Does it seem like recently, your heating bills are going through the roof? Or maybe you are having problems keeping your home cool during summer, with the heat seeping in at every point possible. Most of the time, this is caused by insufficient insulation.
If we don’t insulate the house properly, the warm air can escape during winter – and the summer air conditioning will not be easily maintained. For this to be prevented, you will need to use some sort of insulation. And in most cases, the best spray foam insulation kit is exactly what you need to ensure the room stays at the proper temperature.
Spray insulation is by all means one of the most efficient ways to reduce the waste on your air conditioning and heat bills – but sometimes, finding a good product might be rather difficult. For this reason, we have gathered some spray foam insulation kit reviews so that you may only purchase a superior product for your purposes.
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What Is Spray Foam Insulation and Why Do You Need It?
Most homes are heated during the cold season and kept ventilated during the warm season. If there are leaks or the walls are not properly insulated, then the warm/cool air will leak out of your home, causing a change in temperature – and when the A/C or heating system notices the change, the device will attempt to bring that temperature back. Needless to say, the more this happens, the more your electricity and heating bills will grow.
To prevent these slips of air, you need to ensure that every nook and cranny is properly insulated. This is where spray foam insulation pops in. Also referred to as-sprayed insulation or foaming insulation, it is generally more efficient than fiberglass or cellulose insulation you generally find in a window insulation kit.
To put it simply, spray foam insulation represents a two-component mix between poly resin and isocyanate. When these two substances meet, a reaction is produced – the result being the spray foam you see. Once you mix these chemicals, the result will expand by 60 times its main size.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Spray Foam Insulation
There are several benefits when it comes to spray foam insulation – but there are also a couple of drawbacks. By understanding both of them, you can determine whether spray foam insulation is a good choice for you or not. Here are the pros and cons of spray foam isolation;
Listing the Benefits
Spray foam insulation comes, without arguing, with a fair number of benefits. After all, if it didn’t, we would not be purchasing it so vehemently. Here is why you might want to consider using spray foam insulation in your home.
It reduces air leakage
Spray foam has a high R-value – which determines the thermal resistance to the heat flow. This makes spray foam kits much more effective at keeping air leaks away compared to other forms of insulation. It will also reduce the loss of in-home energy caused by air exfiltration and infiltration.
It protects against moisture
This kind of spray foam insulation is vapor retardant – being a substance that protects any building against built-up moisture. As a result, mold and mildew are prevented. The air is kept dry and constant – and you will not have to clean up the forming mold so often.
It can reduce noise
Aside from keeping the heat and moisture in your house under control, spray foam also has the ability to reduce noise. Since the transfer of air from the outside and inside (and reverse) is reduced, so is the sound that is carried by air. The spray foam insulation will act pretty much as a barrier that will keep the sound from getting in – or going out. Your neighbors will certainly be happy for that – and so will you.
It’s simple to use
Unlike other types of insulation, this is much easier to apply. The point, squeeze and move it around – like you would use spray paint. Once it is sprayed, the foam will expand around 30-100 times its original volume.
It prevents damage caused by freezing
When an external wall freezes, it can create issues for the pipes that are placed inside the walls. However, when this kind of insulation is present, it will prevent the temperatures from going so low that everything will freeze – thus, it prevents any damage that might occur to the pipes.
It helps in the prevention of allergies
Since this kind of foam seals the cracks that are in the walls, not only does it stop things getting out – but it stops things from getting in as well. These “things” are dust and pollen entering your home – and with the addition of spray foam insulation, these allergens are kept at a lower level. Thanks to this, you will be less prone to have asthma attacks or any other allergies.
Understanding the Drawbacks
There are various advantages when it comes to spray foam insulation kits – but at the same time, there are several drawbacks that you might want to keep in mind. Among them, the most notable are the following:
It’s a bit expensive
Price-wise, when looking at the initial purchase, you will notice that spray insulation foam is slightly more expensive. All things considered, when you look at how much energy it saves you in the long run, you will realize that it is actually a cost-effective option.
It’s highly irritable
The isocyanates found in the spray foam are fairly irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract – which is why you will always have to wear a special protective suit. Plus, over-exposure may lead to asthma attacks and inflammatory conditions. The substance is toxic – and will only become non-toxic after it has cured.
It can damage upon expansion
As mentioned, once applied, spray foam can expand from 30 to 100 times its size at the beginning – and it will keep expanding no matter what. This means that if there’s anything to stop that expansion, the force of it would certainly damage it.
It leaves a mess behind
As easy as it might be to point and apply, sprat insulation foam leaves quite a mess behind. Not only may it get all over the floor and nearby surfaces, but it may also get in your hair, your clothes, and even all over your body. Aside from being toxic, spray foam is also quite difficult to remove.
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Uses and Applications of Spray Foam Installation Kits
Spray foam insulation kits may be used for a variety of purposes – but here is how people tend to usually apply it.
- With rat poison: If you have a problem with pets, certain spray foam insulation kits can be used to keep them at bay. Just spray the product in the walls or the cracks – and once the pests get into contact with it, the foam will do the rest.
- With drywall: Drywall is very efficient and quick to install – but the problem is that it doesn’t do much to isolate. However, if you use spray insulation with drywall, you may easily keep the place warm.
- With metal shavings: If you have a metal construction, the foam should easily stick to the surface. This material bonds properly with metal, prevents condensation – and allows for good airflow.
There are many more applications to consider, but overall, these are the most popular.
Best Spray Foam Insulation Kits Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tiger Foam E-84 Fast Rise 200 Bd/Ft Spray Foam Insulation Kit |
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Dow Froth Pak 650, Spray Foam Insulation Kit |
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Touch N Seal Quick Cure High Yield Insulating Foam |
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Dow Froth Pak 620 Spray Foam Sealant Kit |
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Handi-Foam P10700 Spray Foam Kit II-105 |
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Touch n’ Seal U2 1000BF 1.0 PCF Fire Retardant Open Cell Poly |
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Best 7 Spray Foam Insulation Kits – (Editors’ Choice)
1. Tiger Foam E-84 Fast Rise 200 Bd/Ft Spray Foam Insulation Kit
Those of you looking for a strong and sturdy insulation kit that will not only insulate your home but will also keep the surface strong will like this closed cell product. Featuring two disposable/recyclable and easy to use tanks, this one offers you everything that you need to insulate a fairly wide surface.
As far as accessories are concerned, the Tiger Foam has all the basics covered. You have a 9.5 feet hose with its own gun, 5 cone nozzle tips, and 3 fan ones. It’s perfect to ensure that you get the job done without any issues, from start to finish.
The product is also fire-rated – this means that even if a fire does break out, the insulation will work and will not make things worse. Moreover, it will dampen the flame, making it a good product to have around in the event of a disaster.
Pros:
- The tanks are recyclable
- Highly insulating
- Maintains house hygiene
Cons:
- Fairly heavy
2. Dow Froth Pak 650, Spray Foam Insulation Kit
Heat and energy loss is no longer an issue with this product. Featuring a 6.5 R-value, this spray insulator may be used to insulate anything – inside out.
The resulting foam is fairly thick, and it generally needs less than 30 minutes until it is completely dry. Plus, its insulating properties are highly efficient – in terms of both energy and noise. In a room surrounded by this foam, you will have your own cocoon.
The hose is included, as is the spray gun. The product is also fire rated – which means that in the event of a fire, this one will work to actually put the fire out.
Pros:
- A decent quantity of foam
- Seals small cavities easily
- Efficient insulating power
Cons:
- The hose is rather short
3. Touch N Seal Quick Cure High Yield Insulating Foam
If you are looking for something that will offer you decent coverage, then you might want to look into this product. Featuring two canisters, a bigger and a smaller one, you may use the one that suits your purposes the most.
At 10 feet, the hose is fairly lengthy. This means that you may easily maneuver it without being bothered by a small, stiff hose.
The low to medium density product is very efficient when it comes to insulating the walls of your house. This way, heat will not be lost as air is circulated throughout the rooms.
Pros:
- The foam is easily applied
- It comes with two canisters
- It dries quickly
Cons:
- Rather watery
- Prone to making a mess
4. Dow Froth Pak 620 Spray Foam Sealant Kit
This kit is very useful for you if you already know your way around spray insulation and its chemicals. Featuring one isocyanate tank and one polyol tank, you may connect and mix them in whichever way you want.
This one comes with a generous 30-foot hose that allows you great mobility. Even if you have to isolate a fairly large room, you will not have to carry the tank with you wherever you go. All you have to carry is the spray gun.
The kit also comes with a wrench, a petroleum jelly packet, and an instruction manual as well. This way, you may ensure that you are easily doing a good job.
Pros:
- Generously lengthy hose
- Two large tanks
- Superior insulating properties
Cons:
- Quite expensive
5. Handi-Foam P10700 Spray Foam Kit II-105
If you are looking for something that works well under extreme temperatures, this one should be the one for you with a temperature range of -200 degrees to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if it is freezing outside, this product should still be easy to operate.
The application takes just a few seconds – and its curing time is no less than an hour. That being said, even if you have to wait quite a bit, the result is one that will clearly make you content.
You have two tanks to use, with a foam of different colors: white and yellow. When those two are connected, the result will be a generous quantity of foam that will allow you to insulate a small to medium-sized room. For larger rooms, you may need another set.
Pros:
- Effective insulation properties
- Lengthy hose
- Perfect for small DIY projects
Cons:
- Curing time is fairly long
- Does not cover a wide surface
6. Touch n’ Seal U2 1000BF 1.0 PCF Fire Retardant Open Cell Poly
If you want a spray foam insulation kit that literally comes with everything, the U2 Touch n’ Seal is certainly something you may want to look into. First, it comes with two tanks that will allow you to cover around 1000 sq. ft. – which is fairly generous.
Secondly, it comes with safety glasses, coveralls, gloves, and even a disposable respirator. Everything you need to ensure the foam does not affect you is in that package.
This spray foam is an open-cell, meaning that it is perfect for insulating the interior walls of a house or any existent cracks. It’s highly insulating, and at the same time, very easy to transport.
Pros:
- It comes with protective gear
- Fire retardant
- Efficient when it comes to insulation
Cons:
- Fairly heavy
7. Foam It Green 602 Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Kit
If you are looking to bring some color in your life, then this item should be exactly what you are looking for. The substances in the tanks are yellow and blue – and when the two come together, beautiful green color is formed.
The kit is very easy to use, to the point that even a beginner should be able to use it. Plus, it comes with its own instructions so that you are sure you’ll not make any mistakes.
The insulating properties of this kit are very effective. Not only can it efficiently keep the warmth in during winter, but it can also keep the room cool during summer. It can also efficiently reduce noise – which will make you and your neighbors very happy.
Pros:
- Efficient and easy to use the spray gun
- Beautiful green color
- Fire retardant
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
Spray Foam Insulation Buying Guide: Top Factors!
When purchasing spray foam insulation kits, there are several factors that you might want to consider. Some are in regard to its use, others to its properties – but regardless, each of these aspects will determine whether this kit is the right choice for you or not.
The R-Value
The R in insulation foam means its resistance to heat flow. The higher the R, the better the insulating power will be. If the winters tend to get particularly cold or the summers particularly warm, then you might want to go for something with a higher R-value – as it will offer an extra layer of protection. On the other hand, if the surface already provides some sort of insulation (or the temperatures do not go to extremes), then a lower R-value might be just as efficient.
Fire Resistance
You can never be too sure when disaster can hit you – which is why you need to ensure that the spray foam you are using is fire resistant. The last thing you want is for a fire to break out simply because a spark flew at some point. So, you might want to make sure that the kit of your choice has a high fire rating.
Density
Depending on what you want to use the spray foam insulation for, you might want to check its density as well. Look for how many pounds per cubic feet it has. The higher its density is, the better its insulation power will be – and the more soundproof and protected your interior will be.
Installation
How do you plan on installing it? Do you plan on bringing an expert in to spray the foam – or do you want to do it yourself? Some spray foam insulation kits can generally only be used by professionals or with help. However, there are also kits out there that can be used on a DIY premise. Make sure that you read the recommendations prior to making the purchase.
Ease of Use
If you decided that you want to apply the spray foam insulation yourself, you will need to make sure that it is easy to use. You don’t want a product that will lead to a two-man job – which is why you need to read the instructions clearly prior to purchasing the item. You may also want to read some reviews into how easy it is to use for a single man at the job.
Hardware
Make sure that the kit you are buying has all the necessary hardware in the package. You may want to look for a hose, the nozzles – and some of them also come with gloves, goggles, and so on.
For instance, a garage door insulation kit generally comes with anything that you might need to make the installation. The same should apply to spray insulation kits. The more it contains in the package, the easier it will be for you to get the job done without going through so many roundabouts.
Color
Believe it or not, spray foam insulation also comes in multiple colors. You may go for pure white, off-white, or brown. Most of the time, it will not matter what color you purchase, as the spray foam is generally hidden behind the main coating – but in some cases, a brown foam might be a better choice compared to a white foam.
Curing Time
A good spray foam insulation kit will cure any cracks that might be in the walls within 30 minutes. However, some may take less – whereas others may take more. Sometimes, the color will also be determinant of this, which is why you should make sure to read the label. See exactly how much time it takes until the spray foam has been completely cured.
Type
Spray foam comes in different types, which is why you might want to ensure that you get the right kind. Each of them differs in density – and depending on your purpose for insulation and the room that you wish to insulate, a certain type might be more efficient for you compared to others.
Types of Spray Foam Insulation
Each type of spray foam insulation is special in its own way, as it has different benefits and methods of application. Generally speaking, there are three types of spray foam that can be used for various purposes.
High-Density Spray Foam Insulation
This type of spray foam sends 3 pounds of spray foam per cubic feet, and it has an R-value that starts at 5.5 per inch – making it highly insulating. The foam resulted is a closed-cell type, and it is often used for roofing applications and exterior jobs.
Since the foam in itself is relatively thick, it can resist difficult environments as well. It’s also highly moist-proof and fire retardant, making it safe to use in every kind of medium. People use it on the roof because it won’t let the moisture come inside – keeping your attic dry.
Medium-Density Spray Foam Insulation
Medium-density spray foam insulation is generally used when people need continuous insulation or interior wall cavity filling. It is also very efficient when it comes to unvented attic applications, as it keeps the temperature constant.
This type of spray foam insulation has a density of 2 pounds per cubic feet, placing it into the category of closed-cell foam. The R-value begins at 5.7 per inch, which means it is fairly good at insulating and dampening out the noise. If you want to keep your house with a regular, well-maintained temperature without any fancy twists, then you might want to go for medium-density spray foam insulation.
Low-Density Spray Foam Insulation
Low-density spray foam insulation is a much more lightweight type of insulation – and one that has a lower R-value (one starting at 3.6 per inch, to be precise). Since this one has a density of 0.5 pounds per cubic feet, it is an open-cell foam that may not offer the same kind of insulation as the other types of foam do.
Like medium-density spray foam insulation, this one is generally used for interior wall cavity filling, as well as for unvented attic applications. Since it is slightly less dense, this type of spray insulation is more efficient for rooms that do not rapidly lose warmth – and are not directly connected to what is happening outside.
Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Foam: The Showdown
As you can see, each type of spray foam is meant for different purposes – all matching their density. That being said, we also have the categories of open-cell and closed-cell insulation that we have to keep in mind – both of which come with their own advantages. Here you can have a brief look at both of them:
Open Cell Spray Foam
As it has been mentioned, open-cell spray foam is mostly suited for interiors, providing a high level of advantages in concerns to traditional fibrous insulation material. The benefits of this category of spray foam include the following:
- It permits bi-directional drying.
- the foam is able to accommodate long-term seasonal movement and creep.
- It is found at a relatively lower price compared to closed-cell foam – but at the same time, it can have a similar R-value that keeps the warmth inside your house.
- Mold cannot breed there, as it isn’t considered a food source for it.
- It offers sound-dampening qualities, making it perfect for theater or media rooms.
- It can be installed at a low cost, making it a good choice for those that are insulating their homes on a budget.
To put it simply, open-cell spray foam is a good choice for interior walls. We’re talking about the ones that do not connect directly to the cold weather outside – not the ones that have the purpose of sustaining the house. It’s cheap, but not very strong – which is why its sole purpose is to generally keep the temperature constant and/or to soundproof a room.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam
While open-cell spray foam has a few advantages that place it slightly above traditional insulation, the closed-cell spray foam goes even beyond that. It provides additional advantages – and while it is slightly higher on the price threshold, you will see that there is a very good reason for that. Here are its main benefits:
- It can resist bulk water – and FEMA went as far as categorizing it as a flood-resistant material. This means that if heavy rain comes down on your city, your house will be among the last to get flooded.
- You can apply it to very low temperatures – temperatures that go as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that you may easily install it on a lower level and keep all the warmth produced by a garage heater, for example, from getting out.
- The product adds more strength to the wall and it also provides resistance to impact.
- It features a high R-value per inch, making it a good choice to be added in narrow spaces.
- It is moisture-resistant, which meant that mold won’t be forming on it – nor will it easily pass in the room.
- The foam has a high tensile and bond strength, making it a good choice for isolating roofs or walls that are responsible for holding the house together.
- It has a high longevity, making it an investment for any home. You will not have to reapply it for many years to come.
In the end, closed-cell spray foam is used when you need to add more strength to a wall or a construction. It isolates, and as it does that, it also hardens to the point where it acts as support. This is why closed-cell spray foam is generally used for exterior walls and roofs.
Tips on Using Spray Foam Insulation Kits
When using a spray foam insulation kit, there are a few steps that you may want to consider. These will involve both the action, as well as the equipment that you will have to use in the process. Here is how everything should go for a smooth installation of spray foam;
Prepare Your Materials
The first thing that you may want to do is to check whether you have all the ingredients necessary to do the job or not. Ideally, you might want to ensure that your kit comes with good instructions as to what materials and tools you will need to have on you.
If your kit does not have all the necessary tools and accessories, then you might want to pay a visit to the local home improvement or hardware store. This way, if you need extra material, then you will know what to purchase by the time you also buy the spray foam.
Check the Tank Temperature
Before you begin to spray the insulation, you will need to check the temperature of the tanks and make sure that they are within the regular temperature range. Ideally, they should be somewhere between 75- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit – and if it’s not the case, try to bring the tank temperatures at an appropriate level.
If the tank is too cool, then you may use a fan heater to bring the temperature of the tank down. If it’s too warm, either wait until the temperature outside cools down – or place it in a chill room temporarily, such as the basement.
Determine and Prep the Area to be Insulated
Among the first things you should do is to determine exactly what area you want to insulate. Once you have made up your mind, prep the area by cleaning it. Remove any dust and debris using a broom or a vacuum cleaner – otherwise, it might just stick in the insulation.
Suit Up
As spray insulation can be very toxic to the skin and eyes – not to mention difficult to take off once it gets on your skin and clothes – you will need to suit up properly. There are jumpsuits that you can purchase exactly for this purpose – but if you have some clothes that cover you fully and that you are willing to “sacrifice,” then you may use them while you are spraying.
However, make sure that you cover your hair with a cap, use safety goggles, and wear gloves. This way, you will know that no foam will be getting on your skin, and you’ll be safe from having to suffer the after-effects of insulation poisoning.
Ready the Equipment
Connect the tank to the spray hose that should come in the insulation kit. Open the tank’s valves and turn them clockwise. This way, the foam may begin to flow through the spray nozzle.
Spray the Foam
Now that everything has been settled, you may spray the insulation. Keep the nozzle at a 12-16-inch distance from the wall, leaving a thin layer. Give it around 30 minutes for the foam to rinse and dry. Double-check for any missed spots.
Tips to Safely Handle Spray Foam Insulation
Perhaps the most important thing to consider in terms of safety is to wear protective gear that covers everything – from your head to your feet. You may want to even tape the gloves to your sleeves, to ensure that everything stays nice and covered. Cover your eyes as well, to make sure that nothing gets in them either.
To make things safer, you might want to spray outside – but if you can’t help it, use at least a mask so that you do not inhale the toxins.
FAQs about Spray Insulation Kits
- Will the spray foam insulation fall from the wall or the ceiling as time passes?
No, it will not. Spray foam will efficiently adhere to pretty much any surface – and once it hardens, it will not fall off. It may only break off you do not cover it and directly throw force at it.
- How long will spray foam insulation last?
Technically speaking, spray foam insulation should last indefinitely. Once “grown,” spray foam insulation becomes an inert polymer that should not lose its efficiency over time. The worst thing that can happen it that it might change its color over time – but unless something chips it, then there is no reason for you to replace the foam insulation.
- Can I apply the spray foam by myself?
Ideally, you may want to hire a professional to handle the spray foam, as they have the right safety gear to handle the fumes produced by the spray foam – and they also have the knowledge on how to apply it correctly. However, you may do it yourself if you have the proper gear, along with the knowledge necessary to install it.
Wrap Up
When it comes to insulation, every step needs to be considered carefully. Choosing the best spray foam insulation kit will ensure that no warmth is lost in your home during winter – and that it remains cool during summer. A good product will be long-lasting and efficient – therefore, saving you on the bills in the long run.
In this regard, we do hope that our spray foam insulation kit reviews were useful to you. Insulating your home is as much a matter of skill as it is a matter of quality. So, before you start putting your skills into action, make sure that you have the quality materials necessary for you to do so.
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