Everything You Need to Know About Spray Foam

Today we're going to be myth-busting and experimenting with all different kinds of spray foam, so that you understand the properties, how they work, where you should use them, and more! For links to purchase the products in this video CLICK SHOW MORE ⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇
Believe it or not, not all spray foam is created equal, and there is a lot of different technology and applications going on here. So, let's dive in and learn all there is to know about spray foam!
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Videos produced by Home Renovision are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Home Renovision does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Renovision cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Home Renovision cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun renovating and ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code. HomeRenoVisionDIY may earn an affiliate commission if you purchase something through recommended links. #commissionsearned

[@TheHappyJack.1]

I have come to realize that Jeff is a straight shooter. When I need to perform a particular task, even if I think I know how to proceed, I always look to see what he would do. I haven't found a task yet that he doesn't make it easier or safer for me to accomplish. He has also renewed my DIY interests since I'm now retired. Thanks, Jeff, keep up the good work.

[@almostdone09]

I must admit. I absolutely love this channel. I would look at this channel for any information regarding any DIY project I may have.

[@blakecannon6963]

You’re being mis lead in this video guys. He knows nothing about spray foam. Lol. All he told you was the color

[@AmrXcellent]

That! and he is also entertaining to watch!

[@martywillichuk6930]

@@almostdone09 ....and you don't need to go anywhere else!

[@scottocken1209]

😅

[@CanCobb]

I was a service tech, and the key I learned for the window and door stuff is not to fill the gap completely and just let the stuff expand. It is low expansion, in that it only ~ doubles in size vs the professional spray foams that multiple by 5-10x. It's better to go back 10 min later and apply a little more than to overapply in the first pass. The stuff is really annoying to scrape away, especially when you're dealing with visible parts of windows that you don't want to damage with an Olfa knife. I also learned the hard way why to always leave a 1/4" gap on all sides of a window when installing it - you have to have at least the size of the spray foam applicator tip!

[@hurdman7899]

Great video. Story: My ex and I remodeled a home. She used some of this foam to fill gaps. It really expanded and she used her bare hands to smooth the foam instead of waiting until it dries and cut it off. She came into the kitchen to wash her hands which were both covered in foam. I told her to stop. DO NOT GET YOUR HANDS WET!!!! It will set the foam. I asked her if she had any fingernail polish remover. Nope. I then told her to just chill out and I drove to Home Depot to get some acetone to clean her hands. When I got out of my truck when I got home, I could hear the water running. I rushed into the kitchen and she was madly washing her hands. The acetone did NOT remove the hardened foam. It took about 10 days for all of the foam to come off with lots of picking and rubbing. It was heartbreaking that she did not believe me and washed her hands anyway.

[@Ruthless9o7]

Women for ya

[@dancolegate3905]

Did you at least say " I told you"

[@t1n4444]

@@dancolegate3905 Well, not if he expected to live ... Worse tho' is finding your "personal account" has been put on "block" or "hold" or "suspended" ... if you follow?

[@davidtsang4949]

@@dancolegate3905 Probably did, hence the "ex"... lol

[@x_HarleyQ_x]

It's definitely not just women. My ex boyfriend did the exact same thing after offering to help me with a home office I was building in my yard. I bought us each 2 pairs of gloves to use with the spray the foam, but despite me insisting that he wear gloves and explaining what will happen if he doesn't, he learned a very hard, painful lesson that day. Wearing gloves while molding spray foam with your hands doesn't "mean you're a p**sy," it means you're smart and have to common sense. He ignored my warning about water too and went straight to the hose to wash it off. I've always done all my own home repairs myself, but as a 5' 4" 140 lb female, sometimes it's nice to have a guy around to help me reach higher places or when I need some extra muscle. Unfortunately, that day just reminded me why most of the time it's just better to do things myself. 🙄

[@eduardos8895]

There are differences in the foam... Window and door: softer and won't bulge your door frames Window and door Pro: same stuff but cures faster Gaps and Cracs: regular foam Big gap filler: expands much more. Fill two same sized containers with it and regular stuff, then see which one will cure bigger(it needs to cure to get bigger) Pest block: regular gaps and cracks but with a bittering agent. I know because I work at the plant that makes this. Also, moisture in the air dictates the outcome. Water initiates the chemical reaction that cures it.

[@dadsquatch79]

Doesn't seem to be any difference any more.

[@naturalhealing9970]

How do we get an extension hose for hard to reach areas.

[@eduardos8895]

@@naturalhealing9970 what do you mean by an extension hose? For regular cans? Pro cans have a long gun that's about 3 feet long but it does not bend. Froth packs have longer hoses...

[@naturalhealing9970]

@@eduardos8895 Yes, for regular cans.

[@eduardos8895]

@@naturalhealing9970 we don't have anything like that sorry. You probably can make something yourself though. On the old fashioned straws that we use, the straw part removes pretty easily and you'll be left with the trigger. I bet you can attach like a refrigerator plastic water hose as a custom straw to that. I am not sure how long it would go before the straw gets blown out though.

[@ineedhelpbad]

So this is my take on the differences between the foams. The regular foam partially hardens before it finishes expanding. This causes it to build pressure and cause doors and windows to jam. On the other hand, the windows and doors formula will fully expand before it hardens and this prevents it from building pressure and instead just oozes out. I haven't noticed any difference between the big gap and the regular foam.

[@aprilm9551]

Excellent, exactly the detail we need, and it does show that these are not all the same.

[@slc1161]

Thanks. I discovered a massive amount of cold air coming in around all my windows. I'm sure it's killing my heating and cooling bills. Hoping to get them sealed before a snowstorm tonight. Didn't know how to use them but the video and your reply was very helpful.

[@medonhomeimprovementsllc8039]

yes, I have had the same experience. there"s definitely a difference between the regular foam and the windows foam, I once used the regular foam on windows and it pushed the window framing causing the window to jam.

[@videopipeline6419]

Thanks for demonstrating why the gun-applied foam works better. FYI: Great Stuff Pro (red can) is only about 80% closed cell content, and although I've not found any specs for the non-pro version, it's probably safe to assume it's closer to the HandiFoam equivalent, which has only 67% CLOSED cell content. Some other brands, such as Loctite Titefoam and Draftstop 812, have a finer cell structure, higher closed cell content & better R-value per inch.

[@Ruthless9o7]

This guy is my hero! As a contractor it sucks working for clients, to be able to shut down ur business and just make videos of you working on your own home for yourself (every contractors dream) just amazing i gotta hand it to you, keep the videos coming, no more crappy days for you! An inspiration to all trademan who dont want to be swinging a hammer into their 60s...

[@1995Benzo]

Bad contractor vibes

[@locomokko]

I am using the pro tip, like you show in the break, and despite it saying no need to shake, I have found shaking it for 30 seconds before use provides a much larger expansion. I love this stuff too. I also used it for Pest control with just the normal foam, and it worked fine... the critters don't try to dig through.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ViralRivers]

The window can says shake for 60 seconds. Not sure abt the others

[@vhvvictor]

Thanks for the review! Generally I'd use the same foam for almost everything, but I do use some specific kinds of foam in certain situations (I am doing a DIY renovation, in Europe): - When going around an electric box or near electric connections I use fire-proof foam (it's the same, but has an additive, it is 3 times more expensive though). - Sometimes I use a specific foam for doors & windows, even if it expands at the same rate or similar one, the difference is noticeable a while after, it's kind of 'denser'. - When renovating roof curved tiles, you can use foam to 'fix them' together, there is a specific one that doesn't expand as much as the regular one (so it won't "lift" the tiles or expand until visible). There is one i'm eager to try but hadn't had a chance. It states that you can put drywall in place in like 60 seconds. I don't know if it's the regular one "with a sticker" on it, but the idea is that you put the foam in spots or lines (kind of what you did in the video) in the drywall and/or the surface you're installing it onto, wait 60 seconds to let the foam expand, put the drywall on the wall and let it dry. I guess it should work pretty good for old rock/brick walls being renovated (I don't like connecting the drywall with gypsum compound, due to gypsum being "thirsty"). P.S. in difficult locations, I attach a hose to the end of the can pipe (or remove the plastic pipe and replace it with a hose), that way I can insulate very narrow spaces and be able to hold the can upside down (there is one that works upright, but costs like 3x the price).

[@phillamoore157]

Love this video. The sad fact is that Great Stuff foam is hardly the only company that's pulling their marketing BS with their products. An INSANE amount of OCD-laden research goes into consumers wanting to make sure they purchase the "best" product, and in so many circumstances they get caught up in this marketing crap, because we don't know any better until we're up to our necks in the project. So, the pro's who are in a position to know....their feedback is absolutely priceless. So, a big thank you again, to Uncle Jeff for his time, and wisdom.

[@badbatch974]

They are different once they dry. They will have different textures and density. They also continue to expand for several minutes after placing. We use them on high rise form work a lot. I’ve probably used 20 different brands and some are impossible to remove after cured and some just flake off. The Hilti brand will stick to anything, like oil, wet surfaces, paint, concrete, steel, you name it. However if you need to clean up the area around the work later your going to hate yourself for using it. And a pro tip: either wear close you don’t like or something over them, because if you get this stuff on cloth it will never come off. Your better off letting it dry without touching it and try pull it off after than trying to wipe it while it’s wet.

[@fayvorite1]

I discovered a gap between my bathroom sink and the wall. Being retired on low income and a woman not knowing maintenance but knowing a maintenance man will charge me a week's worth of food, I turned to KZbin. So grateful for this video although it is two years old. I wish you the best.

[@Webic33]

If you want to see if the window foam is different, mock up a few window jams and fill the voids with each type of foam and measure which one pushes the 3/4 board out the most.

[@designstudio8013]

Use a low expanding closed cell.

[@paulmacdonald7068]

@@designstudio8013 eye eye captain.

[@marztar]

​@@paulmacdonald7068 ​ @Paul Mac

[@gtdodgeviper]

That’s a video for project farm

[@jimrussell3367]

Hey I'm a pro paint contractor for over 30 years i really like your vids and how your honest straight shooter you are easy to understand ! great work .

[@D13fs]

I was just at Home Depot and these exact cans all said to Shake Well.

[@nova31337]

Same here, got a can yesterday that I'm staring at right now and it says "SHAKE vigorously - minimum 60 seconds" (all caps is how it's written on the can, so that's not my emphasis but theirs). Maybe that's why he's having expansion issues in the video?

[@lorriescott7036]

First off let me say Thank you for your time and hard work it takes to put together your videos. There are those of us that greatly appreciate it. I enjoy watching your videos not only for the information but for your personality. I find both to be very enlightening and informative.

[@charleskings-road2087]

It would have been good to see the density of each of the foams or maybe if there were other characteristics dealing with movement or weathering to give a fare comparison. :)

[@crisnmaryfam7344]

"would be nice if people where honest about these products" I think he said... lol...

[@musicalatv]

When I was at McLendon's they said that the window one, once dry, was still a bit squishy and would allow the window to expand and contract at a different rate than the wood around it. This could be a difference that you would not be able to see just at the expansion rate. You'd have to test how squishy it is after it dried.

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

good point. You know Jeff likes those cans!

[@rt9tiger]

I'm going to try that stuff where my wall expands and contracts. Spackle / mud - it just cracks again. I've used RTV caulking [widen the crack, make sure the sides are rough so the stuff will adhere], and razored it smooth with the wall. It has some give, the latex wall paint has some give, lots more time between crack repairs. Flexible foam may be the best material yet.

[@dfl19034]

I can confirm that is stays "squishy" even after a couple of years. I did an octagonal window and only parts of the window foam is hard. I can still compress most if it with my finger.

[@Wimikk]

@@dfl19034 my home was built in 82, most recently renovated around 2005. Window foam is still very flexible.

[@huejanus5505]

Home Depot has a display set up with the different kinds of foam so you can poke and prod at them.

[@jjleda7324]

Little trick about cleaning the pro gun. Use good old fashion wd40. Cleans them right up. I'm in Wisconsin and none of the box stores stocks the cleaner. Out of desperation, I tried wd40, and it worked.

[@adam4skateboarding]

I feel like I am catching up with my Dad every time a new video is posted.

[@jonk3529]

Haha that is so true!! Thanks for putting my exact feeling into words

[@Coder-zx4nb]

Same. I wonder if Jeff is currently taking adoptions XD

[@JasperCLoren]

@@Coder-zx4nb He should start apprenticeship program

[@ThaneKaiden]

I've said literally the same thing, to the point where my wife refers to Jeff as "Canadian Dad." 😂

[@kimberlynguyen124]

Jeff is every Canadian’s dad at this point

[@Candisa]

You're absolutely right, it's the same here in EU. There used to be foam that bubbled up with a lot of force, foam that bubbled up without pushing things out of square, foam that barely expanded, foam that stuck like crazy... Now it's pretty much all the same low expansion stuff you have to empty a whole can around a single door that sticks to everything but the mounting side of the door frame. I believe it has to do with fire and insulation regulations, but like you say, if fire gets to the foam in most cases you'd better be long out of there anyways, and sometimes you just want to fill a gap to keep the noise and draft away without having the intention to build an ultra-insulated sealed zero-energy home.

[@josecarcano6445]

Great info. Could you do a test with a different brand and the one you used in this video. 👍🏼

[@osco4311]

A realistic test would be to spray the foam between two boards. You'll see the difference, not only in color, but in the density of the foam. You'll notice the difference by poking it with a screwdriver after it hardens. Heavier foams exert more pressure and expand less. Using heavy foam where light foam can cause warping, cracks and other damage.

[@mikejones-vd3fg]

I just used the blue stuff and red stuff, but i cant get inside the walls to see their expansion, however the blobs i cut off, which all had a chance to expand out equally, the blue stuff is a lot softer(windows filler), takes a lot less force to squish it flat compared to the red stuff (gap filler) which is almost unsquishable without a lot of force. I can see the bllue stuff being used for around windows that need to expand and contract and it should allow for that with its elasticity. I just bought a can of the black stuff, the big gap stuff and and curiouse to see how diferrent it reacts. My guess is it will be much like the red stuff, maybe not as dense but maybe has more of the expanding agent. At leaste i hope, I sort of wish i used more of the blue stuff around the windows knowing how hard the red stuff got although I havent seen any bowing yet in the summer it might be different. Id use the red stuff to fill cavities for insulation though, it does "feel" warmer, and if youre not worried about bowing id use that instead.

[@fireblaster9961]

When using the metal professional gun make sure you get that valve screw propped tight so no air can get in, one can will last forever as long as air doesn’t get in applicator

[@TrinitronX]

Great comparison of these “different” foams! It’d be great to see a comparison between different brands. Especially between the “fireStop” vs. “fireBlock” types. There’s a couple videos that do a flame test where not all “fire*” foams perform well.

[@BenVanCamp]

You sound like a programmer.

[@TrinitronX]

@@BenVanCamp It's probably because I am 🤣

[@MyFortressConstruction]

There's definitely a difference to them. The window and door is a lot softer than the normal stuff and it doesn't expand a lot. I would never use another of the options around a window. The regular stuff and the pest are much harder once they cure, and they expand with significant pressure (they will bow 2x4s if they can't find a release point). They all have similar chemical components but they have been formulated for specific purposes and shouldn't be interchanged (fire block, pest block, original gap filler, large gap filler and door and window).

[@endicous]

That's a great tip: " if they can't find a release point". I guess no pressure if there is a release point eg around newly installed window

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@endicous What happens though, is that the outside layer of polyurethane cures/hardens and the inside is still expanding against 3 sides. The lumber and sheathing are stronger than the window and the foam is stronger than the window frame, hence the bowing. If you keep cutting the outside layer of the foam while it hardens, then the pressure could be released outwards. It's just a lot more simple to use elastomeric caulking and window foam and not risk having to replace a window.

[@endicous]

There are videos on KZbin trying to prove the bending theory - no luck I must say. Property installed window should have adequate fixing which should be a lot stronger then the expanding foam pressure.

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@endicous You have a point there, but typical window installation is done by the crew that also does the siding/sheathing/framing, so they won't always it with as many fasteners as the manufacturer wants, and it doesn't cost much more to stick to what's recommended by the manufacturer and is tried and true. Once a window is warped, it won't go back. So even if your brain is saying, "Why not?" There should be a valid reason to use the regular foam other than "Just because."

[@endicous]

That's a different subject. If a window frame is installed incorrectly then no point to talk about the site affects including foam pressure impact/ frame bending. All I want to say is that the pressure which comes from the expanding foam which has enough space to escape while curing is minimal

[@Mike.Fortin]

thanks for the honest review. I totally and completely believe that they would use the same ingredients for each formula.

[@alexmaclean1]

I too remember as a teenager using this stuff with my grandfather maybe 15 years ago and the gap filler absolutely expanded like crazy, but I think even the regular version expanded more than it did in your test. They've probably found a cheaper way to make it so they can profit an extra Nickle per can.

[@JCWren]

They don't have to make it cheaper, they just need to make you use more of it. And that's exactly what they did.

[@anotherOneMore7]

Thanks for the clarification. The way the labels read, they make it sound like it will spontaneously combust under normal circumstances if you use it in in an enclosed space like a wall.

[@Neverkilltime]

I used all four kinds recently and they all expanded quite a bit except for the window foam. It came out the least dense. The pest block was super dense and the fire foam expanded the most I feel. I used pest block for most of my project then switched to the regular red gap filler cans as they’re the cheapest. They have new tips now too so you can close the tip and reuse it later.

[@loudmouthfrog]

You are correct. 20 years ago I used Great Stuff, red can, to fill a void below a replaced floor deck in a boat. After 10 minutes it blew up to 3” diameter. I haven’t seen it expand that much since.

[@jerryn8881]

Jeff, you are the best at what you do! I have learned so much from you as a handyman and have used a lot of your techniques to earn a living. Your honesty and straight forward, real-talk is what sets you apart from all other contractors. 💯 Stay real! Keep up the AMAZING work! Also, to Max, amazing videography and you're a great assistant to your Dad. Keep up the awesome job. Thank you both for sharing all your great work. It's very much Appreciated!! 👏👏👍🏼👍🏼👊👊 Out of Brampton, Ontario Jerry

[@antoniodifilippo4190]

Just a comment on a trick I used on windows. To do really small gaps where the nozzle won’t fit ,I took electrical shrink tubing of appropriate size ,shrunk it on the tip then pushed the flat shrink tubing into the cracks. Work wonderful. Try it.

[@jessesmiley4545454]

teaching me all the shit my dad never taught me..

[@ballsdeep9648]

LOL for me it's more like teaching me all the shit my dad tried to teach me, but I wasn't listening.

[@brianbass8574]

If u got daddy issues come on over I'm about to throw some burgers on the grill champ

[@tch632]

@@brianbass8574 deliverance plays in the background

[@erichsh58]

I'm retired, and only now just learning how to use all the tools I inherited from my Dad after he passed away. 50 years after I watched him work as a a kid I still remember some of his tricks.

[@mariad4183]

@@ballsdeep9648 ...seriously! A bunch of us are looking at our feet right now!

[@myronp243]

Use a 3/16ths piece of polyurethane tubing on the end of the tip for those crazy hard spots

[@Cameroner1]

So I'm a long time viewer, seen every video and love them all. I have this problem though that when I get around to finally doing the project I've watched a video about, I can't remember some of the fine details. I get into the isle of home depot and I've got a 4 hour drywall video to scrub through to figure out the mud options I'm looking at. It would be nice to have a little PDF for each topic that outlines some of the video. It would absolutely be worth a couple bucks to me. Like for the drywall it would have been nice to have a refresher about the mud types, a set of recommended, optional, and necessary tools and products, and a brief outline of what to do. Thanks for all you guys do!

[@huejanus5505]

I have had such bad luck with cans of foam like that. At best, they work once, oftentimes they won’t dispense at all. I had to do a large foam job sealing up around the sill area in my foundation before finishing my basement, so i opted to spend the money on a dispensing gun which uses the screw on foam canisters. Works extremely well, doesn’t clog up even after a month, comes with finer plastic tips to reach into small crevasses and you can adjust the flow for finer work. As well, i bought a length of clear plastic tubing to stuff on the dispensing tip to access those awkward spots by extending my reach. The guns aren’t cheap, but if you’re doing a larger job you’ll definitely be ahead in the $ aspect.

[@Agent22817]

Now that you mention it and I look at the MSDS for both the big gap filler and the pest block... their components are really similar and I don't see anything unique about the pest block!

[@SS-kg6ns]

the color different :O

[@deryck6789]

Thank you for being honest about the product. Yes the formula has changed. It used to expand a lot more and if you did not use all the material in the can immediately, it was not good anymore and you had to throw away the can.

[@twiincentral8780]

Started watching you before I even got a house, thank you for all you do!

[@000one]

i have an idea that the old high expansion foam caused problems, like windows and doors that were affected by the preasure created by the expansion being too great for the application. I have been using this Great Stuff for years, and I have seen a change. It is less likely to over tighten a window, door, ... What you might want to do is cut those different gobs of foam and look inside at the size of the air bubblles inside. Also you might want to use it how it is actually designed to be used. Make yourself a plywood box with the inside dimensions 2 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 12 inches long, kinda like an opening of a 2 by 6 , 12 inches long. That would show how it is actually applied in the field, and the difference. The open air is setting up the outer shell, not letting it set and expand like it was designed. Just my opinion. Thanks for the videos

[@tankbyte1135]

This guy is amazing and full of knowledge. I wish I knew half of the stuff he has forgot over the years

[@johnalbertsen3112]

I have 3 cans of great stuff that I used once . went to use it again a month later and it didn't work . so thanks to your video I bought the metal gun , now no more clogged cans. thanks Jeff.

[@jiggityjbeaver]

I've been liking the lock-tite expanding foam as opposed to the great stuff. Namely for doors/windows. It's easier to control and doesn't get so stiff when it's dry. The lock-tite still has a good amount of sponge to it. (And i typically make much less of a mess!)

[@theemekanix]

I like that you aren't sponsored. We the consumer need honest opinions like this. Otherwise you are just a commercial.

[@michaelellis5930]

I have definitely noticed that the window/door stuff doesn't push and bow things out, and the regular gap filler one does. Window/door is also much softer and flexible once cured, while the regular stuff is quite hard. The formulas can' be the same, although I do agree their expansion really does look the same.

[@tighecrovetti2844]

I just used GS foam to insulate the gaps around some rigid foam in a pole barn I insulated. In some odd spaces, I had some large voids to fill. I didn't use the 'large gap' version or anything; I just used a lot of foam until it filled it all in. Easy peasy.

[@lesleyegbert4807]

As I stood in front of the shelf full of gap filler yesterday I thought, "Meh, it's all going to be the same," and bought the big gap filler. This video proved I was correct! Thank you, sir.

[@w666est]

LOVE LOVE LOVE Jeff and your channel. You’ve given me so much great advice and confidence to tackle so many jobs. Keep this coming. There’s no problem with taking some money to show us a product as long as they don’t mind you being honest about it and you think we want to hear about it. You got to make a living as you are helping us all out.

[@DrunkJackal]

There absolutely is a difference in the expansion. I first tried the gap and crack Great Stuff around a door frame. As expected, the pressure around the frame made it very difficult to open the door. I ended up digging it all out with a knife and reapplied with the window and door formula. The door now opens and shuts flawlessly.

[@curtisporter4048]

Anyone else working on projects ask themselves “WWJD”? What Would Jeff Do....

[@bethmills2233]

I love your smile...I watched you build a big shed...I smiled a lot cuz you are fun. Thank you for being you with a smile

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

😊 thank you

[@trevor5929]

I was wondering myself about the lack of foam in the Big Gap can. When this stuff came out about 25 years back I used it to fill a void between joists. It must have grown to 50 times its initial spray size. I had to cut away a ton if overfill. But it was definitely giving my monies worth. I could have done a complete wall with a can. Now they detuned it to only give you a little and hope you run out to buy more!

[@tst.v2926]

I accidentally used it in the wrong place. But it took 10 minutes or more to completely expand. Now I was used to the old stuff so I got a ton to trim. I swear the old expanded fast. I was filling and filling and later I’m like well surprise.

[@Bodhi1satva]

I recently purchased this: “GREAT STUFF PRO Great Stuff Foam Sealant Kit - Great Stuff Pro Pestblock 20oz, Great Stuff Foam Gun, Great Stuff Gun Cleaner 12oz, Great Stuff Gloves, Copper Mesh. Green Color, Spray Foam Insulation” WHEW💨 that’s a mouthful! I was looking for more information before I apply this when I found your channel. I have to say I am a little more than underwhelmed with your demonstration, or with the product, I mean. I used great stuff back in the 80s on my garage and my unfinished basement and to echo what you said, that stuff had far better expansion than what you’ve demonstrated with this stuff. Now, Both of the cans that came with this kit say to vigorously shake the can for 60 seconds before using. I don’t know if that’s different than the stuff you used that doesn’t require shaking, but I don’t know how this stuff can seal very well or cure very well, if it really isn’t going to fill the gaps! I’ll try to edit this comment with more info after I’ve given it a shot. But I appreciate your video and your attempt to assist us with these products. Wish me luck!

[@emmanuelsilva3541]

Just like shampoo, one for this, one for that, in reality it is the same product! Unfortunate, consumers like all ,fall for marketing. love your channel!👏👏👏🍻

[@peterl4813]

Been there. If it hardens on your hands you almost have to soak your hand with acetone. Acetone is not too good for you. I'll be wearing latex gloves next time.

[@wdzimmer2987]

For that you deserve two thumbs up and a thanks for your unbiased observations......

[@christophercast5290]

Thank you for having our back as consumers.

[@jonnymiskatonic]

Interesting, our gap and crack here is bright orange, same company. But yeah that gun is the best ever, I love using it.

[@trat50]

Jeff, If you are looking for a difference - you need to do a DIFFERENT test! Your "expanding foam drag race" did not put anything under compression!! Get 4 empty paper milk cartons, fill each one with a different type of foam. Now close each milk carton tightly! (You may need to use some sort of a clamp or clothes pins to close each carton tightly). You should find the 3 times expand foam BLOWING OUT the container. You should also find the window and door foam NOT distorting the empty paper milk carton (or at least not so much). OK, so there you go, now you have an idea for another test and another video - Have Fun!

[@NyteWaves]

I was wondering if it needed to be under some resistance or something else is going on. Or maybe they are legit ripping us off.

[@melissasmith4448]

Just started my own business and when in a bind your videos have helped me clear that mental hurdle and finish my project in a timely fashion. Thanks for the useful tips and tricks. Thanks again, take care and have a good day.

[@TastySurrealBowl]

You’re absolutely right about how the basic version of the product used to expand exponentially more. In the mid ‘80s I had an old car that was so rusted out stuff used to fall out of the trunk through the wheel wells, and there wasn’t much left of the bumper except the thin chrome plating. I filled the entire bumper and the huge gaps in the wheel wells with less than half a can. By the time I got rid of that car it was more foam than metal. I recently used up a couple cans filling just a few gaps (in a house - not a car this time).

[@cis_American]

I can promise you as an avid great stuff pro user that 100% there is a huge expansion diff between the window foam and the normal expansive foam. You have to let it cure 12 hours and then you’ll see a MASSIVE difference between the 2.

[@jakemarlow8998]

I'm watching this in May 2021 ... that piece of wood he's experimenting on costs at least $100.

[@whomadethatsaltysoup]

Absolutely! I'm in Scotland, and the combination of Brexit, Covid, Suez and war with China and Russia has resulted in building material becoming eye-wateringly expensive!

[@carterscustomrods]

Yep... I'm using bamboo now and calling it "Post Modern Tiki" 😆🤣😂

[@sazennonumber]

I thought it was linoleum. But yeah, wood is so expensive these days.

[@mailmanx69]

It's June 15. Add another $50.

[@mailmanx69]

@@whomadethatsaltysoup It also resulted in a lot of people without jobs any longer. I hope yours is doing well. This world is on a short trip to hell.

[@DrFrankenschtein]

Thanks Jeff! My father (also named Jeff) and I love to watch your videos. I recently purchased my first home and I'm slowly making my way through refreshing it. While I'm nowhere near as handy as my old man, your videos have helped to fill the gap (pun intended). Thanks!

[@fagica]

I was surprised too when I saw that they all had the same expansion, more or less. Only 3 years ago I insulated the ceiling of my garage with the blue can and the foam was very hard to manage, especially along thin gaping holes. It came out at high pressure and large bead (maybe I cut the tip too much) and then it kept growing and growing, at least 4-5 times the original stream. You raised a very good point.

[@myronp243]

One of the problems I found in those small cans is you have little control.Trimming the access shows you waste at least 1/2 A can.I'm looking at the pro nozzle and can.

[@vladimirryder5195]

Thankyou so much for this video, I’ve recently started to build my man cave shed and your channel has given me all the info I needed. Uk fan

[@dright1817]

Been learning from you for awhile now, your brilliant like the foam your expanding my knowledge. Thanks Jeff

[@lou196t]

Thanks for being a straight up guy. I totally agree that one is as good as the other. Pick your favourite colour of can.😉👍 Futher, I believe that many companies have been faking it for a long time. 🤬

[@christyinthecarolinas]

This is why I love you!!! I just found your channel and if I need to know how to do something, I search your channel.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@truthbetold3931]

Love your videos Jeff, finally someone has presented how to do projects in a straight forward no bs manner.

[@k.elysee6527]

When great stuff first came out I used it on new window installs. Used too much. Window wouldn't open...LOL!

[@jameykendall82]

Biggest issue then was that it was a max expanding formula. Many many people used the wrong foam and ruined windows and doors. It produced too much pressure when expanding vs the minimal pressure stuff made for windows. That's why i think they no longer have a true max expansion foam anymore.

[@KrampusVsChristmas]

I’ve been watching you for years now. I’ve redone several homes watching your videos. I love your videos. Thank you sincerely.

[@kentsavick2516]

FYI: the cleaner is just acetone in a pressurized can. You can probably save some money just buying regular acetone, except for the pressurized "gun" cleaning.

[@robertlitman2661]

I've used straight acetone. It's a fair cleaner, but the aerosol cleaner can I have works better. Also, the gun cleaner can I have comes with an aerosol cap I can use when it's off the gun, to spray down a rag to clean things (like my hands). It's very convenient.

[@andyh7537]

A good pressurized substitute is brake cleaner. It works great to clean tools and will also remove it from your skin. Like acetone, it's not very good for your skin health, but neither is foam. 😉

[@brodriguez11000]

@@andyh7537 : Well one is suppose to wear gloves. Nothing fancy. Nitrile gloves will do. Kitchen gloves will do in a pinch.

[@jimswordsnchords1759]

I learned more about expansion foam than I ever thought I'd need to know. Thanks Jeff!

[@JAO981]

I'm getting some of those for my kid's birthday party, lots of fun in a can.

[@dfw_motorrad1329]

Adult silly string

[@BungeeRooster]

I know right? It's like fruit punch will never be the same again.

[@clovertx901]

That stuff wont come off of them for a week lol

[@jkbethune]

The other kids parents will be oh so impressed.

[@BungeeRooster]

@@jkbethune especially the single moms...wink wink...

[@lancebowler7381]

I would like to see it sprayed between a couple of thin pieces of wood to simulate a window jamb. I think you would quickly see the difference.

[@jameykendall82]

Actually there isn't much difference other than the max expanding puts a touch more pressure than the window formula. Biggest difference in foams is closed cell vs open cell. I prefer closed cell around doors and windows, open cell when filling a gap that will be further insulated or encapsulated somehow.

[@learningisfun4315]

Who else got anxiety watching foam sprayed but not applied against a wall or other surface ?

[@PaulScott_]

Not anxiety so much but I did have a mild facial tick watching it! :)

[@ericzohar1345]

Totally agree And why isn't it plane urethane anymore? All brands are different chemicals And why can't they market the one pros use for large surfaces that really expand but in small cans?

[@jamesmchugo9422]

Years ago, used the wrong kind of foam around a window, because I ran out of the low expansion foam. It warped the window frame. I not only had to dig out the foam, but ended up replacing the window. The other widows, not a problem.

[@ultrapowermae]

Besides quality content, your lighting and production value is on point!

[@MiltonHip]

The Lepage stuff seems to expand slightly better and also sticks much better if you're doing wider gaps

[@arydant]

This stuff seems to expand much more over time so I would wait a few hours before making a judgement about the differences.

[@sajadalmo9528]

Used it on a grow operation. Great stuff to keep light and holes sealed . Nasty stuff to get on your hands and body though . Will not come off

[@kimberlyaccurso1921]

Thanks for video ! I have a can sitting in front of me & I’ve never used it before now I have confidence in using it ! Thanks off to work!

[@totallynottrademarked5279]

A thin line won't trigger the same exothermic reaction that a deep fill will.

[@Delekham]

Ahh...BUT you may need two coats of foam for a larger Hole/Crack from a Door/Window spray foam. IF You want to spend the Dough GO FOR IT!...I don't wish to NOR do I want to. You might actually cause a problem IF you have Vinyl Siding on a larger hole using the Expansion foam.

[@justincooper1626]

Thanks for the video. I'm used to the old stuff when you opened the can you had to use the whole can.

[@MNnytrorider]

I accidentally put a can of this stuff in my fire pit while dumping a bucket of scrap in. The form blow up 30 feet into the air. I had foam all over myself and the yard.

[@richardalfaro4933]

The Lost Prussian “that’s what she said” - Michale Scott

[@ErictheRedCantona]

Said the child to his father knowing there was no accident involved in this experiment🤣

[@kitchenfitter45]

Left one in tub in the back of the van that emptied the full content when driving home . Bit of a delay getting started the next morning

[@judithspies6617]

How do you keep the top from falling off? Never fails, the top always gets loose and leak’s around nozzle and can. Great videos!

[@Vinny2142]

You know, aside from the pest-block or fire-block line they offer, I'm really glad to see I'm not the only one that had that "Wait... What the hell happened to these other ones?" reaction haha. Feel like no matter which one you pick, you end up using the same amount of cans to fill what you need to. Personally I just stick with the window/door flavor for the same reason you showed - easy to control

[@starrywarz]

A couple months ago i wanted to know the difference between the fireblock and regular... (besides the +$5) and on the cans I compared there was no difference in ingredients or fire-rating. Both were rated for the same, one just had a orange coloring in it.... Not sure if I missed something, or it wasnt listed, but I'm pretty sure they are very similar too haha

[@palarious]

@@starrywarz Fire stuff actually burns faster.

[@WisconsinDIYGuy]

I almost use the fireblock great stuff foam with the pro 14 gun every time. Can't beat it and the plastic tips get you into even smaller places. The plastic tips are easy to clean and reuse.

[@kjvelarde]

Right on. Different product line same core stuff.

[@HomeRenoVisionDIY]

Agreed!

[@dennisseemann571]

First off Jeff thanks for all the great videos, a quick question, this past winter we discovered a significant flow of cold air coming in through the bottom molding around our windows, but I get conflicting advice about removing the molding and using low expansion spray foam vs stuffing fiberglass insulation into the voids. your thoughts would be appreciated.

[@zenjon7892]

I would go the spray foam route

[@breezewood64able]

I agree with you on the different types of foam--are they really necessary? I only use the window and door, because expansion is critical, and I use the big gap filler for all other spaces. Very useful product and the dispensing gun is a must--just make sure you have lots of cleaner on hand.

[@psdeas7530]

I think you are just very good at controlling the application. I’ve yet to have a construction crew that doesn’t balloon the foams like big, ol’ fungi. Some of the pest blockers are also UV protected, which is useful.

[@Shazel1971]

Hey Jeff...we are almost neighbours as I live in Québec. Just want to say thst you're videos are just amazing and I've learned so much from you. I wish I could showcase all the stuff I've done thanks to you. Cheers my neighbourly Canuck 🇨🇦

[@gray09r56]

I’m glad you finally did a video on GreatStuff foam. I used it initially, but I would agree with you. It’s not that great. At the local big box store in the states there’s GreatStuff and Loctite Foam. Before Loctite I wasn’t even happy with GS but there were no other products. I hated that the foam would change colors in certain weathered conditions. I know you’re not suppose to use it outside, but to fill holes temporarily until you could patch concrete so that pests wouldn’t get in (this is before their pests foam) I would fill a hole. But the characteristics of each foam seems to be the same. They don’t all expand as much as you would think they were rated for. I immediately switched to Loctite when it was introduced seeing right in front of my eyes it did what it said it did. They now have regular, big gap, and window/door. The downside is they don’t have positive tips nor gun handles. In certain situations I have also used Rigid foam and guns. But they’re really expensive, more than GS and Loctite put to together, but got a couple cans from a friend who’s a professional when it comes to insulation; but having to go out on your own and buy the same cans to keep consistency when you ran out is pricey. Rigid foam all works and performs as advertised.

[@paularmes5909]

I would just like to know how KZbin managed to get a video on expanding foam when I mentioned it to a friend of mine the day before you know it's just so amazing how KZbin just knows exactly the Right video to put up at the right time. It's almost as if I've got a microphone attached to my ass or something or somebody's following me around or somehow being monitored or something I just wanted to bring it up I thought maybe somebody out there might come across the same scenario.

[@okkrom]

If you have a smartphone, its listening 24/7.

[@dan00500]

Hey Google. ... It's always listening. You can read the terms and conditions on you phone and every app you have installed.

[@taver2007]

Maybe the foam would expand differently if it wasn’t sprayed in a thin line? Great question though, gap filler used to expand like crazy. Maybe not enough time elapsed for the foam to fully expand? Love the channel.

[@mrprimenumbers6448]

Thank you, this was the exact reason for me watching this video. It really seems like there is no difference in any of the different supposed use types. This is also one of the reasons I subscribe to your channel, HONESTY.