Polyurethane Foam (PU Spray) in Kenya
Kingsman Engineering & Industrial Insulation Ltd supplies professional-grade spray polyurethane foam (PU spray) across Kenya and East Africa. Our PU spray solutions (open-cell and closed-cell) are specified by contractors, refrigeration installers, builders and facility managers for roof & wall insulation, cold rooms, pipe lagging, gap sealing and sound control. For quotes and technical help contact:
📧 info@kingsmanengineering.co.ke · 📞 0721953570 / 0722209507
What is Polyurethane Foam (PU Spray) in Kenya?
Spray polyurethane foam (SPF or PU spray) is a two-component insulation system (Component A = isocyanate, Component B = polyol blend) that is mixed at the spray gun and expands on contact to form a continuous insulating layer. There are two main types:
- Closed-cell PU spray — high density, low permeability, high R-value, acts as an air- and moisture-barrier, adds structural rigidity.
- Open-cell PU spray — lower density, softer, excellent sound absorption and good air-sealing, not a vapour barrier.
Both types cure within minutes and bond to most building substrates (concrete, block, metal, wood, plywood, insulation board). Selection depends on the application, budget and local building requirements.
Why choose PU spray? Key advantages
- Superior air sealing: PU spray creates a continuous, seamless barrier that eliminates drafts and thermal bridging.
- High thermal performance: closed-cell PF offers excellent R-value per mm so required thickness (and occupied space) is minimized.
- Moisture control: closed-cell forms a vapour retarder — ideal in humid climates or for refrigeration/cold rooms.
- Structural benefit: high-density closed-cell foam adds panel stiffness and can strengthen roofs/assemblies.
- Fast application: large areas can be insulated quickly with professional spray rigs — minimal downtime.
- Longevity: properly installed SPF lasts decades without settling or sagging.
- Versatility: adheres to most substrates and fills irregular cavities and penetrations.
Limitations & safety considerations
- Flammability: most polyurethane foams are combustible and must be covered with an approved thermal barrier (e.g., 12.7 mm gypsum) or an intumescent coating per building code.
- Professional installation required: installers must be trained and certified; poor application causes off-gassing, inadequate cure, or adhesion failure.
- Health & PPE: fresh spray contains isocyanates — installers must use supplied-air respirators, suits, gloves and ensure ventilation. Occupants should avoid re-entry until cure and off-gassing limits are safe.
- UV sensitivity: exposed foam degrades in sunlight and must be protected with cladding, paint, or coating.
- Cost: higher upfront cost vs fibreglass or mineral wool — but often lower life-cycle cost due to energy savings and air-tightness.
Typical applications in Kenya & best-practice recommendations
Roof insulation (industrial & commercial)
- Recommended type: closed-cell PU spray.
- Typical thickness: 50–100 mm for retrofit roof thermal upgrades; up to 150 mm for high-performance or cold-store roofs.
- Benefits: seals joints, prevents ponding moisture into substrate, improves watertightness when combined with suitable deck coatings.
Wall insulation (external and cavity)
- Recommended type: closed-cell for external façades (vapour control); open-cell for interior acoustic infill.
- Thickness guideline: 25–75 mm depending on target U-value and cavity width.
Cold rooms & refrigeration systems
- Recommended type: closed-cell only — acts as a vapour barrier and prevents ice build-up.
- Typical thickness: 75–150 mm depending on design temperature and wall panel construction. Use closed-cell to meet hygiene and thermal stability needs.
Pipe & tank lagging
- Recommended type: closed-cell applied to flanges, junctions and odd shapes where pre-formed insulation cannot fit.
- Thickness: typically 13–50 mm depending on temperature and condensation control requirements.
Soundproofing & acoustic control
- Recommended type: open-cell for internal acoustic lining (stud walls, service risers, plant rooms).
- Thickness: 50–100 mm for effective absorption in mid-high frequency bands.
Gap filling & void sealing
- Recommended type: open-cell for non-structural void filling; closed-cell for sealed voids where moisture ingress is a concern.
Installation process (what clients should expect)
- Site survey & specification — Kingsman provides a free tech survey to confirm substrate, access, thickness requirement and fire barrier needs.
- Preparation — clean, dry surface; cover fixtures, HVAC intakes, and adjacent finishes; ensure electrical isolation or protection.
- Environmental controls — maintain recommended substrate & ambient temperature and humidity for correct cure.
- Spray application — two-component proportioner and heated hoses deliver A + B to spray gun; foam is applied in passes to reach target thickness. For thick builds, multiple passes are applied with cooling/curing time in between.
- Curing & inspection — foam settles and cures in minutes; final inspection for coverage, adhesion and thickness.
- Finish & protection — apply required thermal barrier (plasterboard/coat) or protective coating if exposed to sunlight.
- Certification & handover — Kingsman supplies data sheets, application certificates and warranty documentation.
Safety, handling & compliance
- Qualified installers only: Kingsman uses trained applicators with respiratory protection and appropriate PPE.
- Post-spray access: typically re-entry time is 4–24 hours depending on formulation and ventilation; Kingsman provides re-entry guidance.
- Fire code: foam must be covered with an approved thermal barrier (check local building regulations).
- Environmental & disposal: unused material and drums must be handled per hazardous waste rules — Kingsman assists with safe disposal options.
- Material SDS: material safety data sheets (MSDS) and technical data sheets provided on delivery.
Why Kingsman Engineering & Industrial Insulation Ltd?
- Proven track record supplying commercial, cold-store and industrial clients across Kenya and East Africa.
- Technical capability — certified applicators, modern spray rigs and quality control.
- Full service — specification, supply, installation, QA testing, coatings and warranties.
- Nationwide delivery & support — Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and export to East Africa.
- Post-installation support — maintenance advice, repairs and topping-up services.
Case uses (examples)
- Supermarket retrofit (Nairobi): replaced failing PIR panels with 100 mm closed-cell SPF to reduce thermal losses and condensation — energy savings of 15% in first year.
- Cold room construction (Mombasa): 125 mm closed-cell sprayed on sandwich panels to meet -18°C storage requirements.
- Office acoustic upgrade (Nakuru): 50 mm open-cell sprayed into partition cavities to reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I DIY spray polyurethane foam?
A: No. Professional application is strongly recommended. Improper mixing, incorrect ambient conditions, or wrong pass thickness causes poor cure, off-gassing and adhesion failures.
Q: How long does spray foam take to cure and when is the area safe?
A: Tack-free is a few minutes; full cure is usually 24 hours. Re-entry times vary (4–24 hours) depending on ventilation and product; Kingsman will advise for each job.
Q: Is spray foam waterproof?
A: Closed-cell is highly water-resistant and acts as a vapour retarder. It is not a substitute for a waterproof membrane on exposed roofs unless paired with appropriate coatings.
Q: Will foam attract pests or rot?
A: No — foam itself does not rot. Proper finishing prevents nesting; open surfaces should be sealed or covered.
Q: How thick should I spray for a typical roof in Kenya?
A: For thermal upgrades, closed-cell 75–100 mm is a common target for good year-round performance. Kingsman will model the exact U-value and recommend thickness based on your project.
Q: Is spray foam compatible with refrigeration systems?
A: Yes — closed-cell is ideal for cold rooms, preventing condensation and thermal bridging. Use products compatible with low-temperature service.
Q: Do you offer coatings / finishes?
A: Yes — Kingsman supplies protective roof coatings, fire retardant coatings and thermal barriers as required.