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For sealing metal cladding, expansion joints, roof valleys, and building penetrations against weather, dust, and vermin, Biyseal Bitumen Impregnated Foam provides a compressible, pre-formed barrier that expands and contracts without losing its recovery properties. Impregnated with bitumen, this flexible polyurethane strip exerts continuous outward pressure against joint walls to seal tight without relying on adhesive bond strength.
How it works
Biyseal is a lightweight polyurethane foam strip that undergoes a density shift from 30 kg/m³ to 96 kg/m³ once impregnated with bitumen. When placed under compression, the cell structure closes to block physical elements, damp vibration, and isolate acoustic transfer. It accommodates continuous movement cycles without fatigue or extrusion, recovering up to 98% of its original dimension on its initial cycle after compressive forces are released.
The sealing performance of the foam is directly controlled by its compression level during installation:
- 20% compression: Blocks dust, draughts, and dampens structural vibration.
- 50% compression: Resists fog, light dampness, slight flowing water, and dampens reverberation.
- 70% compression: Resists flowing water and heavy dust storms.
- 75% compression: Resists standing water.
Numbers that matter
- 96 kg/m³ density: The density of the fully impregnated bitumen foam, providing structural mass to resist physical tearing and weathering.
- 275% elongation: High elasticity that accommodates severe joint elongation before tearing.
- 98% elastic recovery: The rate at which the foam returns to its nominal thickness after compression, preventing gaps during joint contraction.
- 903 N/m tear resistance: High physical toughness that prevents splitting or tearing when installed in rough concrete or masonry joints.
- Up to 20-year working life: Long-term service durability when compressed within joints, depending on the specific application exposure.
Where to use it
- Metal cladding: Dust, draught, and vermin proofing of roof and metal wall cladding profiles.
- Concrete & masonry: Expansion joints in concrete panels, brickwork, and blockwork.
- Roofing & penetrations: Sealing roof valleys, eave fillers, skylights, window frames, and HVAC ducting.
Sizing and compression limits
Selecting the correct width is critical to achieving the required compression level. Ensure the foam width matches the joint opening according to these ratios:
- Weather-resistant joints: Select a foam width equal to 5 times the joint opening.
- Expansion joints: Select a foam width equal to 3 to 4 times the joint opening.
- Basic joint proofing: Select a foam width equal to 2 times the joint opening.
- Maximum compression limit: Do not compress the foam past 90% of its thickness, as this represents the limit before material rupture occurs.
Installation
The substrate surface must be clean, sound, and entirely free of loose materials, dust, and debris before positioning the foam strip. All areas to be sealed must be completely filled with the foam in accordance with the specified compression ratios to prevent bypassing leaks. Biyseal can be installed independently or paired with a liquid elastomeric sealant where project specifications require a dual barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam
Q: How do I choose the right size of Biyseal foam for my application?
A: Select the foam width based on the joint opening: 5 times for weather resistance, 3-4 times for expansion joints, and 2 times for joint proofing. This ensures proper compression and effective sealing.
Q: What are the benefits of using bitumen-impregnated versus acrylic-impregnated foam?
A: Bitumen-impregnated foam offers excellent weather resistance and is ideal for general construction applications. Acrylic-impregnated foam is better suited for applications requiring enhanced UV resistance.
Q: Can Biyseal foam be used in standing water applications?
A: Yes, when compressed by 75%, Biyseal can resist standing water. Ensure proper compression to achieve the desired level of water resistance.
Q: How long can Biyseal foam last in outdoor applications?
A: Accelerated aging tests indicate a working life of up to 20 years, depending on the application and environmental conditions. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for longevity.
Q: Does Biyseal foam require any specific tools for installation?
A: Basic tools like a measuring tape and a utility knife or scissors are sufficient for cutting the foam to the required size. No specialized tools are needed for installation.
Use Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam for:
- Weatherproofing metal wall and roof cladding.
- Sealing vertical expansion joints in precast concrete, brick, and block work.
- Jointing between walls and windows.
- Sealing various roof and wall decking profiles.
- Joint sealing of logs in timber homes.
Why Use Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam:
- Provides a durable and long-lasting weather seal, reducing maintenance and repair costs.
- Adapts to dynamic joint movements, preventing leaks and damage in expansion joints.
- Offers versatile application options with bitumen and acrylic impregnated versions.
- Easy to install with basic tools, saving time and labor on site.
- Maintains performance over time with excellent recovery and compression resistance.
How to apply Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam:
- Measure the joint opening to determine the required foam width based on the application (weather resistance, expansion joint, or joint proofing).
- Cut the Biyseal foam to the required length using a utility knife or scissors.
- Insert the foam into the joint, ensuring it is compressed to the appropriate level for the desired sealing effect.
- For profiled applications like roofing, use the pre-profiled Biyseal foam to match the roof decking.
Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam limitations:
- Performance depends on correct compression; insufficient compression may result in inadequate sealing.
- Not suitable for applications requiring strong adhesive bonding; relies primarily on compression for sealing.
- Specific chemical resistance data is not provided, so avoid exposure to harsh chemicals without prior testing.
Safety precautions when using Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Gloves are recommended to prevent skin irritation.
- Ventilation: General ventilation is adequate; no specific requirements are listed.
- Handling: Handle with care to avoid tearing or damaging the foam.
Biyseal Polyurethane Impregnated Foam can be used on the following substrates:
- Metal Cladding: Provides effective weatherproofing and dust proofing.
- Concrete and Masonry: Ideal for expansion joints and sealing gaps.
- Timber: Suitable for sealing joints in timber homes and structures.
Biyseal Bitumen Impregnated Foam Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Polyurethane Foam Impregnated with Bitumen or Acrylic |
| Density (Bitumen Impregnated) | 30 kg/m³ |
| Density (Unimpregnated) | 96 kg/m³ |
| Identification Force Deflection (IFD) 25% | 200 ± 22 N |
| Identification Force Deflection (IFD) 65% | 360 ± 27 N |
| Resilience | Minimum 20% |
| Tensile Strength (Bitumen Impregnated) | Minimum 172 kPa |
| Tensile Strength (Unimpregnated) | 232 kPa |
| Elongation at Break (Bitumen Impregnated) | 200% |
| Elongation at Break (Unimpregnated) | 275% |
| Tear Strength (Bitumen Impregnated) | Minimum 0.52 kN/m |
| Tear Strength (Unimpregnated) | 903 N/m |
| Elongation After Heat Aging | 225% |
| Tear Resistance After Heat Aging | 869 N/m |
| Shrinkage | 0.94% |
| Cell Size | 55 ± 5 cells/inch |
| Compression Set | 5.0 |
| Combustibility | Flame did not reach benchmark |
| Recovery | 98% in the first cycle |
| Compression Resistance (20%) | Dust, draughts, vibration |
| Compression Resistance (50%) | Fog, light dampness, slight flowing water, reverberation |
| Compression Resistance (70%) | Flowing water, dust storms |
| Compression Resistance (75%) | Standing water |
| Working Life (Accelerated Aging) | Up to 20 years (application dependent) |
| Sizes | 19mm x 13mm to 75mm x 25mm x 2m |
| Profiles | Corrugated and Trimdek roofing profiles (2m length) |
| Standards Compliance | AS2282-79 |
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