Makroflex foam-cement: features and scope of application

Not so long ago in construction there was no alternative to a universal mounting material - cement. At present, Henkel's Makroflex foam has become such an alternative.

The assembly Makroflex foam-cement is a mix on the basis of polyurethane which is completely ready to work. It not only holds together various building materials with each other, but also perfectly seals joints, improves heat and sound insulation of building structures. The mixture can be used in the temperature range from - 5 to + 35 ° С (optimal temperature is + 21- + 35 ° С). All this becomes possible due to the technical characteristics of the foam.

The main properties of the assembly are:

• density - 20 kg / m3;
• setting, or the time of formation of the surface film - from 5 to 9 minutes;
• full curing of the foam - 30 minutes, under certain conditions can be reduced to 25 minutes;
• change in volume - 5% up or down;
• water absorption - no more than 1% for 24 hours and a maximum of 10% for 28 days;
• sound absorption - 60 dB;
• thermal conductivity - 0.037–0.40 W / mhK.

According to international standards, the aerosol can with the mounting mixture does not contain chlorofluorocarbon propellants. In addition, when squeezing the foam has a faint odor, which disappears when the composition hardens.

The main advantage of Makroflex polyurethane foam is its ease of use, instant readiness. Bonding building materials no worse than cement, it does not require additional labor costs: it is enough to open the can and shake well. In addition, compared with most of the usual installation mixtures in bags, foam makes it possible to perform work in the offseason at sufficiently low temperatures.

The innovative composition has other advantages.

• Convenience of use and profitability.Special nozzle-gun allows you to apply the composition in specifically marked places and in a certain amount. This makes it possible to avoid over-expenditure of cementing glue. According to the manufacturer’s request, 1 can of foam can replace 1 bag of cement. At the same time it is equally easy to apply foam on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
• Versatility. Cement foam can be used on surfaces of a wide variety of materials.
• Slight shrinkage. This cement foam compares favorably with other installation compositions.

• The possibility of applying to dry and wet surfaces. Makroflex foam sets equally well in both cases. The only restriction for the application - the presence of ice or snow cover.
• Can be used not only for laying, but also for gluing or fixing individual parts.
• High hardening speed, which reduces construction time.
• Sealing and penetrating properties, due to which the foam can fill even the most inaccessible gaps and pores, reliably sealing them.
• High quality and durability of the hardened material.

As for the shortcomings of the installation structure Makroflex, they also exist.

• Instability to influence of sunshine. To prevent the destruction of hardened foam, it must be covered on top with building materials or finishing materials.
• The possibility of negative effects on the skin, mucous membranes and the respiratory system of a person in violation of safety when working with the composition.
• Pretty high price.

The scope of Makroflex foam-cement is rather wide.

Properties and features allow you to use it when:

• the restoration of block masonry and the construction of small light jumpers;
• warming and facing various surfaces;
• installation of window sills, window and door frames, stairs;
• the need to eliminate gaps and strengthen insulating seams.

At the same time, the composition demonstrates excellent adhesion with:

• wood and wood products;
• most polymeric materials;
• concrete;
• glass;
• ceramics.

Foam adheres well to bitumen and foam coatings., which significantly expands the scope of its application. The smallest adhesion of foam-cement provides on galvanized, plasterboard and mineral wool surfaces. The important point is that Makroflex mounting ready-mix can be used for both internal and external works.

The maximum efficiency with the use of mounting cement foam helps to achieve following some recommendations of professionals.

Primarily, these tips concern surface preparation:

• Before applying the composition, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned of all contaminants, dedusted and degreased;
• if the installation will be carried out using foam concrete blocks, it is necessary to dry them thoroughly (for other materials this item is not necessary);
• cover the places where you do not plan to apply foam.

It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for working with the composition itself:

• prior to commencing work, a spray of cement foam must be kept at room temperature for at least 12 hours;
• Before applying the container with the composition must be vigorously shaken at least 15 times (the procedure must be repeated periodically and in the process);
• when installing the cylinder on the gun first hold vertically bottom down;
• the spray gun can only be removed after the mixture is completely finished;
• After work, the gun must be thoroughly rinsed with a special compound.

In addition, the manufacturer draws the attention of users to the limitations of the maximum permissible width of the joint, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity. For example, in case of increased dryness of the air, it is recommended to fill the seams and crevices with foam in several stages. In this case, each layer of the composition should not exceed 3–4 cm. Before applying the next layer, the previous layer should be moistened with water.

Attention should be paid to the recommendationsregarding the use of foam when working with different materials.

• On concrete blocks no more than 115 mm thick foam is applied in one strip in the center. If the thickness of the walls is greater, then it is necessary to apply two parallel strips, departing from the edges of 3-5 cm. Similar requirements apply to the use of foam in masonry.
• On gypsum panels, the composition is applied from the inside by strips with an interval of 15 cm and a distance from the end of 5 cm. After that, the panel is pressed tightly to the surface and held for 3 minutes.
• When installing window sills and steps, foam-cement is applied to the fixing part of the element in 2-3 strips along the edge. After that, the part is installed in place and pressed by the load over the entire length of at least 1 hour.

Important: Despite the fact that Makroflex foam is an installation mixture, it is a lightweight polymer-cement composition. Therefore, it can be used in the construction of partitions, but not bearing walls and structures!

Numerous reviews of professional builders and those who simply make repairs in their own apartment speak for the demand for Makroflex foam cement. The vast majority of these reviews are positive.Buyers especially note the versatility of the composition: from the sealing of wells and roof insulation to finishing facade works. In addition, consumers are attracted by ease of use, because unlike cement, which needs to be stirred, strictly observing the proportions, the assembly foam is already fully ready for use, which means it works much faster, and the result is much better!

For the benefits of Makroflex foam cement, see the following video.