At this point, you might be still be trying to decipher which type of foam insulation is right for your project. DAPtex Plus Multi-Purpose Foam Sealant is a latex-based product used for filling voids and sealing largegaps. Ultimately, it depends on where a house is located, what the insulation goals are, and of course how big the budget is. You do not want your lungs full of Rockwool strands. Quickly and cleanly apply airtight, water-resistant seals between framework and rough openings. Seals gaps and cracks up to 1" where pests typically enter such as pipe and plumbing penetrations, dryer vents and more. Give the foam about 24 hours to harden and cure before cutting it. Benefits of Open Cell Foam For best results, tool or shape while wet. Expands to fill gaps up to 3. Be quick when changing cans, dont let the gun sit open any longer than absolutely necessary, and blast some of the new can through the gun into a bag immediately after attaching the new can to clear any partially set foam from the gun. Hope this helps. It's a great way to save money or travel the world. Great Stuff and Great Stuff Pro products can be used in a variety of interior and exterior applications, most commonly in air sealing and home retrofit applications. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes, Is Great Stuff (in the can from Lowes or Home Depot) open or closed cell foam? Excess cured sealant can be scraped off. It comes down to understanding the benefits of open cell vs closed cell foam and choosing the type that fits your needs. The 24 oz of Great Stuff PRO costs $12.47. Insulates Cavities, Penetrations & Gaps Up to 2" Thick. When applied properly, this patented formula helps reduceenergy loss and damage that can be caused by air, rain and pest infiltration. Heres a quick summary of open cell vs closed cell foam strengths and the best applications for each: Benefits of Closed Cell Foam DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , or are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The award-winning Smart Dispenser provides a level of precision, control, and reusability unheard of in a disposable straw. My $99 gun got irreparably clogged. As long as youre careful about that, the gun will last a long time and is MUCH nicer to use than the one-time use straw cans. The little cans with straws are a one-time deal you have to use the entire can in one quick job or it seals itself and has to be trashed. Whether youre dealing with unwanted air, moisture, pollen or even pests, theres an energy-saving solution for every seal. Great Stuff Big Gap Filler* Seals gaps up to 3 inches with less mess. Just twist it onto a can ofGreat Stuff and seal around your home for up to 30-days with our restartable, drip-free design. I am going to assume that you are NOT referring to a refill can used in conjunction with a caulking gun. the rate at which you apply the foam from an A-B foam kit should have a negligible affect on it's overall expansion. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? A google search said closed cell but I recall a GBA article on adding water vapor increases its expansion during curing so that implies open cell, doesnt it? Find exactly what you need for your next project. If the foam has hardened, there is no solvent that will remove it. I use a bit of paper towel with some acetone to keep the tip clean. depends on how much space you actually have to fill of course. A spray insulation is referred to open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles (cells) that make up the foam. Two-part closed cell spray foams have R values ranging from R-5 to R-6.1 per inch. Latex (open cell) or Polyurethane (closed cell) foams. What is better open or closed cell insulation? Getting a product that is excellent in every way is next to impossible. Hello Kevin, Great Stuff Pond & Stone* Directs water flow Seals & Insulates Gaps Up to 3". View details WHERE TO BUY null BIG GAP FILLER The foam can be formed without trimming to create long-lasting, airtight and water-resistant seal proven not to bow window or door frames when properly installed. Closed Cell, Polyurethane Expanding Spray Foam. Cans are in 12, 16, and 20 oz sizes. Perhaps I should point it out BEFORE I post a "what I did in a similar situation" comment. Best can foam gun on the market. Give us a call! Where to use Great Stuff Pro Gaps & Cracks, Where to use Great Stuff Pro Wall & Floor, Where to use Great Stuff Pro Window & Door. *When perimeter sealing switches orelectrical boxes, do not fill box.3. While it can be used as an all-purpose foam, This revolutionary expanding polyurethane foam is designed to seal and insulate without exerting pressure that can be detrimental to window or door frame stability. The expanding foam can now be plastered or painted over. Conforms to EN 15651 - 25 LM. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Adding my two centsfour years later! GREAT STUFF Big Gap Filler Insulating Foam Sealant is an expanding foam sealant that fills, seals and insulates gaps up to 3 inches. You are using an out of date browser. Cured foam should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 240F. (brand new to GBA subscription). Find My Store. I wouldn't lose sleep over user error. Even though it's more expensive to install than open-cell foam, closed-cell foam is often preferred for home insulation projects because it offers higher R-value between R-6 and R-7.1 per in. It is high in strength, flexible and mildew resistant. Shake can vigorously for 1 minute before use.6. Looking to go solar in the near future! 12oz (340g)Color: WhiteUPC Number: 0 70798 18836 5, 0 70798 18822 8, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (English, Spanish, French) If the link is broken, click here for English. Half as much, the 12 oz can with the straw, costs $4.25.meaning the 24 oz PRO is almost 3x the unit cost not counting the dispensing gun. Perhaps even devise a temporary solar or wood-fired oven to heat large sheets.". Lets start by looking at the differences between open and closed cell foams. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. As you may have expected, open-cell spray foam is similar to closed-cell in nature. Canned foam like GREAT STUFF is a closed-cell foam that comes in single-component form. Is latex foam easier to completely remove after its needed? . As a result, focus on the most important advantages and demonstrate how they meet your best closed cell spray foam insulation, requirements. GREAT STUFF Big Gap Filler* Foam sealant that expands to seal and insulate gaps up to three inches. Great Stuff is open cell foam, so moisture and humidity can penetrate it. Hence the "disclaimer" but many forget to see it on the bottom of the post. Get the exact yield you need do not over or under purchase ever again. GREAT STUFF. Compact small form factor size wastes less material on smaller projects, no large tank disposal, and you can easily take it anywhere. 2 How do I get a smooth finish with expanding foam? Seals & Insulates Gaps Up to 3". Wear an eye protection and latex gloves (foam is extremely sticky); Seals & Insulates Gaps Up to 3". Please consider purchasing one of our recommended products, as we have previously demonstrated why they are superior. The can should not be exposed to temperatures more than 120F. Great Stuff cans featuring the Smart Dispenser may be reused up to 30 days with the straw left attached to the canister, just clean the tip after your first use. But some closed cell foams, like Tiger Foams E84 Closed Cell formula, have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. _GD5_ 7 yr. ago I wouldn't recommend Great Stuff because it's an open cell foam. I have seen a couple of people use this and it seriously rotted their sheet metal. Other performance-related factors may be included in these findings. Check our local and online retailers to find the perfect solution for your need. My suggestion is to buy it at your local hardware store and keep the receipt handy so that you can return defective cans. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home. I'm just tired of some vandwellers and/or boondockers getting all pissy because I tell them what I or someone I knew did to solve a similar problem and it just happens that, as a direct application with no modification, it would not work for a van or someone who boondocks. Some advice, the cans with a straw aren't that easy to use. Comments, suggestions, and recommendations? What am I missing here? Traditional insulation provides a perfect nest for mice, crickets and other vermin. Natural proteins from the rubber tree have been attributed by health professionals as the primary cause of allergic reactions. Even the "big gap filler" variety needs air to cure properly. Open cell foam is excellent for soundproofing where a single application can completly fill the area between studs. From the basement up, well help you seal the deal. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Out of the three I mentioned in the article, Dap and Great Stuff foams are generally available at Home Depot or Lowes retail stores. Big gaps call for big seals. GREAT STUFF Bath & Kitchen Clear Silicone Caulk is one part, moisture curing, 100% RTV acetoxy silicone. We advise you to focus on the most important or required elements of each product. 6. What is the Great Stuff Smart Dispenser? For some reason, Great Stuff in red or black cans do not have this problem. Here is a link to a document that declares that at least one Great Stuff product -- a canned spray foam called Great Stuff Pond and Stone Filler -- is both moisture-cured and closed-cell: Great Stuff Pond and Stone Filler. If you happen to drip some on the floor, you can use it to wipe if off the floor (if you drop a large dollop, LEAVE IT to cure then scrape or cut it off Making Sense of Closed-cell and Open-cell Insulation - Insulfoam Spray foam insulation is a great way to create a tight, energy-efficient building envelope. A flexible, low-pressure formulation for sealing between window and door frames and their rough openings. If left exposed, the foam will eventually crumble. Do you think it would damage or bow out the hollow core door? The Smart Dispenser from the Great Stuff brand is a game-changing, industry best dispenser for one component can sealants. Anybody else doing vanlife with cats? If the foam is exposed, you have to worry about the Sun exposure as it will degrade over time. 5. This particular one is a slip on (not threaded) so you would need to slip it on the pipe before making any connections. Yes! GREAT STUFF window & Door* Minimally expanding foam that seals between a window or door and its rough opening. They should make a polyurethane like two-part insulation in the size of two GREAT STUFF cans. If the can sputters, simply shake the can while held upside down. wonder nation short sleeve . If applied outdoors, be sure to paint or cover foam to prevent discoloration and UV damage. Great Stuff Multipurpose Black* Fills, seals and insulates indoor and outdoor gaps up to 1 inch. The closed-cell foam that contractors use on large-scale spray foam jobs is also known as two-component foam or polyurethane foam. Paintable, stainable and sandable (GS-120), Conforms to ASTM & AAMA standards (GS-122), Small gaps and cracks in the attic or garage, Air conditioning lines, refrigerant lines, gas lines service penetrations, Repair of masonry walls, sidewalks, and porches, Rocks with direct water flow, such as waterfalls, Bonding Plywood and OSB subflooring to wood joists, Bonding foam panels, drywall, OSB and plywood to wood framing, Bonding masonry, tile and concrete substrates to OSB, plywood, foam panels and drywall. I didnt think I would like Texas. It can be used in any climate zone in the United States without a lot of extra stuff (like vapor retarders and thick walls) to get it to work and not cause moisture damage. Trim away any uneven areas of the foam before you paint. Big Gap Filler 12 oz Straw Indoor/Outdoor Spray Foam Insulation. Do not unwind the dispenser after you have started using it. I got the 3" thick stuff and ripped it into pieces and just shoved it in all the holes. Helps impede the spread of fire and smoke through service penetrations between floors, electrical outlets and runs through wall studs, pipe, cable, duct penetrations and more. The job is not hard but it can get messy so I have some recommendations: 1. The all-in-one solution for heavy-duty foam insulation. Related Video Loading. However, cured foam will discolor if exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. According to companies involved in the production of latex foam products for cushioning applications, the vast majority of these cases are dermatitis related and occur primarily with people in the medical industry who wear natural latex gloves as protection over a long period of time. It wont be directly exposed to rain. With each inch offering an r-value of 7, multiple applications can be applied to achieve higher total r-values. This is ideal for sensitive areas (like window and door frames where the gap can be sealed without bowing the frame even if the area is overfilled with foam).Touch n Foam NoWarp Window & Door Sealant is specially formulated for use around window and door frames. These types of areas can be hard to insulate with closed cell foam. Reusable up to 30 days; use it again and again! Somebody should make comformable foam block insulation. Then not seeing a thread here I though to ask about it. 1 Skin of cured foam can discolor if exposed to natural light. In other words, the cells are deliberatly left open. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. The foam dispensing gun costs $49.95. Amazon, Amazon Prime, the Amazon logo and Amazon Prime logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. the make kits, it is actually a very good way to insulate. Closed cell urethane is the way to go. Best Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation items tend to be more expensive. Is Great Stuff Spray Foam Open Or Closed Cell - WhatisAny - lisbdnet Learn more Great Stuff Undercover Basement Living Room Bathroom Products Used: 1/4 Gaps & Cracks Expands to fill gaps . One of the biggest benefits of open cell foam is that it expands so much after it has been applied, meaning it can insulate hard to reach nooks and crannies in a home. Is the new great stuff expanding foam waterproof? Open cell foam is full of cells that aren't completely encapsulated. Traditional frame construction. This Great Stuff expanding foam can fill gaps up to 1 inch in width, making it a good choice for installing new windows or doors. Small foam cans come in two basic varieties. The closed cell also acts as a vapor barrier, so water and moisture will be less likely to get inside the home, and the foam itself is unharmed by water damage. Can confirm. How does great stuff big gap filler work? MUST use Seal Spray Foam Gun (NOT INCLUDED)! Wear a long sleeve shirt and a pair of grungy pants that you will not mind throwing out; Brian, If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. GREAT STUFF PRO Gaps and Cracks - 30oz Fireblock Foam Insulation Sealant, Pack of 12. Is GREAT STUFF closed foam? If the foam has not cured or hardened, use fingernail polish remover (with acetone); a polyglycol-based skin cleanser or corn oil may be effective. Increased precision with more control and less mess, air seal with ease with the Smart Dispenser. ) but the cost of it is about the same as a brand new dap foam can. Most open cell foam has a density of .5 to .75 pounds per cubic foot, whereas closed cell foam can be over three times denser at about 2-3 pounds per cubic foot. Product Details GREAT STUFF Fireblock Insulating Foam Sealant is a ready-to-use, minimal-expansion insulating foam sealant that fills and insulates gaps up to 3/4 inch to restrict airflow. Its trickier than it seems though closed cell and open cell foam both insulate a home, they do it in different ways. Most open cell foam has a density of about .5 pounds per cubic foot. As I said, I've used a total of two 24 oz. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Closed Cell, Polyurethane Expanding Spray Foam. Closed cell foam is designed to expand to about 1 of thickness when sprayed. Helps impede the spread of fire and smoke through service penetrations between floors, electrical outlets and runs through wall studs, pipe, cable, duct penetrations and more. Closed-cell foam is the only insulation approved by FEMA for flood zones. Gotta sell one, moving. Just putting this out there to give you ideas, not telling you what you should do (please see disclaimer see the disclaimer about boondocking & vandwellers in my sig). The difference in density also affects the consistency of the foam. That's why closed cell foam is a good insulator. Let up on the trigger slowly to release pressure in the straw and prevent spurts during the next use and to achieve the most consistent bead. The gun also lets you use the cab multiple times. Cured foam can be trimmed, shaped, sanded, painted or stained. GREAT STUFF Big Gap Filler Insulating Foam Sealant fills, seals and insulates larger gaps, providing a water-resistant barrier to help minimize unwanted airflow and improve energy efficiency in high-loss areas. Flexible and easy to apply, GREAT STUFF Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant quickly and cleanly forms airtight, water-resistant seals between framework and rough openings that withstand the elements. I see a lot of demonstrating pics of hands using greatstuff with can in upright position. Fills an average of four to six residential windows (36" x 60", a 3/8" gap, 1" deep) with a single 12-oz. Sure up your defenses while providing an extra layer of comfort at the points of entry around your home. There have been reports of individuals experiencing allergenic reactions attributed to exposure to natural latex products. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home. It might be worth mentioning that Rockwool is super fucking itchy to work with, and you should definitely be wearing long sleeves/pants as well as breathing protection if you're tearing it up and working with it in a small space. highdesertranger. Great Stuff sealants are used to fill smaller areas where air and moisture can flow. Model # 363103. and getting in those tight spots. Open cell foam is also much more affordable than closed cell foam, however this foam wont insulate a house as well as closed cell foam, so its not ideal for locations with extreme weather temperatures. A flexible, low-pressure formulation for sealing between window and door frames and their rough openings. To the best of my knowledge, many moisture-cured one-component spray foams (including Great Stuff) are closed-cell when fully cured. 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Open cell foams have an R-value of around 3.5 per inch. How hot is that! Which is cheaper, open cell foam or closed cell foam? Conversely, expensive spray foam kits that come in two canisters does work well. Fill cracks in your home quickly with Great Stuff Insulating Foam Sealant. If you are using Great Stuff (blue can), get as twice as much as you think you will need (save your receipt) as they still have not fixed those defective nozzle applicator tips (roughly 1 out 3 were defective in my experience). DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , or are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted. 3 Can you paint with great stuff expanding foam? Take the first step to a job well done. Tried to insulate the insides of my doors with great stuff and had a bad time. Can Great Stuff products be used outdoors? Closed cell foam can be over three times that, with a density of 1.75 pounds per cubic foot or more. I've became very adept at using (being a DIYer) of using drip irrigation tubing in lieu of the straw (must wire it at the nozzle tho) so as to get the can upside down in every circumstance. I have been an insulation installer for 13 years, and this gun is great! More control. I expect the foam will not biodegrade. Synthetic latex does not contain natural proteins that can cause an allergic reaction and so synthetic rubber products provide options for individuals having concerns about exposure to natural latex. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. For those who have small spaces to insulate. To start off I know it's not the same to polyurethane, but it's waaay cheaper than paying someone to polyurethane a van. No dripping; the foam stops as you stop, as the trigger is released the foam ceases to dispense. Expands to fill gaps and cracks up to 1". Reusable. Great Stuff Pestblock* Blocks out ants, roaches, spiders, bees and more with no pesticides. Also, there is a rim joist area I cannot access from the interior. That humidity can then condense against the cold metal body, thus promoting rust. http://www.amazon.com/GREAT-STUFF-PRO-Dispensing-Gun/dp/B0002YOMJE/, Implementing Energy-Saving Advice Isnt Always Easy, Upgrading Five Common Building Assemblies, Webinar: Choosing Materials and Products for a Green Home. Have a package of baby wipes on hand. Costs much less than the competitor large format two-component kits for the same amount of coverage in board feet.. Of course they have not had to modify anything to work with their vehicle or life style. Eliminate air leaks and you can be sure that you're getting the true R value of your insulating materials. Also, what I found was that chipmunks and/or squirrels love to gnaw on that stuff. Its rigid nature also adds to the structural integrity of the building and E84 fire rated versions are available.