand its design features, the order of work and maintenance.
Read the article
Foam gun: scope and principle of operation
The need to use such a device occurs when:
- Complete sealing of individual joints,
- Installation and insulation of doors, windows, roofs during construction,
- Sealing elements of water supply and heating systems,
- Fixing the foam to the base,
- Soundproofing
- Restoration of boat integrity,
- The need to fill various voids and cracks.
The principle of operation of the device involves the installation of a cylinder with sealant in the adapter. Holding the device by the handle, pull the trigger. As a result, the sealant begins to move along the barrel through the fitting. With the help of a special clamp, the quantity and feed rate of the sealing material is regulated.
Sectional view of the gun for mounting foam: main parts
Individual models may have their own design. If we consider the device of the gun for polyurethane foam in the context, then such devices usually include:
- Handle. The ease of use of the device depends on its configuration,
- Trigger. With its help, as a rule, the amount of supplied material is regulated,
- Trunk. Metal or plastic tube. Provides convenient supply of sealant to various joints,
- Adapter (gearbox). Used to attach interchangeable cylinders and transfer foam to the barrel,
- Adjusting screw (dosing). Allows you to adjust the amount of sealant that will be supplied from the barrel of the device when the trigger is fully pressed,
- Fastening mechanism. It provides the connection of all elements into a single system,
- Igloo. Designed to open / close the outlet. Used to control the trigger.
Types of guns for polyurethane foam
Products offered by manufacturers can be divided into the following types:
The division is made according to the type of cylinders with mounting foam that are suitable for a particular device. Household foam can be used once, because due to broken sealing it dries up. It is delivered in a plastic cylinder with a conical smooth nozzle. The household gun is reusable, but compared to professional models it is non-separable.
Key Features of Foam Guns
The main characteristic is valve tightness. The stability and quality of work of the device, the accuracy of dispensing the sealant, depend on this parameter. With insufficient tightness, the sealant will dry quickly.
An important characteristic is also the material. For the manufacture of mounting guns, inexpensive plastic can be used that significantly reduces the life of the device, shockproof plastic and metal. The last two options are preferred. Metal products are durable, reliable, easy to maintain. Teflon metal models are professional. They are easily cleaned from sealing material. However, they have a high cost.
Attention! The smooth rotation of the adjusting screw is responsible for the dosing accuracy.
How to choose a gun for polyurethane foam: recommendations of the editors HouseChief.ru
Manufacturers offer a wide range of devices for applying polyurethane foam sealant. Consider how to choose a gun for mounting foam, so that it lasts long enough and fully meets the requirements. When choosing, you should pay attention to:
- Material,
- The ability to disassemble the mechanism. Fixed models are not repairable. Collapsible, can be repaired, but cost more,
- Valve tightness
- The purpose of the purchase. If you have to perform a one-time blowing of the seams, you can do with a disposable gun for mounting foam. For constant daily use, you should choose a professional model made of metal with Teflon coating,
- Availability of spare parts. Actual when buying an expensive professional model.
Now consider specific models and manufacturers.
Professional models of foam guns
With large volumes of work performed, professional guns for polyurethane foam are used to seal the joints. Manufacturers offer various models, each of which has its own distinctive features. We offer to get acquainted with the most popular devices.
Quality product - the choice of professionals
Kraftool Celnometal polyurethane foam gun: reliability in every detail
Practical and popular model. It is completed with a removable nose simplifying the cleaning process. Service life is up to 7 years. For the manufacture of mounts for the cylinder, brass is used. Due to this, consumables are fixed better, and the number of fixations increases. The body of the gun for Kraftool Celnometal polyurethane foam is made of copper alloy, which significantly increases its weight compared to plastic counterparts.
Kraftool Celnometal Pro
Hilti CF DS1 Foam Gun: Excellent Quality
One of the best professional models, characterized by high build quality and low weight. Able to serve at least 7 years. The price of a gun for Hilt polyurethane foam is much higher than analogues. An additional slider prevents accidentally pulling the trigger of the device. Reinforced plastic case. Indistinguishable. The device can only be cleaned externally using a special nozzle.
Due to its design and thin nose, the Hilti CF DS1 mounting foam gun is suitable for sealing hard-to-reach spots. Work can be carried out in a lateral position. Ergonomic handle, suitable for large-sized person.
Hilti CF DS1
Matrix 88669: Uptime
A teflon coating is applied to the gun’s copper alloy housing, which greatly simplifies the cleaning process. To prevent damage to Teflon requires storage in a separate case. A thin nose makes it possible to seal tight spaces. Ergonomic handle. However, in the process of performing the work, the finger may slide off the level trigger of the gun. Two limiters are provided.
Matrix 88669
The gun for polyurethane foam the Bison Turbo 4-06877
An affordable model providing a high yield of sealing material. The metal housing guarantees a long service life. Polishing the inner surface of the barrel facilitates the cleaning process of the device and prevents the sealant from solidifying. The gun for polyurethane foam Bison Turbo is completed with the holder of cylinders with a special coating.
Bison Turbo 4-06877
If you are interested in a strong anti-corrosion housing, then you can opt for the model of the same manufacturer "Bison Standard 06874"
Household foam guns
For a one-time sealing of joints, acquiring a professional tool is impractical. Household pistols will cost less and will cope well with the task. Consider the best amateur models with good performance.
Professional models are not needed for one-time sealing
Stayer Econom - reliable assistant
The gun from the German manufacturer is distinguished by good endurance. It is equipped with a stainless tube for feeding material, which greatly facilitates the process of its maintenance. After completion of work, a flushing for the gun for mounting foam with a cleaning agent is mandatory to ensure its patency. Not collapsible.
Stayer Econom has an aluminum grip with high-quality thread for fast and reliable fixation of the cylinder. However, the design features of the mount do not allow to fix all the cylinders. The trigger is metal. A fail-safe feed at the inlet is provided by a ball valve and a needle mechanism at the outlet.
Stayer econom
There is a professional variation of the Stayer Professional tool. The model features a convenient plastic handle. The nozzle is protected by Teflon coating.
Atoll G 116 - model for several repairs
Available model in an aluminum case. Thanks to its design, it allows fast and reliable fixation of the cylinder. Atoll G 116 is able to last a long enough while following the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning the device. Light weight does not cause discomfort during prolonged use. Equipped with one limiter.
The Atoll Foam Gun - G 116 is a professional gun designed for applying foam during installation and sealing of window and door blocks, window sills, and other building structures. Suitable for installation and insulation of wiring and technical communications (without contact of the foam with drinking water), as well as for filling seams, cracks, voids. The cost of such a gun is 295 rubles apiece.
Atoll Foam Gun 116
Blast Extra Light - a faithful assistant in plastic
A Chinese product in which all the elements except the spout tube are made of plastic. It has a small weight. Differs in low cost. Ergonomic handle. Reliable sealant retention is provided by a needle valve. The bent lever allows you to adjust or block the flow of sealant.
Blast Extra Light should be cleaned immediately after completion of work: the foam lags badly from the plastic. It may break if dropped. Plastic foam bottle retainers significantly limit service life.
Blast extra light
How to use the gun for polyurethane foam: tips and the latest video of the process
For each device manufacturers attach a manual that spells out how it works. So that when performing work there will be no difficulties, we suggest figuring out how to use the gun for the mounting foam correctly.
The following algorithm should be followed:
- Shake the foam bottle for several minutes, and then wind it onto the adapter of the device. The cylinder should be located nozzle up. Before operation, the device should be held by the handle. At the cylinder, the valve should be at the bottom,
- We clean and wet the surface,
- Holding the device by the handle, pull the trigger to fill the joint. If necessary, adjust the flow of sealant using the adjusting screw located on the end of the barrel. We fill the seam by about a third, as over time the foam will increase significantly in volume,
- We turn off the empty cylinder and flush the device with a special composition. If there is still foam in the cylinder, we don’t remove the gun, but only rinse the tip of the barrel. Store the device in such a way that the container is at the top.
Advice! Filling of vertical joints should be done from bottom to top. The wide motion seam should be zigzag. If you have to blow out the ceiling and walls, work should begin from the ceiling.
The following video: how to use a gun for polyurethane foam will allow you to better understand the intricacies of the process:
Tool Importance
Such guns are necessary for every master for a number of reasons. They come in handy in the process of various works:
- during installation and insulation of windows, doors,
- during repair and insulation of roofs, attics,
- to ensure absolute and partial sealing,
- during installation of air conditioners, heating, water supply,
- to fill empty cavities, seams, joints, cracks,
- during works on thermal insulation and sound insulation,
- when fixing not heavy tiles,
- for the repair of various building structures and many other activities.
To know exactly which option to choose, you need to get acquainted with this device in more detail.
Device
- Trigger (trigger mechanism).
- Trunk.
- Lever.
- Lock with screw for dosing adjustment.
- The union with the valve.
- The adapter for installation of foam.
The main part of the pistol is the barrel, which is an ordinary hollow cylinder. At its edges there are special valves. The foam bottle is attached to the adapter. Then gently pull the trigger, while always holding the gun. After that, mounting material begins to flow through the nozzle, its volume and the feed rate of which can be adjusted with a clamp.
Models
The Zubr brand offers the buyer a wide variety of models: disassembled and non-separable, for use in everyday life and by professionals. Collapsible is better, because their design provides easy use and repair, allows you to clean the device from the remnants of mounting foam.
In household models Buran, "Installer" there is a nozzle made of plastic materials. This excludes the option of cleaning the device in the event of foam hardening. The absence of a latch does not allow you to adjust the feed rate of the foam, which can increase its consumption, and hence the cost of repair and construction. Foam in the cylinder in such models remains not fully used. The obvious advantage of household models is the lower price.
Specialized models for craftsmen "Expert", "Professional", "Drummer", Buran made of metal with teflon coating. The barrel is made of steel, which does not rust, there is a sealing ring on the nozzle. The precise and easy stroke of the foam dispenser prevents the needle valve from moving, which prevents the pad from wearing out. The device of the device provides a safe and durable connection to the cylinder.
What to consider when choosing?
- Body material. Metal models are better because they will serve you much longer. The easiest way to check the material of the device is a magnet. But metal models have more weight.
- What is the trunk processed inside. Teflon-coated models are the best.
- The barrel and nozzle should have a sufficient length that can be measured with a tape measure.
- Gearbox integrity (best made of cast metal).
- The correct course and unit dispenser.
- No less important is the material of which the needle is made (steel, brass, stainless steel).
- How comfortable is the handle.
- Are there any instructions for use, as well as a warranty card.
Be very careful!
- Do not forget to check the integrity of the case, look for defects.
- Require gun testing.
- A saved cash receipt is a guarantee of returning the goods if its quality does not suit you.
Before you start using the gun, you need to carry out preparatory measures. If you need to work with polyurethane foam in the winter at low temperatures, it is recommended to heat it to + 5–10 degrees. It is best to use foam for all seasons. The gun itself is lowered into water heated to +20 degrees or kept in the room for at least 10-15 hours.
The place where the foam will be applied should not have a temperature below -5 degrees or above 30 degrees. Therefore, it is not recommended to carry out repair or installation work at temperatures below the data.
Safety rules at work are also important. One of the main points is the organization of the ventilation mode of the room, since the installation material is toxic. Also use special protective masks and gloves. The items specified in the instructions require mandatory implementation.
Order of use
- First make sure that the device is assembled correctly and its parts are securely twisted.
- Remove the cap from the cylinder and install it in the gun. Shake the contents by lowering the bottle down with the cap. The cylinder socket must be lubricated to prevent air from entering. If the gun is not used for some time during operation, it is left in an upright position.
- Click on the trigger. Hissing proof of proper cylinder connection. Work can begin only after the foam of the desired consistency comes out.
The cavities are filled only in certain directions from top to bottom or from left to right. It is necessary to monitor the smoothness, uniformity and uninterrupted supply of material. It is not recommended to touch the mounting foam with your hands until absolutely dry. After hardening, the layer is 2.5–3 cm thick.
Cleaning agents and the process itself
In the process of using guns for foam, it is important to clean them in a timely manner. It is unacceptable to use tap water for cleaning. Because of this, the mechanism may fail and you will have to dig another gun.
In order to save money and time, the Zubr brand offers a line of high-quality products for cleaning the gun from the remains of mounting foam. Cleaning products are available in cylinders. You can buy them at branded outlets along with pistols. You need to use them in strict accordance with the instructions:
- When cleaning, the rinse bottle is inserted in the appliance in the same way as the bottle with mounting material.
- For flushing do the required number of injections to fill the gun. In this form, it is left for two or three days.
If it is impossible to buy a special cleaning agent, you can use acetone. In this case, the procedure is the same as when using special cleaning agents.
Related products for repair and installation
In addition to guns for polyurethane foam, the Zubr brand offers guns for silicone sealants, which are often used in the maintenance and repair of double-glazed windows. These are multifunctional plastic guns that can be used for installation and insulation at the same time.
The Zubr polyurethane foam is suitable for use at any time of the year, including the winter months with negative temperatures. Such products are compatible with any materials used in construction. The exception is:
Frozen yellowish foam. It is light, hard, elastic and porous. It does not contain toxic substances and is absolutely safe for future use. And also among its positive properties is fire resistance, the impossibility of defeating it with various microorganisms (especially fungi). It can be used for noise insulation and thermal insulation of rooms both inside the house and outside. Already after 15-20 minutes, its excess can be cut with a knife without fear of damage.
Benefits
The products of this brand have obvious advantages, among which the following factors:
- The metal case does not allow breakdowns, and hence the replacement of pistols.
- It can be used for a long time.
- Corrosion-proof elements and a teflon coating exclude damage to parts and rust.
- The design of the gun handle makes the device very ergonomic.
- Despite the metal case, these models have less weight.
- The presence of the clamp allows you to adjust the consumption of material, and therefore significantly saves money.
- A special needle does not let air through, which gives a more durable connection during installation. In addition, it prevents air from entering the installation material and it does not increase further in volume.
- The design of the guns provides easy operation of all types of models, the ability to assemble, disassemble and clean the device.
- Pistols for different types of materials save time on finding the necessary devices for various types of work.
- Simplicity of operation. If necessary, it is easy to disassemble and reassemble.
- Work with pistols of the Zubr brand does not require special qualifications. Everyone can use them.
- Not a very high price with high quality and reliability of products.
Quality Reviews
The analysis of consumer reviews of products of the Zubr trademark, conducted on sites and forums devoted to repair and construction, is generally positive. All consumers note the reliability and quality of products, long service life compared to products of other brands.
Having the opportunity to purchase additional funds of this brand in stores expands the capabilities of the buyer, saves time, effort and finance. Such reviews are the best recommendation of Zubr brand products.
For how to clean the gun from dried mounting foam, see the video below.
What kind of work do you need a bison gun for
A gun with mounting foam is used at different stages of construction:
- installation of windows, insulation of window openings,
- door frame installation, door insulation,
- roof insulation measures,
- full or partial sealing
- installation work of air conditioning, heating, water supply systems,
- filling bends, cracks, holes, voids, cavities, seams, joints,
- sound insulation and heat insulation works,
- fastening lightweight tile materials to the base,
- repair of structures.
Types and Types
Bubble pistols are divided into domestic and professional models. The entire product range is equipped with a stainless needle valve.
Professional devices "Expert", "Professional", "Drummer" and "Buran" with mounting foam are connected to the cylinders for the receipt of material, with complete tightness of the device.
"Professional"
The pistol from the Zubr Professional company with an all-metal construction has Teflon spraying, a nozzle with a sealing ring and a barrel made of stainless steel. Accurate and easy feed dispenser stroke. The tool dispenser effectively mitigates the risk of needle valve rotation, therefore the gaskets do not wear out.
Domestic analogues: "Buran", "Installer", "Master". They are with a plastic nozzle, which is a gun. This option cannot be cleaned, and the mounting foam quickly seizes. Household gun without a latch, so adjust the extraction speed and flow rate does not work. The minus is that the foam in the cylinder is not fully used.
With a wide scope and practically no different price range for both options, it is better to opt for a specialized professional device.
What to look for when buying
First of all, pay attention to the material from which the gun is made. Metal models are more reliable and will last longer. Teflon coated products are most preferred.
Taking a small magnet with you to the store, you will check the details of the device. And to find out if the length of the barrel and nozzle is sufficient for work, use a tape measure to measure their parameters.
A professional professional will always take into account the quality and convenience of the position of the handle, specify the warranty period, test the gun, make sure there are operating instructions and a sufficient barrel length.
Disassembled
The following nuances and subtleties are important:
- smoothness of the trigger,
- dispenser stroke unit
- gearbox integrity (the best products are made of cast metal),
- body weight
- internal processing of the barrel,
- Inlet nozzle valve efficiency
- needle material (stainless steel, steel, brass),
- lack of visible defects.
Be sure to keep the cashier's check. The Bison models are made whole and collapsible. The advantage of collapsible devices:
- ease of maintenance and repair,
- convenience when cleaning the remains of polyurethane foam.
The devices are cleaned with a liquid preparation - a cleaner, which is advisable to buy immediately with the Bison products. It is recommended that you buy the cleaning fluid from the same manufacturer as the product itself. Use for cleaning water from the water supply will lead to the destruction of the gun. The use of acetone is allowed.
When cleaning, the flushing fluid is installed in the same way as the can with the mounting mixture. Make as many injections as required to completely fill the gun tube, and leave for 2-3 days.
The Bison trademark produces high-quality, highly-demanded products. In order to purchase an original product, and not a fake, it is advisable to make a purchase at specialized retail outlets.
How to use
When applying polyurethane foam at low temperatures, the material is heated to + 5-10 degrees. It is preferable to use mounting material for all-weather use.
Cleaner
The gun itself is heated to +20 degrees in warm water or indoors at room temperature for 10-15 hours. The surface on which the product is applied should have a temperature in the range from -5 to + 30 degrees.
When working inside a house building, remember the toxicity of the material and set the ventilation mode.
Work is carried out in protective masks and gloves, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Getting to work, make sure that the thread of the device is tightly twisted, remove the cap, install the cylinder in the gun and whip, shaking the contents of the cylinder in the downward position. The cylinder seat is lubricated to achieve a sealed connection. In between work, the balloon is set upright.
Click on the trigger. A hissing sound attests to the fact that the cylinder is connected. They begin to work after the final normalization of the consistency of the incoming funds.
Foam is filled in the following order of directions:
- evenly from top to bottom
- evenly from left to right.
The extraction of material from the device must be smooth, uniform and stable, without interruption.
Do not touch the mounting foam until it completely hardens. After solidification, the composition should not be thicker than 2.5-3 cm.
When working with surfaces that are subject to deformation, low foaming agents are used. They are less porous, which means that they absorb less moisture.
Procedure for cleaning the gun Bison:
- dismantle the balloon
- clean the adapter, then all other nodes.
In case of spontaneous leakage of the mounting foam, an extraordinary cleaning of the device is carried out.
In work
Means of the Bison brand
Foam Bison - professional for all-weather use. It is characterized by frost-resistant characteristics. The mixture is universal. It is combined with all building materials, except silicone, teflon, polyethylene and polypropylene.
After hardening, the foam is non-toxic and non-flammable. The fire resistance of the mixture allows the installation of fire protection structures (doors, windows). The composition is not susceptible to putrefactive processes, microorganisms and fungi do not settle in it.
Productively used for heat and sound insulation.
The hardened material acquires:
- a light weight,
- yellowish tint
- hardness,
- porosity,
- elasticity.
The solidified mixture is normal in a light shade. Darkening indicates that the material begins to deteriorate (afraid of direct sunlight and moisture).
- extreme temperature indicators of application - from -10 to + 25, optimally - +20 degrees Celsius,
- the most favorable relative humidity of 60%,
- cylinder temperature - +20 degrees,
- yield - up to 45 l (full volume output - subject to the recommended conditions for use),
- surface film formation in - within 10 minutes
- full hardening - 30 hours,
- the ability to cut off excess appears in 20-25 minutes,
- primary expansion - 70-180%,
- repeated expansion - 20-80%,
- shrinkage - up to 5%,
- high density of filling capacity - from 1530 kg / m², large bubbles do not form during hardening,
- Shelf life - up to 2 years.
The calculations were made with a joint thickness of 20 mm and a depth of 60 mm. The material has a secondary expansion of approximately two times. This must be taken into account when applying, in order to avoid cost overruns.
The mounting mixture at an optimal temperature regime has a sufficient viscosity.
To effectively foam the seams on the ceiling, after application, the foam is moistened with water.
Briefly about the composition
Foam is often used in construction and installation works. It is difficult to imagine a process in which there is no place for this building material. “Mounting” consists of a polyurethane compound and various components that help expand, set and solidify.
Foam is sold in aerosol containers with a nominal volume several times larger than the volume of the bottle.
Assortment of various brands of mounting sealant
The composition is divided into one-component and two-component mixtures. When working with a two-component composition, the vial is well shaken before work. Such cylinders are used at a time. If the mixture remains, then the cylinder is stored in an upright position. With single-component compositions, everything is simpler; there are no two substances separated from each other that begin to contact when shaking the balloon. Therefore, the shelf life of single-component compositions is longer.
The solidification process occurs when interacting with moisture that is contained in the air. Therefore, professionals recommend pre-moistening the treatment surface, so that the mounting foam more actively absorbs moisture and hardens faster.
What do we have in total
As the experiment shows: the foam copes with the prolonged exposure to moisture and does not let it through. But here is one BUT. Foam is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. In solar radiation, the “montage” loses its properties and turns into a kind of brown sponge. Therefore, builders say: “installation” in no case should not be left without grouting. Although the foam copes with the hermetic properties, but only when it is protected from UV radiation.
Some secrets of polyurethane foam:
If you seal joints and cracks with a “mounting” to prevent moisture from entering, treat it with a solution, hiding it from environmental influences. Otherwise, it will not be polyurethane foam, but a substance that has lost its fastening and insulating properties.
The foam cleaner is useful for partial repairs in the house on its own, like a gun. The design of the gun helps to cope with the application of mounting foam to the necessary areas without problems, fill the seams and cavities.
As an alternative, the stores offer a large selection of spray cans equipped with a special applicator. The cost of such a solution is lower, but buying a gun is preferable.
Pistol with a complete set
- Despite the high cost, unlike a cylinder with an applicator, with this device, a container with a sealant is used more than once, since during use the cylinder does not dry out,
- Economical material consumption,
- Smooth sealant feed, resulting in controlled application
- Neat result of work,
- High quality filler, because the guns are used with professional foam, its quality level is several times higher than that of a household bottle.
The mounting foam in the bottle will not dry a week after the first use. This does not boast a single cylinder for domestic use.
As a profitable and universal thing, pistol will last for a long time subject to proper use and timely cleaning.
Scope and step by step instructions
Cleaner - a specialized liquid in the form of aerosols produced by sealant manufacturers.
- Flushing gun with sealant residues,
- Removing fresh traces of material from work surfaces
- Cleaning clothes and hands from contaminants with sealant.
Gun Cleaning Mechanism:
- There is a cap on the bottle for protection. It must be deleted.
- Remove gun after applying foam.
- Put the device on the bottle with the cleaner.
- Pull the trigger. In the process, the cleaner will go through the working elements of the gun and clean. Pressing is repeated until traces of foam are removed.
- Remove the flushing aerosol can and check the quality of the cleaning.
Proprietary sealant and cleaner kit
The mechanism for cleaning contaminants on work surfaces:
- Removing the protective cap.
- Fixing the applicator to the release valve. Instead of this component, there may be a spray button (these details are included).
- Processing contaminated surfaces during operation.
- Removing traces of foam. It is necessary to wait a certain time after applying the cleaner.
Foam manufacturers also produce cleaners. More often, the volume of such cylinders is 500 ml.
It is recommended to purchase branded cleaning products, since each manufacturer has its own formula for manufacturing polyurethane foam. Therefore, an effective version of the cleaner will be one that is designed taking into account the characteristics of the sealant used.
Cleaning hardened sealant
Most of the products are designed to remove fresh traces of sealant. Other means are used to combat pollution, which is more than three hours old. These substances have a stronger formula. Hardened polyurethane foam cleaner is a special solvent.
In most cases, a cured sealant blocks the trigger. It is forbidden to use force to put pressure on him. As a result, the fragile frame of the device will break.
Step-by-step removal of hardened sealant:
- The barrel of the gun (start) should be carefully cleaned of dried foam with a knife. Scratches on the piston are not permitted. Their appearance is avoided.
- The device is lowered so that the barrel is pointing down.
- Solvent is added to the top of the barrel.
The solvent should not be allowed to reach other parts. Otherwise, it will ruin the gun.
- By carefully pulling the trigger, squeeze the sealant. They do this progressively and effortlessly.
- To improve the cleaning result after hardened sealant residues are released, an aerosol cleaner (500 ml) is screwed onto the gun and this fluid is driven through the structure.
In some cases, the trigger is locked. This means that the main valve in the tool structure is clogged. To eliminate the problem, a drop of solvent is added to the ball in the place where the cylinder is screwed. Wait 10 minutes and then drive the cleaner through the structure. You can purge the device.
There are more radical measures applied as a last resort. While supporting the device under the socket, unscrew the crown, remove the valve and pour quite a bit of solvent into the gun and into the socket.
The cleaning mechanism can be seen in the video:
Overview of popular manufacturers
BAU MASTER products (500 ml) are used to flush and clean the gun designed for use with professional sealant. The cleaner is able to remove fresh spray and traces of foam from work surfaces. It copes with contaminants on clothes and skin.
After cutting off the protective cap, repeat the above step-by-step instructions.
Ultima (500 ml) works with:
- Uncured sealant
- External and internal surfaces of the gun
- Work surfaces.
Hobby products (500 ml) for universal use:
- Removes fresh traces of material from the inside of the gun,
- Eliminates sealant from the barrel and body,
- Cleans contaminated clothing, skin on hands and work surfaces.
Effectively works with fresh spray of two-component and one-component foam. It has the appearance of an aerosol.
All of these cleaners are flammable and poisonous - irritation of the eyes, respiratory system. Application is carried out away from fire and heat sources in a ventilated area, away from children.
Craftsmen began to use assembly foam without a gun long before manufacturers established the production of special, so-called “household” cylinders. Some were forced to do so by the price of the device, while others had to get out of the situation due to a breakdown, but in the end, demand nevertheless generated supply, and now on the market, along with ordinary mounting foam, one is sold that does not require additional components for work.
The end result is the same as with a gun
Rules for working with foam
Whatever type of material is used, the main nuances that must be taken into account are always the same.
- Determine at what temperature the work will be performed. This is necessary in order to choose the right foam, because if the thermometer is less than +5, then a special winter compound will be required. On average, the normal temperature for using foam is +20 degrees.
- You will have to give up work if the room temperature is above thirty degrees or the air is noticeably humid. Both of these factors adversely affect adhesion (setting). Under normal conditions (at normal temperature and humidity) it is even recommended to spray a little water on the surface of the seam before working with foam - this speeds up the reaction with oxygen.
- After extraction from the balloon, the foam increases in volume by about 3 times, therefore, the foamable areas are filled by no more than a third.
- If the gap that needs to be closed is wide (8-10 cm or more), then the use of foam will not give an effect. The resulting surface will be brittle and breaks off easily. In addition, do not forget about the cost of this material, so it is important to weigh it - you want to get an expensive and unreliable seam, or it is easier to reduce it with bricks or large rubble first and then foam it.
- The correct position of the cylinder, with or without a gun, is upside down. Otherwise, the foam will come out of the wrong consistency, and it is likely that not all of it will be used, because the pressure is created by compressed air and if it comes out immediately, further work with this cylinder will become impossible.
- If the foam has not expanded sufficiently and has not captured all the necessary space, then after the initial hardening, which takes about half an hour, add a second layer on top. Complete solidification occurs after approximately eight hours.
Before further work, the excess is cut off
- When the polyurethane foam completely hardens, this material will not be susceptible to moisture or temperature, but in any case, the seam will have to be protected from direct sunlight, because under the influence of ultraviolet light, the material will dry out, become brittle and fall off the surface.
How to work with foam if there is no gun for it
There is no difference in the work itself - the question is how to remove foam from the bottle. There are two options - at hand there is a regular “household” cylinder, or designed for use with a gun.
In the first case, the issue has been resolved in advance, because manufacturers supply containers with special valves and tubes. It remains to connect and use everything.
Do not forget to protect your eyes and hands.
If you have to use a professional cylinder designed for a gun, then the question is more complicated, because you have to find a tube to exit the foam and solve the problem of how to press the valve. Figuratively imagine it this way - you need to let the air out of the bicycle chamber so that it all gets to the desired point (without having hooked your hands).
In such cases, a tube of three parts is wiped off: flexible-solid-flexible. The durable part presses the valve, the first soft part prevents the foam from spraying, and the tube already leads it to the treatment site.
During any work, do not forget about protecting your hands and face, because the foam is laundered heavily. It’s cheaper to buy an extra pair of gloves than to buy a solvent or walk with dirty hands.
This design will have to be assembled for a professional cylinder
When and why will you have to look for foam without toluene
When working with concrete walls or masonry, the presence of this substance in the composition does not play any role. Problems will begin if the foam-insulated areas are foamed, because the latter begins to melt under the influence of toluene. As a result, the foam layer “eats” a hole for itself and falls into it - the work will have to be redone again.
If you need to stick the foam to the surface, then this property of toluene is only on hand, because it literally “welds” the sheet to the wall. By the way, this is widely used when leveling walls with drywall without a frame - gluing “mounting” sheets directly to brick or concrete.
That's the whole difference - if you want to work with materials similar to polystyrene foam, you need to choose - you need to melt it or it is better to look for foam without toluene, the choice of which is represented by polyurethane and similar compounds.
