Expanding Foams

Expanding foam is a household product that can be used for far more than its intended purpose of insulation. It is meant to fill small wall cavities that are difficult to reach. It also seals gaps to add weatherproofing.Normally, you'll find expanding foam in basements and crawl spaces, filling gaps along the seal plate. It's also used around doors and windows to fill gaps and prevent air intrusion. Here are 10 other genius ways to use expanding foam around the house

Expanding Foam

Expanding foam, also known as insulation foam, is a product that provides airtight insulation around materials, joints and components. The foam acts as a filler to seal cracks and holes around parts and fittings. These sealants form a barrier to repel moisture, insects and air from creeping into gaps.Expanding foam normally has a mousse-like consistency, which hardens via a chemical process when it comes in contact with atmospheric humidity. Once cured or hardened, the foam will not expand or shrink, being durable against dampness and other weather effects.There are different packaging types available, such as spray cans and cartridges. There are also various sizes available, including 300ml, 500ml and 750ml.

Expanding polyurethane foam

Expanding polyurethane foam sticks fast without a hassle. As it expands, it fills cracks, gaps, and openings around the following:WindowsDoorsVents PipesOutletsFoundationsAlthough this foam (polyurethane foam) requires moisture to expand and cure. It is advised to lightly spray the area with water first. Then apply the expanding foam. Once cured, any excess can be cut or sanded off or additional foam can be added.

How to use an expanding foam?

Expanding foam can be applied using a foam gun, a handheld can or a spray can:GunFoam applicator guns or dispensing guns are widely used to apply foam and sealants. They enable easy application and can often help to control the levels of foam that are applied.HandheldFitted with an application nozzle, handheld expanding foam cans are easy to use and do not require additional equipment, such as a gun.Spray canFor less precise coverage, or larger areas, spray cans are an ideal method for applying expanding foam. Spray foam is a type of expanding foam which is sprayed in place using an aerosol can.Among the clever ways to utilize an expanding foam include:Reduce pipe rattling with expanding foam - Water pipes rattle when we turn on or off the water. Besides, why pay for an expensive solution when you can fix this issue with expanding foam?Fill the gaps where the pipe rattles by applying low-expansion foam. In most cases, that's a joist or stud penetration.Fix faucets and shower heads that rattle - Rumbling shower heads don't just ruin your precious shower time, but also cause leaks if left rattling for a prolonged period of time.It is best to inject expanding foam behind the wall at the point where the shower head emerges, rather than attaching it to the wall with a strap.

Where does expanding foam come in handy?

Expanding foams have many uses across industry and retail, for both indoor and outdoor use. The foam sealant can be used to fill the openings and insulate around window frames, window sills and awkward gaps, and to seal pipes and hoses.Expanding foams are also applied in indoor building activities and in repair work to ceilings, walls and cavities. The foams are rot-resistant and can be used to bond and seal the rings around manholes.