Everything You Need to Know About Spray Foam
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2020
- Today we're going to be myth-busting and experimenting with all different kinds of spray foam, so that you understand the properties, how they work, where you should use them, and more! For links to purchase the products in this video CLICK SHOW MORE ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇
Believe it or not, not all spray foam is created equal, and there is a lot of different technology and applications going on here. So, let's dive in and learn all there is to know about spray foam!
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Videos produced by Home Renovision are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Home Renovision does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Renovision cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Home Renovision cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun renovating and ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code. HomeRenoVisionDIY may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through recommended links. #commissionsearned - Jak na to + styl
I have come to realize that Jeff is a straight shooter. When I need to perform a particular task, even if I think I know how to proceed, I always look to see what he would do. I haven't found a task yet that he doesn't make it easier or safer for me to accomplish. He has also renewed my DIY interests since I'm now retired. Thanks, Jeff, keep up the good work.
I must admit. I absolutely love this channel. I would look at this channel for any information regarding any DIY project I may have.
You’re being mis lead in this video guys. He knows nothing about spray foam. Lol. All he told you was the color
That! and he is also entertaining to watch!
@@almostdone09 ....and you don't need to go anywhere else!
😅
I have definitely noticed that the window/door stuff doesn't push and bow things out, and the regular gap filler one does. Window/door is also much softer and flexible once cured, while the regular stuff is quite hard. The formulas can' be the same, although I do agree their expansion really does look the same.
First off let me say Thank you for your time and hard work it takes to put together your videos. There are those of us that greatly appreciate it. I enjoy watching your videos not only for the information but for your personality. I find both to be very enlightening and informative.
Hey I'm a pro paint contractor for over 30 years i really like your vids and how your honest straight shooter you are easy to understand ! great work .
Thanks for the review!
Generally I'd use the same foam for almost everything, but I do use some specific kinds of foam in certain situations (I am doing a DIY renovation, in Europe):
- When going around an electric box or near electric connections I use fire-proof foam (it's the same, but has an additive, it is 3 times more expensive though).
- Sometimes I use a specific foam for doors & windows, even if it expands at the same rate or similar one, the difference is noticeable a while after, it's kind of 'denser'.
- When renovating roof curved tiles, you can use foam to 'fix them' together, there is a specific one that doesn't expand as much as the regular one (so it won't "lift" the tiles or expand until visible).
There is one i'm eager to try but hadn't had a chance. It states that you can put drywall in place in like 60 seconds. I don't know if it's the regular one "with a sticker" on it, but the idea is that you put the foam in spots or lines (kind of what you did in the video) in the drywall and/or the surface you're installing it onto, wait 60 seconds to let the foam expand, put the drywall on the wall and let it dry. I guess it should work pretty good for old rock/brick walls being renovated (I don't like connecting the drywall with gypsum compound, due to gypsum being "thirsty").
P.S. in difficult locations, I attach a hose to the end of the can pipe (or remove the plastic pipe and replace it with a hose), that way I can insulate very narrow spaces and be able to hold the can upside down (there is one that works upright, but costs like 3x the price).
I was a service tech, and the key I learned for the window and door stuff is not to fill the gap completely and just let the stuff expand. It is low expansion, in that it only ~ doubles in size vs the professional spray foams that multiple by 5-10x. It's better to go back 10 min later and apply a little more than to overapply in the first pass. The stuff is really annoying to scrape away, especially when you're dealing with visible parts of windows that you don't want to damage with an Olfa knife.
I also learned the hard way why to always leave a 1/4" gap on all sides of a window when installing it - you have to have at least the size of the spray foam applicator tip!
Thanks for demonstrating why the gun-applied foam works better. FYI: Great Stuff Pro (red can) is only about 80% closed cell content, and although I've not found any specs for the non-pro version, it's probably safe to assume it's closer to the HandiFoam equivalent, which has only 67% CLOSED cell content. Some other brands, such as Loctite Titefoam and Draftstop 812, have a finer cell structure, higher closed cell content & better R-value per inch.
Really appreciate this video. I'm a new homeowner, and I also have an 1800's house with a lot of gaps and cracks that need sealing. This video is just what I needed to get an introduction to expanding foam, how to use it and how it comes out. Two thumbs up!!
So this is my take on the differences between the foams. The regular foam partially hardens before it finishes expanding. This causes it to build pressure and cause doors and windows to jam. On the other hand, the windows and doors formula will fully expand before it hardens and this prevents it from building pressure and instead just oozes out. I haven't noticed any difference between the big gap and the regular foam.
Excellent, exactly the detail we need, and it does show that these are not all the same.
Thanks. I discovered a massive amount of cold air coming in around all my windows. I'm sure it's killing my heating and cooling bills. Hoping to get them sealed before a snowstorm tonight. Didn't know how to use them but the video and your reply was very helpful.
yes, I have had the same experience. there"s definitely a difference between the regular foam and the windows foam, I once used the regular foam on windows and it pushed the window framing causing the window to jam.
Jeff, you are the best at what you do! I have learned so much from you as a handyman and have used a lot of your techniques to earn a living. Your honesty and straight forward, real-talk is what sets you apart from all other contractors. 💯
Stay real! Keep up the AMAZING work!
Also, to Max, amazing videography and you're a great assistant to your Dad. Keep up the awesome job.
Thank you both for sharing all your great work. It's very much Appreciated!! 👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👊👊
Out of Brampton, Ontario
Jerry
Just started my own business and when in a bind your videos have helped me clear that mental hurdle and finish my project in a timely fashion. Thanks for the useful tips and tricks. Thanks again, take care and have a good day.
This guy is my hero! As a contractor it sucks working for clients, to be able to shut down ur business and just make videos of you working on your own home for yourself (every contractors dream) just amazing i gotta hand it to you, keep the videos coming, no more crappy days for you! An inspiration to all trademan who dont want to be swinging a hammer into their 60s...
Bad contractor vibes
Great content, as usual. And you've been reading my mind again as I just bought a can of the Window and Door foam to fill some gaps. Really good to see the side-by-side comparisons of these products.
thanks for showing the contractors gun, I was wondering how good they were and how to clean them, this really helped
Hey my man you ain’t no politician, too honest.
You sir are honest intel that I love to watch and learn from.
You are literally the best guy on CZcams doing what you do. Great work and great philosophy!
I used all four kinds recently and they all expanded quite a bit except for the window foam. It came out the least dense. The pest block was super dense and the fire foam expanded the most I feel. I used pest block for most of my project then switched to the regular red gap filler cans as they’re the cheapest. They have new tips now too so you can close the tip and reuse it later.
Great video Jeff. I agree that 15-20 yrs ago, the foam would really expand alot. It's definitely changed.
Thank you Jeff!!!!! I look for your tutorials before doing anything that I'm new or rusty at.
Love your videos Jeff, finally someone has presented how to do projects in a straight forward no bs manner.
Been learning from you for awhile now, your brilliant like the foam your expanding my knowledge.
Thanks Jeff
I was surprised too when I saw that they all had the same expansion, more or less. Only 3 years ago I insulated the ceiling of my garage with the blue can and the foam was very hard to manage, especially along thin gaping holes. It came out at high pressure and large bead (maybe I cut the tip too much) and then it kept growing and growing, at least 4-5 times the original stream. You raised a very good point.
Thank you Jeff, I’m actually getting ready to DIY my attic with an air seal and new insulation. This video take the mystery out of which foam I should buy
I miss the old great stuff. I still like the stuff, but it’s definitely more like “the only stuff” available that’s convenient to use and doesn’t cost a fortune. Thanks for this video, Jeff! I never thought to test the different types against each other.
So I'm a long time viewer, seen every video and love them all. I have this problem though that when I get around to finally doing the project I've watched a video about, I can't remember some of the fine details. I get into the isle of home depot and I've got a 4 hour drywall video to scrub through to figure out the mud options I'm looking at. It would be nice to have a little PDF for each topic that outlines some of the video. It would absolutely be worth a couple bucks to me. Like for the drywall it would have been nice to have a refresher about the mud types, a set of recommended, optional, and necessary tools and products, and a brief outline of what to do. Thanks for all you guys do!
I recently used a liquid styrofoam filler in the base of my mail box and it was incredible. The new mail box post is in the ground and tighter than it has ever been before when I used concrete. If you want a real thrill, try putting a fence post or mailbox post in the ground using styrofoam instead of concrete. It worked like a charm for me. Wow!
Nice video, thanks for your time and knowledge !
Thank you Jeff! Your honest feedback is MUCH appreciated!
You are awesome, keep up the good work! xoxo
There are differences in the foam...
Window and door: softer and won't bulge your door frames
Window and door Pro: same stuff but cures faster
Gaps and Cracs: regular foam
Big gap filler: expands much more. Fill two same sized containers with it and regular stuff, then see which one will cure bigger(it needs to cure to get bigger)
Pest block: regular gaps and cracks but with a bittering agent.
I know because I work at the plant that makes this.
Also, moisture in the air dictates the outcome. Water initiates the chemical reaction that cures it.
Doesn't seem to be any difference any more.
How do we get an extension hose for hard to reach areas.
@@naturalhealing9970 what do you mean by an extension hose? For regular cans? Pro cans have a long gun that's about 3 feet long but it does not bend. Froth packs have longer hoses...
@@eduardos8895 Yes, for regular cans.
@@naturalhealing9970 we don't have anything like that sorry. You probably can make something yourself though. On the old fashioned straws that we use, the straw part removes pretty easily and you'll be left with the trigger. I bet you can attach like a refrigerator plastic water hose as a custom straw to that. I am not sure how long it would go before the straw gets blown out though.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Jeff and your channel. You’ve given me so much great advice and confidence to tackle so many jobs.
Keep this coming. There’s no problem with taking some money to show us a product as long as they don’t mind you being honest about it and you think we want to hear about it.
You got to make a living as you are helping us all out.
I'm so glad I found Jeff's channel. If you appreciate expertise this is definitely the best show for home renovations. Just bout a new home and I wish I knew about this channel when I had my fist place!!!
The video is a true great stuff. I have been doing a lot of home renovation projects. But still can find many good tips from Jeff. Thank you so much.
Just yesterday I was using it and I was wondering why it hasn't expanded like I anticipated, now I know, thank you
Great info. Could you do a test with a different brand and the one you used in this video. 👍🏼
Thank you, this was the exact reason for me watching this video. It really seems like there is no difference in any of the different supposed use types. This is also one of the reasons I subscribe to your channel, HONESTY.
Thanks, Jeff! And, agreed. I happened to purchase the same products. I bought the windows/doors, pest and regular gaps/cracks. And, yes! They're about the same. I haven't noticed any 1 trait other than the color. Keep up the good work!
Very helpful! And if it might be of use to anyone, I used a can of previously used Great Stuff Windows and Doors foam from about 11 months ago today -- no problems at all. I had used it with the pro gun. After use, I removed the can, cleaned the gun with the Great Stuff cleaner, and then put the can back on for storage (as Jeff demonstrates in this video!). I was surprised it worked because it says to use within 30 days of first use on the can.
Thanks Graham, Cheers!
If it clogs just pour acetone and it will resolve out of the straw or nozzle.
Great video. Story: My ex and I remodeled a home. She used some of this foam to fill gaps. It really expanded and she used her bare hands to smooth the foam instead of waiting until it dries and cut it off. She came into the kitchen to wash her hands which were both covered in foam. I told her to stop. DO NOT GET YOUR HANDS WET!!!! It will set the foam. I asked her if she had any fingernail polish remover. Nope. I then told her to just chill out and I drove to Home Depot to get some acetone to clean her hands. When I got out of my truck when I got home, I could hear the water running. I rushed into the kitchen and she was madly washing her hands. The acetone did NOT remove the hardened foam. It took about 10 days for all of the foam to come off with lots of picking and rubbing. It was heartbreaking that she did not believe me and washed her hands anyway.
Women for ya
Did you at least say " I told you"
@@dancolegate3905 Well, not if he expected to live ...
Worse tho' is finding your "personal account" has been put on "block" or "hold" or "suspended" ... if you follow?
@@dancolegate3905 Probably did, hence the "ex"... lol
It's definitely not just women. My ex boyfriend did the exact same thing after offering to help me with a home office I was building in my yard. I bought us each 2 pairs of gloves to use with the spray the foam, but despite me insisting that he wear gloves and explaining what will happen if he doesn't, he learned a very hard, painful lesson that day. Wearing gloves while molding spray foam with your hands doesn't "mean you're a p**sy," it means you're smart and have to common sense. He ignored my warning about water too and went straight to the hose to wash it off. I've always done all my own home repairs myself, but as a 5' 4" 140 lb female, sometimes it's nice to have a guy around to help me reach higher places or when I need some extra muscle. Unfortunately, that day just reminded me why most of the time it's just better to do things myself. 🙄
Using your advice here in NZ to plan and build an outdoor shed, just using your techniques and not worrying about 5mm or 10mm and its all going up fine. Thanks for not bullshitting us on products, it's a bit like painkillers marketed as different but with the same ingredients.
I really enjoy learning from your videos. Thank you for making everything easy to understand.
I've been liking the lock-tite expanding foam as opposed to the great stuff. Namely for doors/windows. It's easier to control and doesn't get so stiff when it's dry. The lock-tite still has a good amount of sponge to it. (And i typically make much less of a mess!)
Love this video. The sad fact is that Great Stuff foam is hardly the only company that's pulling their marketing BS with their products. An INSANE amount of OCD-laden research goes into consumers wanting to make sure they purchase the "best" product, and in so many circumstances they get caught up in this marketing crap, because we don't know any better until we're up to our necks in the project. So, the pro's who are in a position to know....their feedback is absolutely priceless. So, a big thank you again, to Uncle Jeff for his time, and wisdom.
Excellent info and comparison. Hope to see more of the bench series. Thank you!
Thanks for the outstanding videos as well as unbiased product reviews👍
I am using the pro tip, like you show in the break, and despite it saying no need to shake, I have found shaking it for 30 seconds before use provides a much larger expansion. I love this stuff too. I also used it for Pest control with just the normal foam, and it worked fine... the critters don't try to dig through.
Thanks for sharing!
The window can says shake for 60 seconds. Not sure abt the others
Started watching you before I even got a house, thank you for all you do!
Iam a electrician and I just bought a house .I love you're videos they are very helpful .you are truely talented at not only renovations but teaching others .
VERY useful information. Thanks for the clear demonstration of the spray insulation
This is why I love you!!! I just found your channel and if I need to know how to do something, I search your channel.
Awesome! Thank you!
Be a consumer advocate. I would rather hear true opinion. It will also pressure companies to find real solutions.
That’s a wonderful tip! Great video! Thank you so much!!
Every time I watch one fo Jeff's videos I feel like I owe him money lol so much free value thats going to save me tens of thousands of dollars on renos. So grateful for this channel. Thanks Jeff and team!!
Great comparison of these “different” foams! It’d be great to see a comparison between different brands. Especially between the “fireStop” vs. “fireBlock” types. There’s a couple videos that do a flame test where not all “fire*” foams perform well.
You sound like a programmer.
@@BenVanCamp It's probably because I am 🤣
Jeff I love your channel. I used to do carpentry when I was a kid (framing). I'm 67 now and starting it again as a hobby, and just to fix things around my home. And typically I don't trust most of the contractors in my area, as they aren't as good as advertised, they do less than stellar work and expect premium dollars. So I'm catching up on 50 years of changes and really appreciate your efforts.
I'm the same age, and restoring a 1895 Victorian by myself. I don't have the stamina I once had, but I find that a lifetime of knowledge and wisdom compensates pretty well! Also, owadays, we have great videos like Jeff's here so we don't have to "experiment" so much on new techniques...
Love the honesty and the sense of humor! 😊
Oh, and the knowledge!
This guy has helped to keep me sane. Thank you so much.
tip: in filling a big gap... have material on hand to temp. close the open side... once the expanding foam is introduced close the open side and secure... this will cause the foam to expand into the tiniest spaces (100th of an inch).. without this block it will actual form radiuses in the corners and the pressure of the expansion will just billow out of the area you're trying to seal
how would you block it from escaping, would duct tape work? My house is settling and the wall is pulling away from the woodwork molding by about 1". I have in the past made big huge messes with spray foam, it just pours out of wherever I am applying. But I gotta do something I fear critters coming in for the upcoming North Central Florida winter temps which an go from 20 degrees to 50 degrees in one day, and then back down to the 30's etc.
Mmm i guess i did shoot this stuff behind an electric box used a block for the initial spray but after i was done was able to remove the block and never expanded farther then i sprayed and stayed put.
They really have made it easier then it use to be. And loving the reusability also.
Maybe apply some of the cleaner on the back of slab of wood or sheet metal that will temporarily serve as a means to cover penetration one is attempting to seal. I don’t know if that would work but it just came to mind after seeing Jeff use the solvent cleaner to clean the gun application tool.
I'm thinking pizza pan and Pam. That's what I have round here
I feel like I am catching up with my Dad every time a new video is posted.
Haha that is so true!! Thanks for putting my exact feeling into words
Same. I wonder if Jeff is currently taking adoptions XD
@@Coder-zx4nb He should start apprenticeship program
I've said literally the same thing, to the point where my wife refers to Jeff as "Canadian Dad." 😂
Jeff is every Canadian’s dad at this point
Excellent video. Informative and right to the point. Thanks.
Can't believe that you answered pretty much every question that I had about the stuff. I just wish I had reason to buy the gun and the big cans. But, alas, I don't do that many projects requiring so much "great stuff". Great job!
To be able to come back and use it again without the can sealing up is a step forward. The gun handle looks much easier to control. Thanks for the video.
Oh they're great. The controller on the gun is more so you can't accidentally set it off in your toolbox the gun is pressurised so even if you take the can off the stuff inside remains uncured liquid.
I regret not getting a gun sooner... Even as a DIY. I've used it to fill so many things that now it's not something I regret using and destroy clothes like those single use cans.
The control makes for such a clean job
@@PTechMedia Agreed. EVERYONE should get a gun. It turns one of the most messy, annoying, wasteful, dreadful experiences into a precise, efficient joy.
It would have been good to see the density of each of the foams or maybe if there were other characteristics dealing with movement or weathering to give a fare comparison. :)
"would be nice if people where honest about these products" I think he said... lol...
Keep it coming Jeff, I love your channel! I feel I can trust you. Thanks for making these videos
I love this stuff for my shower base installations. works superb.
They are different once they dry. They will have different textures and density. They also continue to expand for several minutes after placing. We use them on high rise form work a lot. I’ve probably used 20 different brands and some are impossible to remove after cured and some just flake off. The Hilti brand will stick to anything, like oil, wet surfaces, paint, concrete, steel, you name it. However if you need to clean up the area around the work later your going to hate yourself for using it. And a pro tip: either wear close you don’t like or something over them, because if you get this stuff on cloth it will never come off. Your better off letting it dry without touching it and try pull it off after than trying to wipe it while it’s wet.
I was just at Home Depot and these exact cans all said to Shake Well.
Same here, got a can yesterday that I'm staring at right now and it says "SHAKE vigorously - minimum 60 seconds" (all caps is how it's written on the can, so that's not my emphasis but theirs). Maybe that's why he's having expansion issues in the video?
Jeff great job and info Thank You for all the effort and guidance you create in your videos
Never saw expanding foam before so wanted to see what it looks like. Thanks for the vid!
Thank you for having our back as consumers.
It was worth watching just to learn how to clean the gun. I've two that are all clogged up and before buying a third will give it a go with the cleaner. Thanks
happy to help!
@@HomeRenoVisionDIY I loved the professional version. Searching for a gun right now!!!!
You Are The Real Deal!!!! Very Knowledgeable-
Very entertaining…
Thank You!!!
This guy's advice is great! He's helped me with so many things!
teaching me all the shit my dad never taught me..
LOL for me it's more like teaching me all the shit my dad tried to teach me, but I wasn't listening.
If u got daddy issues come on over I'm about to throw some burgers on the grill champ
@@brianbass8574 deliverance plays in the background
I'm retired, and only now just learning how to use all the tools I inherited from my Dad after he passed away. 50 years after I watched him work as a a kid I still remember some of his tricks.
@@ballsdeep9648 ...seriously! A bunch of us are looking at our feet right now!
This guy is amazing and full of knowledge. I wish I knew half of the stuff he has forgot over the years
Very happy to have found this channel. No nonsense.
Thanks Jeff! My father (also named Jeff) and I love to watch your videos. I recently purchased my first home and I'm slowly making my way through refreshing it. While I'm nowhere near as handy as my old man, your videos have helped to fill the gap (pun intended). Thanks!
If you want to see if the window foam is different, mock up a few window jams and fill the voids with each type of foam and measure which one pushes the 3/4 board out the most.
Use a low expanding closed cell.
@@designstudio8013 eye eye captain.
@@paulmacdonald7068 @Paul Mac
That’s a video for project farm
I too remember as a teenager using this stuff with my grandfather maybe 15 years ago and the gap filler absolutely expanded like crazy, but I think even the regular version expanded more than it did in your test. They've probably found a cheaper way to make it so they can profit an extra Nickle per can.
They don't have to make it cheaper, they just need to make you use more of it. And that's exactly what they did.
Excellent videos. Thank you, and please keep up the great work.
Thanks for video ! I have a can sitting in front of me & I’ve never used it before now I have confidence in using it ! Thanks off to work!
Now that you mention it and I look at the MSDS for both the big gap filler and the pest block... their components are really similar and I don't see anything unique about the pest block!
the color different :O
Just like shampoo, one for this, one for that, in reality it is the same product! Unfortunate, consumers like all ,fall for marketing. love your channel!👏👏👏🍻
Been there. If it hardens on your hands you almost have to soak your hand with acetone. Acetone is not too good for you. I'll be wearing latex gloves next time.
useful information always presented in such an original and funny way. thank you Jeff.
Thanks for the unbiased information
When I was at McLendon's they said that the window one, once dry, was still a bit squishy and would allow the window to expand and contract at a different rate than the wood around it. This could be a difference that you would not be able to see just at the expansion rate. You'd have to test how squishy it is after it dried.
good point. You know Jeff likes those cans!
I'm going to try that stuff where my wall expands and contracts. Spackle / mud - it just cracks again. I've used RTV caulking [widen the crack, make sure the sides are rough so the stuff will adhere], and razored it smooth with the wall. It has some give, the latex wall paint has some give, lots more time between crack repairs. Flexible foam may be the best material yet.
I can confirm that is stays "squishy" even after a couple of years. I did an octagonal window and only parts of the window foam is hard. I can still compress most if it with my finger.
@@dfl19034 my home was built in 82, most recently renovated around 2005.
Window foam is still very flexible.
Home Depot has a display set up with the different kinds of foam so you can poke and prod at them.
Per your critique that the lines of foam all expand to the same size: The instructions on the can that I just bought (Sep 2021) of Crack and Gap filler (the red one) say to shake the can for at least 60 seconds. Since you didn't shake the cans, could that be why your foam lines didn't expand more satisfactorily? Maybe unrelated. But I also notice it takes many minutes for expansion to complete. Thanks for the tip on how to clean out the distributor!
I bought the black can about a month ago and it says shake vigorously for 60sec as well. So who knows where he got his instructions @1:30
great info, I was always a skeptic of these different foams also. Now I know for sure !
I’ve been watching you for years now. I’ve redone several homes watching your videos. I love your videos. Thank you sincerely.
I was wondering myself about the lack of foam in the Big Gap can. When this stuff came out about 25 years back I used it to fill a void between joists. It must have grown to 50 times its initial spray size. I had to cut away a ton if overfill. But it was definitely giving my monies worth. I could have done a complete wall with a can. Now they detuned it to only give you a little and hope you run out to buy more!
I accidentally used it in the wrong place. But it took 10 minutes or more to completely expand. Now I was used to the old stuff so I got a ton to trim. I swear the old expanded fast. I was filling and filling and later I’m like well surprise.
When great stuff first came out I used it on new window installs. Used too much. Window wouldn't open...LOL!
Biggest issue then was that it was a max expanding formula. Many many people used the wrong foam and ruined windows and doors. It produced too much pressure when expanding vs the minimal pressure stuff made for windows. That's why i think they no longer have a true max expansion foam anymore.
Thank you Jeff, awesome stuff!
Thanks Jeff, Great video!!
You’re absolutely right about how the basic version of the product used to expand exponentially more. In the mid ‘80s I had an old car that was so rusted out stuff used to fall out of the trunk through the wheel wells, and there wasn’t much left of the bumper except the thin chrome plating. I filled the entire bumper and the huge gaps in the wheel wells with less than half a can. By the time I got rid of that car it was more foam than metal. I recently used up a couple cans filling just a few gaps (in a house - not a car this time).
The red can in the pro one is a fire blocking foam. (In the US anyhow.) I go through cases of it a month. I own an insulation and air sealing company. There is definitely a difference in the formulation of the window and door vs the fire blocking foam. The window and door one is a lot more pliable, the large ones cure really hard.
Kory, I am going to air seal my 500 SF garage attic before I insulate and air condition it. I am in Texas where it's very hot. As a do-it-myselfer, which spray foam do you suggest I use? I also plan on getting a 2 foot long gun because I have a very low slope roof and getting to the top plates is difficult in some areas.
Cliff how are you insulating? Are you going to insulate above the Sheetrock then have net free space then the roof?
If so I recommend the fire blocking in every electrical run. And around any junction boxes in the ceiling. To prevent air infiltration into / from the attic space. I’m also guessing that you’re using AC in you garage. I live in MN, so I heat mine. You’ll want to check with your building code for where/ if you use a vapor barrier. The other areas to air seal are any top plates. Basically you want to stop hot air from being able to get to cold air to make the insulation more effective.
I insulated my attics to R-60 (20” of Owens Corning AttiCat.)
I am having blown in insulation added. So I will be air sealing the drywall joints, around some IC rated lights, and the top plates. The ac is a ductless minisplit,.
Cliff yes, either fire retardant foam, caulk for electrical runs or you could go with a good elastomeric caulk for the air sealing instead. Both work the caulk is an instant seal as no cure time is needed.
@@koryleach9660 Thank you for your contribution and taking the time to answer an excellent question. Always good stuff to learn here! I live on west coast Canada, and use that high level of attic insulation too, makes a difference, even in a milder climate. Used the bigger cans and gun for many years, best contribution of retro fitting windows I've made.
THANK YOU! I have enjoyed your videos and found them very useful, but THIS is truly the most enlightening one for me. I have always tried to wait until I have a couple projects going before using a can of this stuff because for most of us it's a one-use can. This is a game changer for us homeowners! And I was just considering using it for insulation between the water heater closet and my daughter's bedroom, so this was HUGE for me!!!!!
Thanks, very helpful.
Besides quality content, your lighting and production value is on point!
There's definitely a difference to them. The window and door is a lot softer than the normal stuff and it doesn't expand a lot. I would never use another of the options around a window. The regular stuff and the pest are much harder once they cure, and they expand with significant pressure (they will bow 2x4s if they can't find a release point). They all have similar chemical components but they have been formulated for specific purposes and shouldn't be interchanged (fire block, pest block, original gap filler, large gap filler and door and window).
That's a great tip: " if they can't find a release point". I guess no pressure if there is a release point eg around newly installed window
@@endicous What happens though, is that the outside layer of polyurethane cures/hardens and the inside is still expanding against 3 sides. The lumber and sheathing are stronger than the window and the foam is stronger than the window frame, hence the bowing. If you keep cutting the outside layer of the foam while it hardens, then the pressure could be released outwards. It's just a lot more simple to use elastomeric caulking and window foam and not risk having to replace a window.
There are videos on CZcams trying to prove the bending theory - no luck I must say. Property installed window should have adequate fixing which should be a lot stronger then the expanding foam pressure.
@@endicous You have a point there, but typical window installation is done by the crew that also does the siding/sheathing/framing, so they won't always it with as many fasteners as the manufacturer wants, and it doesn't cost much more to stick to what's recommended by the manufacturer and is tried and true. Once a window is warped, it won't go back. So even if your brain is saying, "Why not?" There should be a valid reason to use the regular foam other than "Just because."
That's a different subject. If a window frame is installed incorrectly then no point to talk about the site affects including foam pressure impact/ frame bending. All I want to say is that the pressure which comes from the expanding foam which has enough space to escape while curing is minimal
So glad you provided this info. I am just about to air seal my attic. They had that blue one you have and a red one called fire block foam.
I learned more about expansion foam than I ever thought I'd need to know. Thanks Jeff!