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Before You Start: Get Set
While installing spray foam insulation is not an extremely complicated task, completing preparations will make the process smoother. Confirm there is no dust, dirt, or debris present in the area you plan on working on and clear surfaces using a dry cloth. If any surfaces are wet, thoroughly drying them is necessary to ensure proper adhesion of the foam.
Gathering the right tools is important too; for this task you will need thick gloves, eye goggles, a mask to protect from the possible noxious fumes, and a clean spray gun should you be using larger containers. Smaller cans of spray foam usually have a nozzle, but it is good to have a spare on hand. Also, keep a rag readily available as the foam cures in a very short time, necessitating quick clean-up of any foams that need to be wiped.
Choose the Right Spray Foam Insulation
Foams are not all the same. Spray foam insulation is divided in two categories: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell is lighter, and its flexible as compared to closed-cell. Closed-cell is denser than open-cell and does not permit water to pass through. For places such as attics and even basements, closed-cell is preferred as these areas tend to have moisture problems.
Safety First. Don’t Skip These Steps
Safety is crucial when handling the foam spray. Always wear proper masks as breathing in the spray should be avoided. Make sure the work space is well ventilated. Open up doors, windows, or use a fan. Never sit idle as the fumes can be dangerous.
To guarantee further safety, wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, as well as gloves. This will keep your skin covered. If you get foam on your skin, do not scrub it. Instead, wipe off as much as you can and let the rest wear off. Keep kids as well as pets away until the foam has completely dried.
Time to Install: Step by Step
Begin the process by shaking the container that holds the foam. If the container is a can, a one-minute shake is sufficient. For larger tanks, make sure that the gun is attached correctly as per the instructions.
Maintain a distance of 6 to 12 inches. Start the foam with a slow spray, using a back and forth motion. Do not spray all at once as the foam expands, so start with a thin layer. If you need more, wait a while prebrief, the application of the additional foam can be done once the initial layer is curing.
Filling of cavities and cracks is imperative as air leakage can happen, so make sure that these areas are filled. Keep spraying until the foam fills the space but not so much that it overflows.
After application: wait and it will be checked.
After the application is done, wait for a while to check. Set the timer to the suggested prebrief, the foam is curing which most of the time is recommended not to rush. Prescribed time accordingly to the curing foam. While waiting, do not touch it to avoid prebrief pressing against it.
Look over the project once the curing time is over foam care. You can touch up areas with uneven foam or gaps that foam missed. If you have excess foam that is dried, you can trim it with a sharp knife. Just be cautious not to cut into the surface that is underneath.
Common Problems and Fixing Them
While most projects go according to plan, it is not unusual for things to go south sometimes. If the foam is not adhering, the most likely reason is that the surface is damp or dirty. In this case, the surface should be clean and dry prior to trying again. If it oozing, you might have applied the foam too generously, next time to try a slower pace with less too spray.
If the foam takes longer to cure than the allotted time, check the surface temperature. Cold areas will slow down curing, so try to work in warmer areas, or safely use heaters to bring the temperature up a bit.
Conclusion
Spray foam insulation can be installed by most people as long as the necessary pre work and steps are taken. Use the right products while putting safety first. The temp control also improves and in most cases, you will not feel drafty corners anymore. A little patience while doing this project goes a long way.