Questions about expanding foam insulation

Aug 13, 2009 5 Replies

I made a hole in the side of my house to install a dryer vent. I want to seal around it with the spray expanding foam insulation. Looking at the Great Stuff brand, I can either buy stuff that cures rigid or flexible. Here are links for both (rigid first):



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Which one would be better? And it says on the can that it is designed for one use, rather than using it a bit and saving it for a future use, because the dispenser gets filled and cures. Is there any way to save it for a future use?



thanks in advance, John


Unless you need the softer stuff, like around windows to prevent jamming, I prefer the rigid foam. It is much easier to trim after hardening for a neat fit.

The original multi-page instructions that used to come with Great Stuff (along with a pair of disposable gloves) had this tip:

Remove the tube and nozzle/trigger. Moisten a toothpick and place one in each opening where the foam was: One in the can itself, one in each end of the nozzle/trigger and one in each end of the tube. When the foam hardens, it will stick to the wooden toothpicks and pull out easily. It works quite well. I prefer flat toothpicks, with the big end stuffed into the holes.

You can also squirt acetone in each place to clean the foam while it is still wet.

I just hold the can right side up and give a couple blasts of air. Wait a few minutes and do it again as the foam swells. Sometimes 3 or 5 times. It blows the tubes clear. Next time it works fine.

I used the rigid stuff on my dryer vent too.It came out good Just make sure you use a little, it will go a long way and expand. As far as the dispenser, I usually just use drinking straws on the can, then throw them away. They fit snug on top of the can.

Hey, there is a company now that sells spare nozzle packs that work with great stuff and other brands, they are > I made a hole in the side of my house to install a dryer vent. I want

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