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Are you finding it challenging to manage your air conditioning bills or heating bills? If this is the case, you are most probably having an issue with your insulation. However, using spray foam could help resolve this issue.
Insufficient insulation in your home often leads to unwanted drafts or unexplained heat. Using spray foam insulation kits helps to prevent this and cut down on your bills.
There are plenty of spray foam insulation kits to choose from. Keep reading this guide to determine which foams you need and how to choose the correct ones.
Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps and Cracks QUALITY PRODUCT
Loctite 2378565 Foam Sealant EXCEPTIONAL TOOL
Red Devil 090806 Foam and Fill Large Gaps and Cracks Expanding Polyurethane Sealant EXCELLENT PRODUCT
CRC-14077 Foam Sealant PROFESSIONALS CHOICE
TOUCH ‘N FOAM 4001012412 Home Seal Minimum Expanding Foam HIGH IN-DEMAND
Great Stuff 99054816 Multipurpose Insulating Foam Sealant VALUE FOR MONEY
Top 3 Factors to Look For
There are three things to look for in the best products, including:
- The best values
- Best on a budget
- The best for home projects
If you are looking for the best value for money, we highly recommend the Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps and Cracks kit. This foam insulation kit comes with everything you could need and is extremely affordable compared to many of its’ competitors.
Do you have a tight budget you need to stick to for your home? This is nothing to worry about as there are foam insulation kits such as the Red Devil Polyurethane Foam. You are going to save a lot of money if you choose this sealant.
Have you decided to make this a home project? The Great Stuff Multipurpose Insulating Foam Sealant has everything you need as it is one of the ready-to-use foam kits.
Top 6 Full Product Reviews
The best spray foam insulation kits that we recommend are:
- Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps & Cracks
- Loctite 2378565 Foam Sealant
- Red Devil 090806 Foam & Fill Large Gaps & Cracks Expanding Polyurethane Sealant
- CRC-14077 Foam Sealant
- TOUCH `N FOAM 4001012412 Home Seal Minimum Expanding Foam
- Great Stuff 99054816 Multipurpose Insulating Foam Sealant
Great Stuff 99108824 Smart Dispenser Gaps and Cracks
These products come in the color of your choice. Examples include cream and black.
It is our top pick because pros include:
- Gets rid of all gaps and cracks, including stud wall cavities.
- The product does not drip – mess-free installation.
- It is reusable – Can be used for up to 30 days.
- It is easy to control due to the cone spray nozzles.
- It does expand so that it provides air sealing per inch.
- Keeps out pests and allergens.
- Provides a vapor barrier.
- Can stick to most construction materials.
The one disadvantage to these cans is that the kits are quite small.
Loctite 2378565 Foam Sealant
This 12-ounce can is a great option for various reasons:
- It is expanding and fills cracks and gaps that are up to three inches.
- The foam is a high-density product that contains a uniform cell structure – Which promotes durability.
- It is flexible – It can withstand harsh construction movement and weather conditions without the seal deteriorating.
- Loctite has a strong adhesive ability – It can bond to wood, stone, bricks, pic, metal, and more.
- It is UV ray resistant.
Unfortunately, this is a flammable product; hence, caution must be taken during application to prevent fire outbreaks.
Red Devil 090806 Foam and Fill Large Gaps and Cracks Expanding Polyurethane Sealant
The Red Devil spray foam insulation kit is ideal for:
- Large gaps
- It is easy to clean as it is solvent, making it user-friendly.
- These spray foams can be painted, sanded, or stained.
One of the cons relating to this product is that it comes in a small eight-ounce can. Some may see this as a positive quality as it reduces waste; however, it is not viable for larger areas such as garages and attics.
CRC-14077 Foam Sealant
One should consider this top pick spray foam insulation kit because:
- It has an incredible bond strength – This could be a permanent solution for masonry, glass, metal, wood, and various plastics.
- The canisters have a 360-degree spray value, meaning that you can spray them from any position, which offers additional protection to you.
- This spray foam insulation kit can be used alongside other items such as fiberglass batts.
Buyers have to purchase other products, such as a calk gun or application gun, to get the desired coverage.
TOUCH ‘N FOAM 4001012412 Home Seal Minimum Expanding Foam
This top pick model is one of the best spray foam insulation kits because:
- The foam is fire retardant and water-resistant.
- The product is paintable and can be sanded if you need to.
- You do not have to worry about air leaks after application.
This spray foam insulation kit costs more money than many other products; therefore, it may not be ideal if large quantities are needed.
Great Stuff 99054816 Multipurpose Insulating Foam Sealant
This spray foam insulation kit is a top pick and one of the best spray foam kits as:
- It is ready-to-use, which makes it great for home use – It also contains cone spray nozzles.
- The multipurpose foam has a minimal expansion, making it excellent for crawl spaces, expansion joints, walls, and ceilings.
- It takes the shape of the space where application occurs.
- Forms a water-resistant, airtight, and durable surface.
- This foam can be used on an exterior surface or inside your house.
- It blends in with its’ surrounding environment.
The one downside to this product is that it is not ideal to aim for thickness or high-density on ceilings or in attics. It is produced around minimal expansion, which means that it only forms a layer up to 3/4 inches in the required area. It also takes longer to set.
What is Spray Foam?
Now you know that spray foam is the solution to your insulation problem, but what is this? It is a mixture made from the chemical components ‘polyol resin’ and ‘isocyanate.’ These two parts mix, they react to form spray foam. When the chemicals combine, they expand approximately up to 60 times their original size.
This compound’s ability to quickly increase in size means that it is ideal for nooks and crannies in various places. It fills an area that prevents air from escaping, so it is used as an insulator for strength. You can find variations such as tiger foam, polyurethane foam, and others.
What Is the Best Spray Foam?
There are multiple types of these insulators. The two main types are open-cell and closed-cell foam. Open-cell spray foam is ideal for absorbing sound. People often go with this type of spray foam insulation kit if they want to soundproof and seal a particular area or space. Soundproofing is a bonus when you have neighbors, as it gives everyone a better sense of privacy.
Closed-cell foam is a great option for insulating against heat loss. This is because it has a much higher density than open-cell foam. The bottom line is that one cannot merely state the best spray foam kits for your home. The answer depends on what you intend to use the product for and where in your home you want the application to take place.
How Much Does it Cost for Foam Insulation?
Many factors add up to determine the price of spray foam insulation in the United States. The project’s magnitude contributes towards the price and whether it is open-cell foam or closed-cell foam, and the quality. Hence, it is recommended to get a contractor to assess the situation. Ensure that you deal with a company that provides good customer service in case an issue arises.
Generally, qualities that contribute to the price of the insulation value are:
- Amount of insulation material required.
- The type of material being used – E.g., open-cell spray foam or closed-cell insulation.
- The time needed to get the job done.
- Additional tasks that need to be done, such as fittings or removing previous insulation like fiberglass.
- The location of the building.
Common prices you can expect to find in the United States or another country are as follows:
- Open-cell spray foam – $0.25 – $0.50 per board foot. (Approximately $1 for two board feet)
- Closed-cell insulation foam – $0.90 – $1.50 per board foot. (Around $3 for two board feet)
These may change as this becomes a more popular way of insulation applications.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Spray Foam Insulation Installation?
Costs of the product are one thing, but what about the installation costs? In most cases, a private contractor or specialist is hired to do this job. The average amount that homeowners can expect to pay in the states ranges from $1,463 to $2,926. A good amount to budget around is $2,128. The prices also vary according to other qualities, such as the thickness and areas you want to insulate. A common room to insulate is the garage, basement, or attic.
How Much Are the Costs Per Square Foot for Spray Foam Insulation?
It is tough to get an exact price per square foot regarding a spray foam insulation kit. There are various calculators available online that could help to determine the pricing; however, your best bet would be to contact a company or specialist so that they can perform an assessment and give exact fees based on the magnitude of your home.
How Many Square Feet Does a Spray Foam Kit Cover?
Once again, there is no specific answer to this question. It does depend on the spray foam kit you purchased and the thickness of the foam. On average, one-inch-thick foam from a spray foam kit can cover approximately 600-602 square feet.
It is important to pay attention to this when purchasing spray foam insulation kits. You want to find the best and most affordable choice for your home.
The Thickness of Spray Foams
The area covered by a spray foam kit is also dependent on how thick the product is or its’ density. High-density foams are often preferred. General recommendations are that closed-cell spray foam should be around two to three inches thick, whereas open-cell foam should be about 3-inches on walls and 6-inches on roofs.
Is There a DIY Spray Foam Insulation?
A spray foam insulation kit should not be installed by yourself. The materials involved are not easy to use. In fact, doing this by yourself will only result in spending more money as you are going to need to fix all the problems afterward. Professional contractors should only install spray foam insulation.
What Is the Best DIY Spray Foam Insulation?
While this is not an advisable method, a spray foam insulation kit is a product that is increasing in popularity. Many people want to avoid the costs associated with hiring a professional or specialist to handle their insulation needs.
The best spray foam insulation kits are those that come with all the necessary insulation materials and tools. Ensure that the kit comes with:
- An applicator gun.
- Goggles or another form of eye protection
- An operation instruction manual
- All required hoses
- Necessary chemical components, including the blowing agent.
- Safety gear such as gloves and the required clothes to protect your skin.
Can You Do Spray Foam Insulation Yourself?
If you decide to install this by yourself, you need to consider all the pros and cons. You need to gain all the necessary information and research online or on a blog. Speak to people who have had experience with orders so that you know what you are in for. There are plenty of videos available on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
You need to measure the area and do all necessary planning before you actually start working with the spray foam insulation kit. Understand the risk associated with the task and wear all the necessary safety gear.
It is not advised for you to do this task by yourself; however, it is not impossible either.
What Is the Cost of DIY Spray Foam Insulation?
Typical prices surrounding these Do-It-Yourself spray foam insulation kits vary based on the manufacturer and supplier. On average, one can expect to pay around $14 -$25, depending on the kit’s size.
Is Foam Good for Insulation?
This product is a very versatile insulator. Spray foam insulation kits are used for various purposes in a person’s home. The simple answer is yes! Spray foam is a good insulator. This is because:
- It fills up small cracks and edges.
- Spray foam traps in heat.
- Research has shown that it reduces heat loss by 30% to 50% in a home.
- The foam widens significantly, covering all required areas.
These factors apply to both open and closed-cell foam.
Is Spray on Roof Insulation Any Good?
Spray foam insulation kits used on roofs can be very beneficial, especially in areas such as the garage and attic. Heat rises, which means that it escapes through the ceiling. Spraying foam insulation on your ceilings helps to insulate your entire home.
Spray Foam on Walls
Spray foam on walls is extremely popular because it insulates up to 300 times more than the wall by itself.
Are Spray Foam Kits Worth It?
Spray foam kits are worth it if the kit comes with everything that is required. It is crucial to remember that this process is not as simple as applying chemical compounds. Other factors need to be considered, such as cone spray nozzles, coverage, soundproofing, safety instructions, goggles, the spray gun, the hose, drop cloths, and so much more.
If you can handle this, then a spray foam insulation kit is a great way to provide insulation to crawl spaces, expansion joints, wall cavities, and more.
What Is the R-Value of Two Inches of Spray Foam?
R-value measures thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation in your home. This value varies depending on the type of spray insulation foam being used.
If you look at open-cell foam, the R-value ranges from R 3.5 to R 3.6 per inch. Hence, you are looking at approximately an R-value of 7 or 7.2 for two inches. Regarding closed-cell foam, you can expect an R-value of about R 6.5 to R 7 per inch; this is R 13 or R 14 for every two inches.
The bottom line is that closed-cell spray foam provides much better thermal insulation for your home.
What Is the Best Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation?
As mentioned above, the best closed-cell spray foam insulation is the one that has a higher R-value. Closed-cell foam insulation kits, in general, are going to provide more warmth for your home.
Is Great Stuff Spray Foam Closed-Cell?
One of the most popular spray foam brands and our top pick choices is Great Stuff. This is closed cell insulation. It is manufactured in a ‘single-component foam.
For larger projects, the majority of users prefer polyurethane foam or ‘two-component foam. The difference comes in when considering that two chemical compounds mix at the application nozzle, which results in an expanding foam reaction.
Can Expanding Foam Be Used as Insulation?
Expanding foam can be used for insulation purposes, including cavity wall insulation. A gap often separates a cavity wall to drain humidity. This foam can also be applied to the majority of surfaces that need to be reinforced. People support using this type of foam because it has excellent thermal properties and is resistant to heat flow.
Where Should You Not Use Expanding Foam?
You should not use expanding foam for/when:
- Areas that are close to electrical boxes.
- Closed cavity spaces
- You have skin, asthma, or respiratory complications.
- Open-cell spray foam insulation on your roof
- Spaces close to any ceiling lightboxes
What Are the Pros and Cons of Spray Foam Insulation?
Before deciding whether spray foam is the insulation method you want to vouch for, it is essential to weigh up the pros and cons.
The Advantages of Spray Foam
Benefits of spray foam include:
- It saves electricity and energy – Foam insulation means that less heat is lost through your walls and ceilings. This means that your home does not require high levels and frequent heating; thus, saving your energy. Additionally, your bills and costs are also reduced.
- Reduced mold and mildew – Insulation results in lower chances of mold or mildew formation. This is because there is less damp air, as the openings are sealed up. An air barrier can prevent mold.
- It is a durable form of insulation – You can expect thorough insulation for years when you use spray foam as it has a long lifespan.
- Spray foam can provide soundproofing – A few cell foams can keep in heat and block out noises. This way, you do not have to hear the neighbors’ conversations.
- The insulation may reduce allergies – The product does seal up all cracks, preventing dust and pollen from entering your home. This is the number one cause of allergies and asthma attacks.
- May prevent freeze damage to your wall and pipes – This form of insulation also helps to stop temperatures from dropping too low, which reduces the chances of external wall freezing. Why is this a benefit? It prevents burst pipes.
- It keeps pests out of your home – Covering the cracks and crannies in your house means that tiny pests, such as insects and rodents, cannot gain entry into your home.
The Disadvantages of Spray Foam
The cons of this product are:
- Spray foam can catch on fire – To prevent the insulation from catching on fire, you should cover it with drywall inside their homes. Drywall is something that accompanies many insulation projects.
- It is not an easy-to-use material – Do-It-Yourself projects are not recommended.
- The installation process is more time-consuming as the insulators take along to set.
- It is a messy process that needs to be handled with precision.
Is Spray Foam Insulation Worth It?
As mentioned, there are both pros and cons associated with spray foam insulation. Determining whether it is worth it depends on whether you think the pros outweigh the cons.
For many people, the energy efficiency and saved costs are far greater than the fact that it is a fire hazard or process that takes a while to complete. Ultimately, we believe that it is worth it as it offers many pros compared to other forms of insulation in the long run. The cons can also be managed if handled appropriately.
If you are looking at factors such as cost, fiberglass is a much cheaper option during the installation process.
Which Type of Insulation Is Most Effective?
Choosing a color for your home is fun but choosing insulation material for buildings is not on the same side. Whether you are homeowners remodeling your home or a business owner who just purchased their latest investment property, insulation is something you need to consider.
You want to choose effective insulation that will last in the long term, which will control the temperature of the attic, garage, and other areas of the building. Always consider the R-value when evaluating the performance.
The most effective types of insulation are:
- Insulated concrete forms – Most effective for a new home or roof built into the structure.
- Spray foam – One of the best options for remodeling existing homes is how energy-efficient it is. Spray foam can also be used in conjunction with fiberglass batts or a cellulose insulation kit to benefit from high-quality insulation.
Always pay attention to what you need to improve the structure of the building. The bottom line is that each property requires something different for adequate support. For example, you want to protect against humidity, dust, drafts, and excessive airflow, while saving power and achieving maximum comfort.
Conclusion
Choosing adequate insulation for your home is an important task, not just for energy efficiency. Spray foam insulation kits are a great choice for any project. The best spray foam insulation products are those with a high R-value and the best air sealing properties. We believe that our top pick choices are the best on the market and will provide sufficient warmth, an effective air barrier, and decreased energy bills.