Green Building Forum - Using expanding foam overhead. Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:55:07 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230059#Comment_230059 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230059#Comment_230059 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:45:51 +0100 ringi
But the cans of foams don’t work unless the can is above the gun….

So how to I form in insulation board overhead?

(There will be a 2nd layer of insulation boards before the rafters.)]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230061#Comment_230061 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230061#Comment_230061 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:52:38 +0100 jamesingram they loose gas quicker so you may get a little wastage . if you do 1/2 a can like this try and use the rest in the usual way to make the most of the can before it degases]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230066#Comment_230066 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230066#Comment_230066 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:34:22 +0100 Nick Parsons Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230068#Comment_230068 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230068#Comment_230068 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:12:16 +0100 DarylP
And YES, wear goggles.... :bigsmile:]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230069#Comment_230069 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230069#Comment_230069 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:54:39 +0100 Nick Parsons Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230071#Comment_230071 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230071#Comment_230071 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:04:50 +0100 ringi Posted By: DarylPAs above ...we used translucent silicone hose, with a 8-10mm fuel-pipe-hose-clip on the barbed nipple.

And YES, wear goggles....:bigsmile:" alt=":bigsmile:" src="https:///newforum/extensions/Vanillacons/smilies/standard/bigsmile.gif" >

What size hose and where do you get it from?]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230072#Comment_230072 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230072#Comment_230072 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:06:37 +0100 ringi Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230073#Comment_230073 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230073#Comment_230073 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:26:26 +0100 Nick Parsons
If you want translucent hose, go to a home-brew shop. Last couple of times I used petrol pipe, but that's crazy expensive. Soften the pipe end in hot water. Get the pipe off quickly after use, or it'll be a right b***er to get off. 'Rod' the pipe through immediately after use, and then again a bit later when it has started to harden. Beware of the fact that if the flow is restricted due to 'gunge' in the pipe, it may deliver from the can, but not out the end. It then 'blows' when you remove the pipe!]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230074#Comment_230074 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230074#Comment_230074 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:44:05 +0100 nigel
For example
http://www.geocel.co.uk/catalogue/single-brand/great-stuff-pro/dow-great-stuff-pro-all-direction-straw-foam-minimal]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230075#Comment_230075 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230075#Comment_230075 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:54:14 +0100 ringi Posted By: nigelYou can buy expanding foam cans which do not have to be used upside down.

For example
http://www.geocel.co.uk/catalogue/single-brand/great-stuff-pro/dow-great-stuff-pro-all-direction-straw-foam-minimal" >http://www.geocel.co.uk/catalogue/single-brand/great-stuff-pro/dow-great-stuff-pro-all-direction-straw-foam-minimal

They don't seem to be about in "gun" format. Also how well do they work upside down?]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230076#Comment_230076 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230076#Comment_230076 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:13:03 +0100 gravelld
I just put a bit of gun cleaner down the pipe afterwards and leave it propped up for the cleaner to work its way down. Bit messy though.]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230077#Comment_230077 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230077#Comment_230077 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:14:54 +0100 DarylP
yes, but v expensive, and it takes a while to get the kanck of it.
:cry:]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230079#Comment_230079 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230079#Comment_230079 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:33:44 +0100 ringi Posted By: DarylP... Has anyone tried using 2 part foam with separate tanks?

yes, but v expensive, and it takes a while to get the kanck of it.

Given the number of "normal" cans I am using, how much more expensive does the 2 part work out as for the same amount of foam?]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230080#Comment_230080 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230080#Comment_230080 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 11:42:27 +0100 DarylP http://foamseal.co.uk/product/foamseal-200-kit/ :wink:]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230081#Comment_230081 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230081#Comment_230081 Tue, 29 Sep 2015 12:32:45 +0100 ringi Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230086#Comment_230086 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230086#Comment_230086 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:56:59 +0100 Beau Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230087#Comment_230087 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230087#Comment_230087 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:19:03 +0100 gravelld

But hilarious whatever the gender.]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230088#Comment_230088 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230088#Comment_230088 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 14:29:17 +0100 Nick Parsons Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230094#Comment_230094 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230094#Comment_230094 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:53:02 +0100 ringi Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230096#Comment_230096 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230096#Comment_230096 Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:53:29 +0100 gyrogear
gg]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230118#Comment_230118 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230118#Comment_230118 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:34:17 +0100 fostertom Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230192#Comment_230192 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230192#Comment_230192 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 07:21:57 +0100 cjard
Beware no valve in the end means it drips constantly. I have one. Not used it yet but plan to make a cap for mine to cap it tempo between uses an blow through with gun cleaner
Try and cut all your foam first so gunning is a continuos op

2pArt foam is available from boat builders in liquid form. YouTube for 2 part foam to see in action, reacts quite slowly, maybe you can mix a small amount and paint on the joint between boards then push together just before it starts reacting. YouTube for vid to see what i mean]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230193#Comment_230193 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230193#Comment_230193 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 07:25:38 +0100 cjard
Make sure the pointy end of your gun is clean at all times
Open the valve to near full
Power a line of it from far away
It should stick, now fit the next sheet

Beware that foam dispensed like this expands more than normal so use less]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230196#Comment_230196 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230196#Comment_230196 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 08:16:51 +0100 fostertom Posted By: DarylPhttp://foamseal.co.uk/product/foamseal-200-kit/" >http://foamseal.co.uk/product/foamseal-200-kit/
Posted By: ringihttps://www.abbuildingproducts.co.uk/touch-n-foam-15---complete-kit-pr-5018.php
Posted By: cjard2pArt foam is available from boat builders in liquid form. YouTube for 2 part foam to see in action, reacts quite slowly, maybe you can mix a small amount and paint on the joint between boards then push together just before it starts reacting. YouTube for vid to see what i mean
I'd like to get it clear - are these in fact same or equiv to the Bldrs Merch cartridge/gun products? Or are they just spray-on foam insulation, which is def something else?]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230200#Comment_230200 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230200#Comment_230200 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 10:04:06 +0100 DarylP I have only used it on radiussed surfaces, and where the shape was too difficult to get in 'regular' boards.
:smile:]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230207#Comment_230207 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230207#Comment_230207 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:45:12 +0100 cjard
When in oil cans, you have a can of A and a can of B, you mix the foam in a receptacle in equal amounts, it eventually reacts and turns into expanding foam, foams, hardens etc

I suspect the gun foam you buy in an aerosol, made by the likes of soudal, is the 2 part foam, already mixed, with a solvent that keeps it from going off. When expelled from a gun it expands, cures and hardens

The gas bottle form of 2 part foam is a bottle of A and a bottle of B. A special gun and hose arrangement keeps the liquids separate until they meet at the handle and are forced down a disposable nozzle that is full of plastic walls like a ball bearing maze, this mixes the parts as it ejects and it reacts.

Darylip is probably talking about the bottles, ringi is talking about the aerosols and I think I'm the only person who has mentioned the oil cans.. But I dare say they're all variations on the same theme, with the aerosols being prevalent due to low unit cost, ease of application and portability/low volume requirements for most uses.

Bizarrely, when you look at the finished/expanded volumes, the aerosols are better value than the bottles. Less useful as you really need to make a mold you can fill and use gravity, the oil cans are the cheapest way of getting x cubic metres of cured foam, but the most limited in application. I've toyed with the idea of using a 2 part oil can kit gun, and a couple of scuba dive bottles/scuba compressor to make my own 2 part spray bottle kit, just haven't got enough time! :/ or dive compressors]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230209#Comment_230209 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230209#Comment_230209 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 18:59:38 +0100 fostertom
So, with an open mind, how can we find out if these bulk types really are same, or technically suitable, for typical building uses?]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230210#Comment_230210 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230210#Comment_230210 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 19:08:54 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary Posted By: cjardI've toyed with the idea of using a 2 part oil can kit gun, and a couple of scuba dive bottles/scuba compressor to make my own 2 part spray bottle kit, just haven't got enough time! :/ or dive compressors
I doubt that you need a scuba type compressor. 300bar is an awful lot of pressure. I would expect a normal garage type compressor (6 -8bar) would do the job
For disposable mixing nozzles a supply of the mixing nozzles used for the 300ml tubes of 2 part building glue would fit the bill.]]> Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230228#Comment_230228 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230228#Comment_230228 Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:08:41 +0100 ringi Using expanding foam overhead. https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230242#Comment_230242 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13685&Focus=230242#Comment_230242 Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:16:52 +0100 cjard