Spray can foam in cold weather.

mgh-pa · Jan 16, 2015

I'm in the process of finishing the interior of my barn. I took a set of double doors off and framed in a wall. I want to seal a few seams and cracks as well along the bottom plate and top plate. I've heard mixed things about using the spray can foam in colder conditions (we're talking 25-35 degree Outdoor temps, 40+ inside the barn). I know spray foam shouldn't be applied to a wet substrate, but I know temperatures can affect its performance as well. Any thoughts on this? I've only ever used the foam to seal interior penetrations during warmer months, never in an unheated area in the winter.

joecaption · Jan 16, 2015

I'm dealing with that myself installing replacement windows in an unheated addition.
I just kept the cans in a heated area until I was ready to use it and it worked fine.
If anything even using the low expanding foam it over expanded.
I know enough to not try and fill the larger gaps all the way full in one pass and often let it fill and go back once it sets up and hit any spots I missed, but it all over expanded and had to be cut back.

mgh-pa · Jan 16, 2015

What brand foam was it, if you don't mind me asking (since Mike mentioned below he has had trouble when using his)?

oh'mike · Jan 16, 2015

I have had rotten luck with spray foam (blue can) in cold weather--it just wouldn't expand or set up---what a mess---

oh'mike · Jan 16, 2015

You must remember Joe is in Virginia and I am in Illinois---we get really cold here---

joecaption · Jan 16, 2015

It was "Great Stuff" and it was no higher then 40 Deg. when I sprayed it and below 32 at night.

oh'mike · Jan 16, 2015

When I had issues it was about 14 degrees----maybe colder---we finished off an addition in December or January----some days were as cold as 10 below---

mgh-pa · Jan 16, 2015

Thanks, guys. I will wait a little while. This Sunday it's supposed to be in the 40s. Might be a good day to give it a go.

Gary in WA · Jan 17, 2015

While you are waiting... something I found posted a few months ago and now am able to use; http://netcrafting.com/homemx/greatstuff.html

Gary

mgh-pa · Jan 17, 2015

Wow, great tip! I always hated that it was one and done with those cans.

Spray can foam in cold weather.

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities