Spray Foam Insulation Project Ideas
There are some spray foam manufacturers and sellers who claim the use of polyurethane foam as an insulator in the home can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50%. Of course the actual savings is based upon so many factors, unique in every application, that we couldn’t possibly speculate as to the accuracy of those figures. What we do know, is closed cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 6.7 in one inch of cured foam. That is a hard fact, no matter what the application.
However, what most people do not know is spray foam insulation can be used very effectively in applications other than walls and attics. It is true, the insulating, sound proofing, sound deadening, moisture resistance, sealing, insect and rodent resistant qualities of polyurethane foam kits are beneficial to so many more areas than most people think. Let’s take a look at all the potential applications for spray foam insulation; no doubt there will be a few that even the most seasoned contractors have not thought of!
Aside from spraying attics and between wall studs, consider insulating the home’s rim joist. By doing so, the interior cavities are better protected from cold/hot air penetration and critter invasions. Crawlspaces are fabulous places for using polyurethane foam; drafts are blocked, insects are kept out, moisture cannot build up and extensive flood damage is prevented. Now how about those older homes where the water pipes are on the outside of the building and at risk of freezing in the cold of winter? Consider the benefits of insulating them with spray foam. Some extreme temperatures will not be suitable (-200F or +200F), but 99% of residential applications will reap huge benefits from this application.
Now contemplate the recreational elements of the home, such as pools, spas, boats, recreational vehicles and trailers. Reducing the costs of heating your pool water by up to half will be easy if the underlying cavity and sides are insulated with polyurethane foam. Campers and trailers are rarely insulated beyond a cursory overlay, resulting in diminished use during the spring and autumn months. Why not extend your annual use of recreational vehicles by adding a layer of spray foam insulation? Plus, don’t forget the spray foam will also help deaden noise from the road. Pleasure boats, dinghies, even yachts can benefit from polyurethane foam. Aside from the insulating qualities, there is added buoyancy. For small vessels like row boats and the kid’s summer dinghy, that could be a great added safety benefit.
In new construction and large renovations there is often a need to fill voids for adding to the structural integrity, sealing up air pockets, smoothing out uneven cavities and insulating HVAC components. Polyurethane foam is the perfect solution for all those needs. It gets into those little spaces and expands until there is nowhere else to go. Even buildings formerly used for storage can be spray foam insulated and converted to residential use. Or how about converting an old van or bus into a recreational vehicle? Insulate it with spray foam and you have a quiet, warm place to sleep while on that summer road trip.
We know one of the qualities of polyurethane foam is the ability to repel moisture, and in turn prevent mildew and mold. In the event of a water problem such as a residential flood or hurricane damage, spray foam will provide a temporary dyke while a more concrete solution can be arranged. Now let’s take that ability to resist liquid one step further, to hazardous materials. Polyurethane foam also resists oil and petrochemicals, which mean it can be used as a temporary hazmat spill containment solution.
Now let’s move on to a more creative avenue. Have you ever been to a museum or theme park where there are displays depicting a prehistoric or outdoor scene including large fake boulders or rock walls? Those boulders are probably made from spray foam insulation. How about a spooky haunted house at an amusement park? Many of the goblins and oddities inside are probably sculpted from spray foam. The same can be done for elaborate stage sets for theatrical and film productions. The builder simply constructs a base from wood, covers it with wire or anything the foam can adhere to, and spray the foam on until there is the right amount of thickness. Then the builder can just carve, sand, and cut the foam until the proper shape and texture is accomplished.
We have covered the mundane construction uses of spray foam, the recreational uses, the sound deadening uses, the buoyancy, the HVAC, filling voids, emergency flood control, hazmat clean up and even theatrical uses. There are probably a few more place spray foam can be useful, but we leave it to you to discover them.
About the Author
Spray Foam Direct.com features quick and easy do-it-yourself expanding foam insulation which will save you money and energy. Guardian Energy Technologies Inc. offers the added benefits of reducing our carbon footprint by offering foam it green solutions and balancing their impact through carbon reproduction projects. Visit online today.
Foam Cutting: Hot Wire Bow Cutter
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CRAFTERS HOT KNIFE, Foam Cutter w/ 6 Blade, Gets up to 700 degrees F $69.95 New Heavy Duty Hot Knife Carves a Niche in Hobbies & Crafts Burbank, Calif. Finally, professionals and hobby model makers get the right tool at the right price with the Crafter’s Hot Knife. |
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The Styro Wonder Hot Knife Cutter Plus $13.54 The styro wonder cutter plus-. Floracraft-be creative! ideal for cutting styrofoam into a variety of intricate shapes. Precision control heats in less than 30 seconds convenient on-off switch. For ages 12 and up. Adult supervision required…. |
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Hot Wire Foam Factory Crafters Deluxe 3-in-1 Sculpting Tool, 4 Inch Hot Knife & Engraving Tool Kit $94.99 This Deluxe 3-in-1 Tool Kit includes the Sculpting Tool (with 6 wires), 4″ Hot Knife, Engraving Tool, single temperature plug-in-the-wall Power Supply, a 90 minute Hot Wire Foam Factory DVD, and a handy carrying case. These foam cutting tools are a great addition to any tool chest to get creative with foam projects. They each feature a switch in the handle to turn the tool on and off. The Sculptin… |
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Sculpting Foam $17.99 Women’s 201 ml/6.7 oz Foam. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam is the perfect combination of styling and conditioning for naturally curly or textured hair. Sculpting Foam gives hair manageability and control. |
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Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam – 6 Oz $13.43 Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam provides firm hold flexible style body and shine. |
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Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam 6.7 oz $15.7 Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam is available in a 6.7 Oz bottle. This foam is ideal for both styling and conditioning hair. Paul Mitchell Sculpting Foam is perfect for curly and textured hair. ? Gives hair control and manageability ? Mixture of styling and c |
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Danner 12305 Foam Blocks $26.53 Danner 12305 Foam Blocks Danner 12305 Foam Blocks Features: Designed to maintain the effectiveness of the original filter Foam offer biological filtration Filtration helps support plant and fish life For PM 2000 4 per card |
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Medium Style Hold Sculpting Foam $35.99 Women’s 507 ml/16.9 oz Foam. For all hair types. Conditioning foam helps style and helps protect fragile hair. Enhances curls and waves also helps control frizz. |
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Foam Wooden Blocks – Set of 80 $32.89 These wooden soft blocks are made of super high-density foam with precise edges for building and stacking. Blocks resemble real wood but are lightweight and safe for young children. Durable and easy to hand clean with soap and water. Blocks are approximately 1 2/5 thick. 80 blocks. |
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Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam 6.7 oz $15.7 Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam is available in a 6.7 Oz bottle. This foam incorporates a conditioning formula that provides a fuller body and more control. Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam is ideal for blow-dried hair styles. ? Moisture is |
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Zoo Foam Blocks – 43 Pieces $19.99 Go wild for these chunky zoo blocks! Delightful double-sided foam pieces are perfect for building toddler’s fine motor skills and will keep children entertained for hours. |
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Foam Brick Blocks – Set of 68 $39.69 Building pieces are made of soft brick-patterned foam. Perfectly cut edges make it easy for small hands to stack and build. Based on a unit measurement of 1 5/8 x 3 1/8. Makes the ideal complementary set to our Foam Unit Blocks (#FOBL). Set of 68 foam blocks comes in a plastic tote bag for easy storage. Ages 18 months and up. |
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Foam Unit Floor Blocks – 126 Pieces $99.99 Use these brightly colored blocks for building on the floor with full-sized floor unit blocks. |
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Foam Tabletop Unit Blocks – 68 Pieces $32.89 Safe colorful soft building blocks made of foam rubber. Cut with perfect edges for easy stacking and building. Comes in a plastic tote bag. Based on a unit measurement of 1 5/8 x 3 1/8. The foam cannot be ripped and they’re blissfully quiet. Ages 18 months and up. |
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Yakima Products Universal Kayak Foam Blocks $45.49 Yakima Products Universal Kayak Foam Blocks . Yakima s entry-level kayak carrying solution includes foam blocks, straps, hooks and tie-downs everything you need for shorter trips, or for paddlers just getting into water sports. And for all you beginners out there, welcome to the party. Fits and protects most styles of hulls and gunwales Laminated, super-grippy, anti-skid pads protect your vehicle Simple design for easy installation Attach to a naked roof or round, square and most factory crossbars right out of the bag Reusable mesh bag for storage |
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Paul Mitchell Body Sculpting Foam – 6.7 Oz $13.48 Provides firm hold flexible style body and shine |
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Weighted Bumpity Blocks $28.95 A weighted foam alternative to classic blocks! The extra weight and unique texture provide increased motor control. The non-standard shapes encourage creativity. |
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Step 2 Foam Soft & Sturdy Grid Lock Blocks $17.99 Stick stack and stash these amazing foam building blocks! Unique foam shapes and sizes interlock easily for building structures that are only limited by your imagination. When you re finished their low profile and locking edges makes storing them a quick and easy task. Step 2 Foam Soft & Sturdy Grid Lock Blocks Feature: Soft Durafoam sticks together easily and bends without breaking Promotes hand eye coordination and creativity Lightweight foam is easy on little hands and makes storage simple Versatile blocks float for bathtime fun and wipe clean easily Each set includes 30 puzzle pieces 5 unique shapes each measure roughly 4.5 by 4.5 by 5 8 Made in China For indoor or outdoor use |
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Floating Arctic Foam Blocks – Set of 39 $19.95 Build your own polar ice cap with this colorful arctic block set. Super-thick lightweight foam pieces float on water- perfect for use with sand and water tables. Includes 2 icebergs a variety of animals (mothers and babies) and shapes. |
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Kayak Knee Blocks $18.95 Kayak Knee Blocks – Outfitting pads are a wonderful way to get a customized fit in any type of kayak. Knee Blocks enhances the overall fit of the kayak to the boater. These 2 foam blocks attach to the sides of the boat. The Knee Blocks fit below the thigh braces, locking the knees in position. This improves posture in the boat and reduces strain on the knees and legs. The peel and stick adhesive back makes for easy installation. |
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Textured Colored Blocks – 80 Pieces $33.29 Soft durable foam blocks in vibrant colors and various textures spark imagination and promote tactile stimulation. |
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Soft Velour Blocks – Set of 24 $29.99 Soft velour large foam blocks are machine washable and will retain their color and brilliance through many washings. |
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Morrison Medical Disposable Foam Orange Blocks, 4?X5?X10?, Case of 9 Pairs $55.92 Disposable Foam Orange Blocks Rectangular foam blocks sealed in highly visible orange vinyl, complete with handle. Use tape or Morrison disposable straps to secure patient. Firm but lightweight support. Blocks float, ideal for water rescue. |
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Morrison Medical Disposable Foam Orange Blocks, 4?X5?X10?, Case of 30 Pairs $156.42 Disposable Foam Orange Blocks Rectangular foam blocks sealed in highly visible orange vinyl, complete with handle. Use tape or Morrison disposable straps to secure patient. Firm but lightweight support. Blocks float, ideal for water rescue. |
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Edushape 700149 MultiColor Giant Blocks $72 Multicolor Giant Blocks. Multi-layers, colorful oversized blocks. Each block consist of 4 different colored layers of extra durable foam. Ideal for safe and quiet play |
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Yoga Blocks 0-Green Hay $9.98 Yoga blocks can help you achieve the full benefit of each yoga pose by providing extra height, stability and support. Used under your hands, feet or bottom, these lightweight foam blocks ensure proper alignment and safely assist in deepening stretches. They are the best way to safely support and modify yoga poses to fit your level of flexibility. 4″ x 9″ x 9 ½ “. Colors Green Hay, Purple or Raspberry |
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Yoga Blocks 0-Purple $9.98 Yoga blocks can help you achieve the full benefit of each yoga pose by providing extra height, stability and support. Used under your hands, feet or bottom, these lightweight foam blocks ensure proper alignment and safely assist in deepening stretches. They are the best way to safely support and modify yoga poses to fit your level of flexibility. 4″ x 9″ x 9 ½ “. Colors Green Hay, Purple or Raspberry |
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Yoga Blocks 0-Raspberry $9.98 Yoga blocks can help you achieve the full benefit of each yoga pose by providing extra height, stability and support. Used under your hands, feet or bottom, these lightweight foam blocks ensure proper alignment and safely assist in deepening stretches. They are the best way to safely support and modify yoga poses to fit your level of flexibility. 4″ x 9″ x 9 ½ “. Colors Green Hay, Purple or Raspberry |
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Morrison Medical Disposable Foam Head Blocks, w/ Adhesive Head/Chin Straps, 9Sets/Cs $75.39 Head Blocks w/Straps Set Set includes 1 pair of head blocks (#0320) plus 1 pair of adhesive head/chin straps (#1475). 0320 Head Blocks Features: Rectangular foam blocks sealed in highly visible orange vinyl, complete with handle. Use tape or Morrison disposable straps to secure patient. Firm but lightweight support. Blocks float, ideal for water rescue. Disposable Head/Chin Straps, 1475 Features: Easy to apply. EZ Peel ends. Orange. |
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Morrison Medical Disposable Foam Head Blocks, w/ Adhesive Head/Chin Straps, 30Sets/Cs $205.59 Head Blocks w/Straps Set Set includes 1 pair of head blocks (#0320) plus 1 pair of adhesive head/chin straps (#1475). 0320 Head Blocks Features: Rectangular foam blocks sealed in highly visible orange vinyl, complete with handle. Use tape or Morrison disposable straps to secure patient. Firm but lightweight support. Blocks float, ideal for water rescue. Disposable Head/Chin Straps, 1475 Features: Easy to apply. EZ Peel ends. Orange. |
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Sammons Preston Bumpity Blocks, Ages 3+ $56.5 Bumpity Blocks An alternative to classic blocks, weighted foam is textured to provide increased motor control. The extra weight and non-standard shapes help avoid self-stimulatory behavior and encourage creativity in building. Latex-free foam with unique interlocking shapes are surface washable. Includes booklet with easy, medium and challenging play options. |
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12 Builder Blocks – Beginners Set $208.76 Noiseless modular set of building blocks with no sharp corners splinters or peeling-cracking finish. Primary color vinyl covered foam shapes eliminate ouches and class distracting crashes. Featherlight capable of large structure building. 12 pcs. (SHIPS IN 21 DAYS) |
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Structure Foam Firm Hold Whip $10.99 Women’s 255 ml/8.5 oz Foam. Maximum hold quick absorbing rich styling whip works hand in hand with your blow dryer and your creativity to provide sculpting control and styling support – alcohol free. |
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EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks, Pair, Black $48.88 Features of the EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks: These Sacral Blocks are useful to position/wedge clients in a certain position, or when clients are put on their side near the hip/tailbone. Dimensions (inches) 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 High density foam Non-Slip bottom surface and handling grips Warranty: 1 year |
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EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks, Pair, Burgundy $48.88 Features of the EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks: These Sacral Blocks are useful to position/wedge clients in a certain position, or when clients are put on their side near the hip/tailbone. Dimensions (inches) 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 High density foam Non-Slip bottom surface and handling grips Warranty: 1 year |
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EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks, Pair, Mystic Blue $48.88 Features of the EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks: These Sacral Blocks are useful to position/wedge clients in a certain position, or when clients are put on their side near the hip/tailbone. Dimensions (inches) 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 High density foam Non-Slip bottom surface and handling grips Warranty: 1 year |
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EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks, Pair, Teal $48.88 Features of the EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks: These Sacral Blocks are useful to position/wedge clients in a certain position, or when clients are put on their side near the hip/tailbone. Dimensions (inches) 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 High density foam Non-Slip bottom surface and handling grips Warranty: 1 year |
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EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks, Pair, Vanilla Creme $48.88 Features of the EarthLite Pelvic Sacral Blocks: These Sacral Blocks are useful to position/wedge clients in a certain position, or when clients are put on their side near the hip/tailbone. Dimensions (inches) 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 High density foam Non-Slip bottom surface and handling grips Warranty: 1 year |
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Set of 12 Toddler Baby Blocks $89 Play it to Perfection This checkerboard playing mat is the perfect play area for children of all ages It is made of thick virgin foam and covered with a wipe clean vinyl Its multi-purpose uses ideal for group activities shielding babies from non-hygienic surfaces or a gentle soft place to just play makes it a number one item For a fun learning experience buy the optional block sets Matching the blocks to the squares on the mat will provide a combination of cognitive stimulation and gross motor play for developing toddlers |
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Edushape 726032 Big Wood-Like Building Blocks $130 Edushape Big Wood-Like Building Blooks look like real wood! Big soft foam building blocks perfect for all ages in building and developing motor skills. Ages 9 Months & Up |
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Stamping Blocks – Set of 12 $10.99 This fantastic set of foam stamping cubes gives you 24 huge awesome designs! Each 2 1/4Sq. cube has 4 different designs. 2 each of 6 themed cubes. Designs include – shell crab seahorse fish house ball cat tree plane boat car train sun moon star and planet. |
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H Bomb Sunglasses with Foam $13.95 Atlantis H Bomb Sunglasses with Foam Lightweight and comfortable Impact resistant polycarbonate construction OSHA approved; meet ANSI Z87 + standards Blocks out 99% of harmful UVA and UVB rays Equipped with Bomber’s exclusive pantented floating foam lining |
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Lottabody professional formula foam wrap lotion for setting all types of hair – 7 Oz $4.68 Lottabody foam wrap lotion great for molding sculpting and setting all types of hair. |
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Wolf X-Ray Wolfoam Positioning Blocks, 7/set $73.36 Features of the Wolf X-Ray Wolfoam Positioning Blocks: Wolfoam, the non-absorbent, non-flammable material designed for patient positioning. A variety of seven shapes and sizes, provides the versatility necessary for every radiographic procedure. This soft, resilient foam plastic is warm to the patient’s touch, firm enough to provide the support necessary, yet soft enough to cradle bodily parts comfortably. Wolfoam is radiolucent, won’t slip or skid, and is completely sterilizable. |
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Sculpting Wax $17.99 Women’s 60ml/2oz . A medium weight sculpting wax Gives separation & texture to hair style Formulated with a sunscreen Benzophenone-3 Helps shield hair against damaging UVA/UVB rays Free of harsh sulfates & artificial colors To use: Apply a small amount on fingertips on cleansed & towel-dried hair work through. For longer hair types use a small amount to separate & texturize |
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Cranium Super Sculpting with Clay $3.99 Cranium Super Sculpting has everything kids need to make a whole world of their own – out of clay! Each page is fully illustrated with tons of amazing sculpting ideas that kids can try over and over again as they mold their own clay creations. The large tub of purple Cranium Clay lets kids start sculpting spectacular shapes right away. With Cranium Super Sculpting, the creative possibilities are endless! |
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Joilotion Sculpting Lotion $21.99 Women’s 300ml/10.1oz . A versatile non-alcoholic sculpting & setting lotion Gives light to medium hold to for hard-to-manage hair Great for blow-drying setting sculpting & creating wet looks Offers UV protectants to condition & shield against environmental hazards Creates luminous hair with enhanced body |
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Joico – Joilotion Sculpting Lotion $126 A versatile, non-alcoholic sculpting & setting lotion Gives light to medium hold to for hard-to-manage hair Great for blow-drying, setting, sculpting & creating wet looks Offers UV protectants to condition & shield against environmental hazards |