Great Stuff spray foam is a product used to fill gaps around windows, doors and other objects in a home. Working in my spare time as a handyman, Great Stuff spray foam is a product that I frequently use to quickly seal air leaks in a home. By using spray foam to fill gaps, a homeowner can eliminate drafts and save on summer cooling and winter heating costs. However, incorrect use of this product can result in a major mess and added problems.
Great Stuff spray foam is applied using a nozzle that comes attached to the can. If you have not used Great Stuff spray foam (or other similar products) the foam that sprays from the can will greatly expand and harden. When filling a gap, only a small amount of spray foam is needed. Generally you should fill about ¼ of a crack with the spray foam and allow it to expand. If more foam is needed, it can be applied after the old foam has expanded and hardened. For gaps or holes larger than ½ an inch, Great Foam offers Big Gap Filler which sprays a larger amount of foam to fill larger areas. However, the traditional spray foam can also be used for larger areas. If the foam expands more than is needed, which is common, the excess foam can be cut away with a knife after the foam hardens.
When applying Great Stuff spray foam, the areas where the foam will be applied should be relatively clean. Brush away excessive amounts of dirt, dust, loose paint or other substances. Great Stuff spray foam is very sticky and expansive allowing it to seal to most surfaces, but a cleaner surface will allow for better results. When using spray foam, use gloves to avoid getting the foam onto your hands. If you do not use gloves, the sticky foam will leave a residue on your hands that is difficult to remove. Great Stuff also sells wipes designed to remove excess spray foam from hands and other objects. Acetone, paint thinner or a similar product can also be used.
Great Stuff spray foam is basically a one-time use product. Though it is possible to clean out the tube and nozzle, cleaning does not always work and is quite a hassle. If you only need to use a small amount of the foam, look around for other projects to do at the same time to avoid wasting the foam. Great Stuff foam is sold by hardware stores, home improvement centers, department stores and other retailers.