I am about to case in a couple of windows and a sliding door wanted to know what was better to do for insulation. Should I just stuff them with fiberglass or get that foam insulation and shoot it around the window?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The "She Build" initiative is empowering women in Seattle, WA by ensuring they have safe, healthy homes.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
I prefer foam.
Just make sure it's the "low expanding" type. If you overdo it with the yellow stuff (Great suff brand) it can swell up and make your windows bind.
Marriage is the mourning after the knot before.
If he leaves the casing off, it will probably expand outward and just need to be trimmed. If he's shooting it into closed off cavities, then yes, I agree whole heartedly... get the low expanding stuff.jt8
I've heard tales of folks who have had problems with windows after using the yellow stuff.
I think the outer layer that's exposed to the air dries more quickly, while the stuff behind it is still trying to expand.
But that's just a personal theory - I can't prove it.Blessed are the pessimists, for they make backups.
I have to remember to be patient with that stuff. Get in a hurry and an hour later it looks like a Chia pet gone bad.
jt8
Youre theory is correct, it will expand and bind the windows with or without casings!
(Uh, a friend told me....... LOL)
Foam is better. Or rubber gaskets is a lesser-known option.
These EPDM gaskets work great for windows & doors, though you really need the special screws to go with them instead of shims.
View Image View Image
http://www.conservationtechnology.com/
There's stuff that's labelled for windows and doors - it expands less, and more slowly, than even the "minimal expanding" stuff. Costs about 50% more, unfortunately.
did
I've used two different kinds of expanding foam. Great Stuff in the baby-blue can specially made for windows and doors (low expansion) and DAPTEX in a black can. Great Stuff is 15 oz can and poly urethane based (thinner cleanup, good luck if you get some on the rug!). DAPTEX is 12 oz can and water based (super easy cleanup..just like super-aerated caulk!).
Great Stuff is cheaper by volume and does about 3 and a half 40''x45'' windows while DAPTEX is slightly more expensive doing only 2 of the same sized windows (barely).
Great Stuff comes out of the straw like gangbusters so beware of the little specks flying. Also, Great Stuff is a bit less controllable than DAPTEX.
Overall, despite the price, DAPTEX is easier, more controllable, and much less messy if you get some on the rug!
As far as foam vs fiberglas, FOAM by far! Nice, tight, and easy.
Oh, acetone takes it out of the rug. But don't leave it on long or you'll take the color with it. Not that I've ever been in that boat . . ."If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Does anyone use closed cell backing rod for this purpose? I use that stuff all the time on our log home and it works amazingly well for sealing up air gaps. Our house still needs to be chinked. I used it on a door frame the other day and it worked perfectly.
same idea - but backer rod is only as deep as it is wide, so you only get what, 1/2 to 3/4" of fill - and no guarantees on just how well it's doing it's job. With the spray foam, you can fill the entire void. You get the air reduction, a little R value, and with the closed cell formulas, the added bonus is water doesn't go through it. More Gooder!"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain
Thanks. I've read so many bad stories about expanding foam, that we were nervous to use it. We'll have to try the stuff for windows and doors.
Boss Hog is absolutely right about the yellow Great Stuff having the potential for pushing things out of alignment.
I hate the damned stuff....it's messy, you pretty much have to shoot a whole can at one go (Oh yeah, I know they say to clean the tube and nozzle after partial use....good luck!).
They say it works as a barrier for rats and mice....it also is easy for them to chew, and they jump for joy when they see it....great nest material!
The low expansion soft foam is great for sealing windows and doors. Backer rod is OK, but doesn't do the complete job, as was mentioned.
You can use scraps of f/g insulation...the inspectors in my area will OK it, but the cavity must be LIGHTLY filled for full effectiveness...in other words, it should be fluffy, like it is in the stud bays. Cram it in there and you might as well use the Yellow Foam.
I agree with those who advocate the soft, low-expansion foam....it's designed for that purpose, goes in quickly and, after it sets, can be tooled off cleanly. Also, can be cleaned up with warm soap and water.
Piece of cake!
I agree that the expanding polyu can be a mess to deal with, but the solution is simple: Buy a pro gun and follow the instructions, you won't waste foam, you can dispense a bead a 1/4" of an inch and you can get it into tight spots.
As for backer rod, it is available in up to 3" diameter, and is avilable at typical waterproofing wholesalers.
Alma