How to Use Spray Foam Insulation

by Don Ames

Great Stuff - Insulation in a Can.

by Don Ames

Have you seen the stack of bright red cans at the hardware store? They seem to show up on the end of shopping isles and near check out stands during the cooler weather months. The cans are labeled Great stuff. Look around a little and you will find Great Stuff in a blue can and orange can also.

If you have a small air sealing project and need a quick way to seal and insulate a gap or hole, consider using some Great Stuff. I can personally speak to the effectiveness of this product. Door jams, window trim, pipe and wire holes, exhaust fans, recessed lights, floor and ceiling heating registers, dryer ducting, under sinks, over cabinets, behind water heaters – there is no end to the places that might benefit from a little Great Stuff.

Here’s some tips to consider before using Great Stuff.

  • The stuff is really sticky and will stick to everything including skin.
  • Shake the can, attach the spray tube, and practice spraying on some scrap cardboard.
  • Remember, the Stuff expands, spray too much and you will have it sticking out all over the place.
  • The can has a hard time being used more than once, line up all your spray areas first and then spray.
  • Chances are, after spraying on Tuesday, the can won’t work on Wednesday.
  • Let the excess dry completely and then trim with a sharp knife. Don’t even touch it while it is wet.

So why are the cans different colors? That is because:

  • The Red Can is for general Use. Sticks good, expands a lot, can catch fire.
  • The Blue Can is for doors and windows. Sticks Good, doesn’t expand as much as the Red Can, can catch fire.
  • The Orange Can is for areas that might be exposed to higher temperatures or open flame. It will still burn, but not so much.

I have seen people use Great Stuff to seal the gap between the door frame and the header trimmer. After filling the space with foam and having the foam expand, they found the expanding foam was able to press outward with enough force that it moved the door frame and caused the door to no longer shut. This is why the Great Stuff folks came out with the Blue Can. The foam in the blue can does not expand so much and with such force.

Remember, line up your air sealing and insulating jobs first, practice  applying the foam on some cardboard, foam all the areas and then throw the can away. Wait until the next day and trim away the unwanted foam with a sharp knife.

The can of Great Stuff will cost less than four bucks.

Thanks for stopping by Detect Energy, I hope you have a good time with your can of Great Stuff…Don Ames