Replies

1. 
   frenchy | Nov 18, 2009 06:19pm | #1

   well use the right foam for one thing..  use the low expansion stuff that Great stuff sells! (blue can)   Make sure you have gloves because that stuff doesn't wash off it wears off.

    wear grubby clothes because you likely willget some on them and again it doesn't wash out..

    Go slow and try to trigger the speed at which the foam comes out.  Don't jamm and run.. it's better to make 2 layers than one layer which maybe some areas are skipped over..

     No you don't want any foam to get in your mouth or nose so you probably should use a dust mask  untill you feel comfortable with your ability to control it. I no longer do because I'm comfortable with my skill and ability to control.  Better to be safe than sorry! Do wear safety  glasses because foam on your eyeballs is a real disaster.

    Insert the nozzle deeply into the gap you want to fill. and move it only as fast as you are filling the space..  Keep it ahead of the foam and not in it but not so far ahead that you skip.. (It's like welding in that regard)

2. 
   Piffin | Nov 18, 2009 07:16pm | #2

   Yes, if you buy a gun, it will have a variable adjust trigger so that you don't overspray like a sneeze in hay fever season. Moost brands now have both low and high expansion foam. For doors and wondows, you want low expansion.
   With some guns the tip has a spot you can put a plastic extension straw on to fit into narrow gaps.

   I try to do them just before going home for the evening. That way excess is not getting on somebodies hands and clothes all day as it cures, and if I miss a spot, I can see it and do more the next day. I try to be modest in use. Would rather add more the next day than over do it.

    

    

   Welcome to the
   Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
    where ...
   Excellence is its own reward!

3. 
   davidmeiland | Nov 19, 2009 12:49am | #3

   I have a Hilti foam gun and use their low-expanding foam around windows. It is incredibly easy to do with no extra and no mess. It's possible to use the cans with a straw, but a lot harder.... poor hand position and too hard to control the rate of flow. I would not do 20 windows with cans/straws, but then I'm a guy who can justify almost any tool purchase.

1. 
   Nick25 | Nov 19, 2009 03:41am | #8

   I agree, the hilti gun is nice, and I would say it would be the easiest to use as well as giving the most professional results. Although if you aren't going to be using it often I'd likely just get the can of low expanding foam with the straw, use painters tape around the window, don't go to crazy with the foam. Keep a rag handy, wear gloves, when you have to pull the straw out put the rag on it to prevent unwanted droppings. Keep the tip clean on three sides if possible. When foam is hard (for some that will require patience) cut away the excess, then peel off the painters tape. For your first few windows it might not be a bad idea to use newspaper to drape over the lower frame and surrounding area, just until you get a feel for the stuff.

4. 
   Matt | Nov 19, 2009 02:13am | #4

   You can get a gun and cartridges from Amazon.  Get a cleaning cartridge too.

5. 
   Sbds | Nov 19, 2009 02:45am | #5

   Check your window install instructions. The windows I installed stated not to use foam, it voids the warranty.

1. 
   Matt | Nov 19, 2009 03:06am | #6

   That is probably because they are afraid one might use the regular high expanding foam.  If I couldn't get the buy-off for low expanding foam from the mfg, that would be a deal breaker for me.

2. 
   k2hd | Nov 19, 2009 03:14am | #7

   Thanks. Mine are Anderson Woodwright.  And w & d foam is indicated in their instructions. K2HD

6. 
   RedfordHenry | Nov 19, 2009 04:10am | #9

   For 20 windows, I'd invest in a good foam gun.  Great Stuff has a couple of decent guns for about $50.  Trying to get a nice, even bead from a throwaway can is challenging.

   The process is a lot like learning how to caulk cleanly and efficiently.  You'll get better each time.

   By the way, keep a can of denatured alcohol (acetone also works well) and some rags handy to clean up errant drops, and to keep the nozzle of the gun clean.

    

1. 
   k2hd | Nov 19, 2009 05:48am | #10

   THANKS MUCH! K2HD 11/18

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Nov 19, 2009 05:55am | #11

   By the way, sometimes you'll wind up with gaps between the unit and the rough opening that simply can not be foamed.  For example, if you had a rough opening that is way out shape, you might wind up with just a sliver of space between the rough opening and the window frame.  In these cases, you can chink tightly with fiberglass, polyurethane backer rod, or if necessary, just a bead of silicone sealant.  Anything to limit air infiltration will work. 

7. 
   PeterJ | Nov 19, 2009 08:52am | #12

   You'll need:

   Foam gun and foam, great control compared to cans, you'll never go back

   roll of paper towels is handy for gun tip ooze or clumps

   disposable gloves, best deal is Costco, I use 'em for all sorts of stuff

   I like a cardboard box handy to drop foam goo towels in and use as a safey net if something goes haywire.

   I often wear coveralls or at least clothes I don' care much about.

   And don't forget the cleaner

    

   Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end.