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Foam Sealants

Close off building gaps with foam sealants

By Kelly Wright
Foam sealants are essential for construction and building maintenance. Spray foam sealants fill the gaps around windows and doors, and they can stop building cracks that let in cold air or, worse, critters from the outside.

There are three types of spray foam insulation: polyurethane foam sealants, latex-based foam sealants and water-based foam sealants. Polyurethane and latex-based sealants are the most common for building professionals. Water-based sealants are generally sold as do-it-yourself solutions for homeowners. Each foam sealant type has its strengths, so learn more about the sealants and how they'll work for your project before you buy:

1. Look into popular and widespread polyurethane foam sealants, which have a tried-and-true track record.

2. If you need more predictability and control for your construction project, think about choosing latex-based foam sealants.

3. A water-based foam sealant might be the best choice for smaller projects around the house.

 

Evaluate polyurethane foam sealants, which are common and easy to find at hardware suppliers

Polyurethane foam sealants are probably the type of foam sealant you'll run into most often. Foam polymer sealants are excellent at repelling water, making them resistant to mold and rot. However, these sealants can be extremely hard to clean up, so be especially careful with application.
Try: Fomo Products makes Handi-Seal Window and Door Sealant, a specialized and durable polyurethane spray sealant. The Building Solutions arm of Dow Chemical Company offers a few different kinds of polyurethane foam sealants for different uses, including their GREAT STUFF PRO Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant.

Consider latex-based foam sealants, which are somewhat less common but have a few key advantages

Latex-based foam sealants are relatively new to the builder's marketplace. They have the advantage of being easier to clean up than polyurethane foam sealants, and a slower rate of expansion makes their final volume more predictable. The downside is that latex-based foam sealants are more susceptible to mold and rot.
Try: DAP makes DAPtex Latex Insulating Foam Sealant, a multipurpose sealant for use around the home. EasyFill from Touch 'n Foam is a latex foam sealant that works well around baseboards and plumbing fixtures.

Look into alternatives, such as a water-based spray foam sealant, for home sealing projects

For residential sealing projects, consider some of the alternative foam sealant products on the market. Water-based sealants share some of the benefits of latex sealants, including easy clean up. You and your clients might prefer to explore eco-friendly sealants, which are swiftly gaining popularity.
Try: Icynene manufactures water-based sealants and insulation that you can use in projects both large and small. Biofoam offers a green alternative; the company's environmentally friendly foam forms an air- and water-tight seal, keeping out cold air, dust and moisture.

 

  • Ask a spray foam expert to help you decide which type of spray foam will work best for your project. Industry associations and trade shows can give you more information about the products you're considering.

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