About Foams & Sprays

Expanding foam, also known as spray foam or spray glue, is a versatile product that expands and hardens once it comes into contact with the air. It's stored in a canister under high pressure, and a user can release the substance using a spray nozzle. Most often, it contains isocyanate or polyurethane thermal insulation. This product is useful in various applications, including in plumbing and HVAC systems.

Advantages of Foams & Sprays

Expanding foams and sprays make great additions to any construction worker's collection of building supplies. They offer the following advantages:

1. Deter Moisture

Water can seep through openings in vents and pipes, leaving a building vulnerable to accumulating mould and bacteria. When a building's insulation becomes wet, it often requires replacement. But expanding foam prevents water damage, as it holds up well against water and prevents liquid from accumulating where it shouldn't be.

2. Improve Comfort

A home or office may experience inconsistent temperatures due to draughts. Expanding foam can prevent temperature fluctuations and create more comfortable living and working environments. A user can spray the product into nooks and crannies, allowing them to seal off even the smallest problem areas.

3. Enhance Indoor Air Quality

Expanding foam does an excellent job of minimizing indoor allergens like pollen, mildew, mould, and dust. It's a non-toxic product that doesn't cause chemical sensitivities, unlike other insulation options.

4. Last for a Long Time

Users don't have to worry about their expanding foam products wearing down. They feature robust compounds that'll last for decades. When a user applies these products, they expand and harden, ensuring that they never lose their shape. Instead, they stay put and don't succumb to pressure or extreme temperatures.

5. Reduce Sound

Expanding spray foam fills cracks and crevices very effectively. It prevents noise from neighbouring rooms or outside disturbances (like road traffic) from disturbing the peace inside a building.

Different Types of Foams & Sprays

Expanding foams and sprays act as adhesives and sealants to block off large holes and keep construction materials like floorboards in place. They can also act as grouts and surface treatments to improve the aesthetic appearance of a building's flooring.

Check out the specific types of expanding foams and sprays below:

Waterproof Expanding Foam

Waterproof products are ideal when trying to prevent leaks with plumbing systems. They prevent model growth and maintain their hard shape once they're outside of the canister.

Polyurethane Foam Spray

PU products are the most commonly used products in professional applications for insulating buildings and sealing gaps and cracks.

Fire-Resistant PU Foams

Fire-resistant sprays hold up well against extreme heat and flames, making them ideal for use in fire-prone environments like kitchens.

Foam Plaster Filler

This product is ideal for filling holes in plasterwork caused by physical damage.

PU Adhesive Foam

This product is best for holding floorboards and pieces of drywall in place.

How to Apply These Products

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to apply these products:

1. Locate the problem area: Some key areas to analyze include baseboards, attic hatch doors, conduit penetrations, air vents, and door and window frames.
2. Wipe the area clean: Wipe the application area clean of dust and other debris as thoroughly as possible.
3. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on the can: Every product will be different, so follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully. Some products may require the user to shake the can before applying.
4. Spray the area to fill the gaps: Wipe away excess product with a utility knife.

Factors to Consider Before Using Foams & Sprays

Expanding sprays can be incredibly useful, but users should exhibit caution when applying them in a building. It's best practice to follow these safety tips when using polyurethane foam spray:

1. Don't Use These Products Past Their Expiration Dates.

Believe it or not, expanding spray has an expiration date. Even though this product isn't edible, it's best for a homeowner or business owner to use it before it expires. The spray always performs best for the period before the date that's listed on the can.

Throw away any expired cans, even if they're full or partially full. Be sure to comply with local regulations for disposing of these cans and their contents, as they can create hazardous waste in landfills.

2. Don't Use These Products Around Outlets.

Users who are trying to make their homes or offices draught-free may want to add insulation around electrical outlets. But polyurethane foam spray can change the configuration of electrical wiring within an outlet. Instead, opt for a small amount of fibreglass batt insulation to preserve the wiring's configuration.

3. Use PPE During Application.

Manufacturers treat expanding foam to make it non-toxic, but the gases it emits can cause respiratory issues. Expanding spray foam is infamous for causing irritated and red skin and triggering asthma and allergies. 

All users should wear the proper PPE when applying expanding foam spray. This equipment includes long sleeves, disposable gloves, and protective eyewear.

4. Don't Use These Products Near Open Flames.

Manufacturers don't recommend using these products (even the fire-resistant or fire-retardant kind) near open flames. The compressed gas is highly explosive, and the risk of an explosion is even greater in an enclosed space.

If you need assistance to find the right foams and sprays products for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.