Spray foam around windows/doors - DIY Chatroom

white29 · 10-12-2009, 10:57 AM

I picked up some of the "Great Stuff" spray foam formulated for use around (roughed in) windows and doors. Has anyone used this product for this use? I have heard a lot of nightmare stories about doors not closing as the foam expanded and the like. It sure would be be faster and easier than stuffing insulation around the windows and doors. I have nine rough openings to do in my garage converted to living space. Thanks.

Ron6519 · 10-12-2009, 11:09 AM

The issues you describe are ones that occur when the wrong foam is used by people who don't know what they're doing.
The correct foam will be fine, just don't overfill the space.
Ron

Daniel Holzman · 10-12-2009, 11:10 AM

Great Stuff makes at least three different foam formulations, one of them is for small cracks, one is for large cracks, and one is for windows and doors. The difference is that the windows and doors formulation does not expand nearly as much as the other two, hence is not as likely to bow out your jambs. Make sure you use the correct formulation. I have used it for several doors in exactly the way you intend, no problems. I have also used thesmall crack formula to insulate against the rim joist, and it seems to exert a large amount or pressure, and would almost certainly be big trouble in a door or window application, but I have not done the experiment.

RegeSullivan · 10-12-2009, 11:49 AM

I have used "Great Stuff" for many projects. I always try to keep a couple of cans around. If you are using it in a particularly dry climate or when the humidity is low you need to mist the area with a little water before applying the foam to get the fastest cure time. It seems (at least to me) the quicker it expands the less pressure it exerts on the materials you are applying it to as long as it has somewhere to go. I always lightly mist the area with a spray bottle of water, just enough to make the material damp. This also help the foam adhere to dusty or dirty material.

Rege

vsheetz · 10-12-2009, 09:36 PM

Get the one that has minimal expansion after initial application - saves bending things.

bjbatlanta · 10-15-2009, 04:24 PM

What "vsheetz" said, if you want your windows and doors to function properly. It's really not that tough to "chink" the spaces with regular fiberglass insulation. You probably have scraps left over......

Thurman · 10-15-2009, 05:52 PM

For the "For What It Is Worth" department: I just returned from a five week stay in Fairbanks, Alaska. My daughter bought another home, built in '76, and it needed a few minor things done to it. And Yes! I certainly wanted to visit my daughter and grandson. While I was there I was asked to replace an older door unit with a new, energy efficient type. There were some contractors working on a home in the area, so I went over and asked them about particulars of installing doors in this area. One thing I was told, it is code in Fairbanks to use an expanding foam between the door frame and rough-in, no loose/fiberglass insulation is allowed. The door project went well. The non-expanding GreatFoam was used, the door frame did not move, and all is well. I learned valuable lesson on having different codes for different parts of this country, and a new experience replacing an exterior door in 27º weather.

Thanks, David