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Insulating around windows with spray foam (low expanding)

3K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  gregzoll 
#1 ·
I'm new at this so forgive me if I'm a little dense.

I just took the trim off to insulate around my windows with low expanding window & door spray foam. I had something in mind for what I was supposed to see but I'm not seeing it.

I expected to see shim space or a gap between two pieces of wood framing all around the window. I'm seeing a gap, but it's just around the outside of the frame and the drywall. Here's a couple of pictures.
 

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#5 ·
The effectiveness of the foam will depend largely on how well the opening is insulated/sealed in the first place, but as WoW said, it definitely will not hurt. If some of the gaps are really tight, you can just cut the drywall back a little bit to make sure that you seal it properly. It will be covered back up by your casing, so it need not be pretty.
 
#6 ·
Thanks guys.

Well after cutting back the drywall just a little bit more, I noticed that it does look like shim space and there was just some batt insulation stuff in there. Not bad. I know that is how they used to do it back then. I prefer to this with low expanding foam though for a better air seal and to be more comfortable when next to the window.

Both of you guys have worked a lot with foam right? Do you know the best way to remove it from surfaces after it gets on them? I try to be as careful with it as possible, but it's hard not to get it on something. A little got on my wood floor. I was told that maybe nail polish will work?
 
#7 ·
Unless you are using the water-based stuff (daptex) you will need some type of solvent. Nail polish remover will probably work, otherwise mineral spirits or something along those lines. They sell a cleaner for it which seems to be acetone in a spray can... What ever you use, be sure to test in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure that you don't take the finish off of your floor.
 
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