Polyurethane foam spray can solve many household problems. While it’s mainly known for sealing air leaks around windows, this multipurpose product has many other applications in home improvement projects. We’ll cover additional ways to use foam spray around your home and safety tips for proper handling.
Safety Precautions When Using Foam Spray
Before using foam spray in your home projects, understand and follow the proper safety measures:
- Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask.
- Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Cover surrounding surfaces to protect them from accidental overspray.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Store unused foam spray in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
1. Securing Loose Door Knobs With Foam Spray
Foam spray can secure loose door knobs on hollow-core doors. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva injects foam through the screw hole to provide a solid backing for anchoring the pull. This simple fix can stabilize wobbly door hardware and extend the life of your doors.
2. Use Foam Spray to Quiet Plumbing Pipes
To prevent plastic waste lines from rattling when water runs through them, spray foam around the pipes where they intersect floor joists. Oregon homeowner Bruce Sullivan uses this technique to significantly reduce plumbing noise throughout his house.
3. Reducing Washing Machine Vibrations by Using Foam Spray
Minimize the noise from your washing machine during spin cycles by applying foam spray along the water supply pipes where they meet the walls. This simple application can help dampen vibrations and create a quieter laundry area.
4. Blocking Squirrel Entry Points With Foam Spray
To keep squirrels out of your attic, follow the example of Iowa homeowner Mark Kane. Stuff gaps under the roof eaves with chicken wire and then apply foam to create an incisor-proof barrier. This combination of materials provides a durable and effective defense against the rodents.
5. Use Foam Spray to Seal Wasp Nests
When dealing with wasp nests in walls, foam spray can be a useful tool. After applying pesticide through the wasps’ entry point, Connecticut homeowner Jeff Sherman seals the opening with foam spray to prevent future infestations.
6. Building Waterfalls With Foam Spray
This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook uses foam spray to bond rocks together when building waterfalls. The foam creates a strong, waterproof bond that helps maintain structure while allowing for natural water flow.
7. Anchoring Foundation Windows With Foam Spray
When installing replacement foundation windows, Silva recommends spraying foam around the frames to anchor them securely in masonry walls. This provides a strong hold and helps seal out moisture and drafts, improving the window’s overall performance.
8. Making Custom Packaging Materials Out of Foam Spray
Create custom, form-fitting packaging for delicate items by spraying foam into a plastic bag, sealing the opening, and pressing the item on top. This method produces a protective mold that perfectly cradles fragile objects during shipping or storage.
9. Stabilizing Bathtub Floors With Foam Spray
Fix a flexing bathtub floor by filling the tub with water and applying foam spray to the space beneath it. To reach underneath, extend the spray straw with 3/16-inch-ID (internal diameter) vinyl hose and apply through an open wall cavity or the access panel near the drain. This provides support and eliminates that unsettling give when you step into the tub.
10. Use Foam Spray for Sealing Garage Door Gaps
Prevent pests from entering your garage by injecting foam between the back of the garage door jamb and the stem wall. This seals a common entry point for insects and small rodents, helping to keep your garage clean and pest-free.
Limitations: Where Not To Use Foam Spray
While foam spray is versatile, it’s not suitable for every application. Avoid using foam spray in these scenarios:
- In areas exposed to UV light that can degrade the foam
- On surfaces that may need future access, as the foam is difficult to remove
- Near electrical boxes or wiring without proper precautions
- In areas where fire-blocking is required (unless using a fire-rated foam product)
- In areas where you can’t be sure what materials the foam will come in contact with
Always consult local building codes and manufacturer guidelines before using foam spray in structural or safety-critical applications.