Fenestration in a home or building is vital to the comfort of the inhabitants, which is why the best windows and doors use urethane foam as seals, jamb liners, spacers, separators, weather-stripping, and insulation. The material can help increase the comfort of a building and drive down utility costs. Spray polyurethane foams can be used to seal the outside of windows, while solid pieces of the material are often used within window panes to prevent heat transfer.
At Amcon, we supply leading door and window manufacturers with high-quality fenestration foam, but what makes the material such a potent solution for the industry? There are many benefits of using urethane foam.
Proper Compression
The compression capabilities of a piece of foam allow it to be used within doors and windows to provide a tight seal and prevent airflow. Since the foam compresses as the doors and windows are opened and closed, contouring their edges, it reduces the chances of separation resulting in air leaks. Polyurethane is a flexible foam, so the material is able to be compressed over and over again without losing its original shape.
Durability
Since polyurethane foam can be compressed while still returning to its original shape, it’s also durable, meaning the same piece of material can be used for years without having to be replaced. Polyurethane foam also has good tensile strength; the material is resistant to breaking when pressure is applied. When combined with its ability to compress and its tear resistance, the foam makes a long-lasting fenestration solution for doors and windows.
Insulation
Polyurethane foam is well known as an effective insulator, helping prevent heat transfer when used as a material in fenestration. This is because the material has a high R-value, which prevents the conductive flow of heat.
Healthy and Safe
Polyurethane foam is both environmentally friendly and safe for human and animal exposure. The material does not off-gas, dust, crumble, or oxidize. It also doesn’t corrode or break down the materials it comes into contact with, nor is it very susceptible to mold, fungus, or bacteria growth.
Cost-Effective
Despite being one of the best fenestration materials on the market, polyurethane foam is very cost-effective and easy to fabricate, which can help door and window manufacturers and homebuilders keep the costs of their products and installation low.
With various foam densities and the expertise to fabricate foam products into any shape and size, Amcon is here to help you with all your fenestration foam needs. Have any questions about our foam selection or capabilities? Get in touch with one of our qualified experts today.