Can You Use Spray Foam For Foundation Cracks

The short answer is yes you can and of the three primary types of spray foam available today, Polyurethane Foam is the best choice as it forms a strong bond with concrete. Each type of spray foam offers unique methods of application and benefits.

When considering Spray Foam for your foundation repair there are several factors you must first examine. Like any home repair, you want the best results, and getting the big picture is crucial and a smart way to begin. Spray foam is an exceptional sealing product that will provide and maintain a well-rated insulation factor. Since the product is applied on-site, it easily adapts to the existing concrete surface and creates a tight process called a building envelope. This is the glue all contractors want to see done correctly.

The term envelope is the degree to which your home construction is airtight to provide a safe and pleasant environment for all seasons. As such, your home is tightly sealed to keep you toasty and warm in winter and cool in summer.

What spray foam to use?

Polyurethane foam is an excellent choice for most foundation or wall cracks and here’s why. This type of foam insulation expands reaching the deepest part of any breach in your concrete slab and produces an airtight seal. Popular crack repair products utilize a special injection port to apply the foam deep into the fissure for maximum coverage that lasts.

HIGH-DENSITY

3 lbs./cubic ft., closed-cell foam R-Values start at 5.5 per inch Often used for exterior and roofing applications

MEDIUM-DENSITY

2 lbs./cubic ft., closed-cell foam R-Values start at 5.7 per inch Often used for continuous insulation, interior wall cavity fill, and unvented attic applications

LOW-DENSITY

0.5 lbs./cubic ft., open-cell foam R-Values start at 3.6 per inch Often used for interior wall cavity fill

If you are doing your own repair work, use a structural-grade, time-tested, hydro-insensitive, and environmentally static product on foundation cracks. This is one area of construction repair that is very critical so the right procedures as well as the best products are crucial.

How to Use Spray Foam For Foundation Cracks

Safety Precautions:

• Safety precautions include following the manufacturer’s suggested safeguards regarding all products used on the job
• Begin by determining all Intrinsic causes of cracks or gaps and their consequences on the building structure
• Always wear chemical-proof gloves and protective eyewear
• Be certain that there is adequate ventilation and open all windows in the area

Tools:

• Tools needed depend on the product and type of repair
• For removing debris and dust use a nylon brush
• When loose concrete is present, use a hammer and chisel to eliminate them before beginning the repair
• For smoothing the surface of the product used, no tools may be needed but a simple putty knife should work well

Tips to make the job easier:

• Begin by setting out all the tools you will need for the job
• Determine what part of the day your energy is highest and work during those hours
• Ask yourself what could possibly go wrong and take precautions to make the work go smoothly
• Make it your priority to avoid any chance of injury or accident during the job

When You Shouldn’t Use Spray Foam for Foundation Cracks?

Spray foam insulation should not be used in the following situations:

For areas too close to electrical boxes

• Too close to ceiling light boxes
• If you have existing pen-cell spray foam on your roof
• For or around any closed-cavity spaces
• Never use spray foam if you have a history of skin issues, respiratory problems, or asthma

Are There Better Alternatives To Fix Foundation Cracks?

Your foundation is one of the most important components of your home. If you find cracks and fissures in your foundation, you should get help immediately. Do not hesitate to contact a professional as this condition will become worse over time.

A damaged foundation can cause a surprisingly large number of further problems in other areas of your home including insect infestation and landscape issues. Air leakage can occur when uncontrolled influent outside air enters your home and effluent inside air leaves your house due to cracks and openings. In the summer months, too much hot air may enter the house, and in winter, fridged cold air can make your family run for the blankets. In addition, air leakage can bring unwanted cold air and moister into your home leading to inferior air quality.

Sealing gaps and breaches reduce drafts and cold spots, vastly improving the comfort level in your home. The advisable strategy is to reduce all points of air leakage and provide controlled ventilation as needed.

Before sealing up cracks and fissures you should first:

• Make certain you have detected all points where the air is leaking
• Properly evaluate your ventilation requirements for indoor air quality
• Decide whether to hire a professional to do the work or do it yourself

An energy-efficient home is one with superior ventilation. This will vary from home to home depending on occupancy, pets, and the type of construction. Appropriate ventilation controls the moister level in the home and reduces the advent of mold growth and structural damage.

At this point, you can apply any essential air-leaking methods and equipment such as caulk and weatherstripping. As a side note, when planning to remodel the home, you must know the appropriate steps used for air sealing in home construction and should also consider a home energy assessment to acquire available opportunities to save energy and cost.

Alternative 1.

A single board foot of closed-cell spray foam may cost double to triple the price of a square foot of fiberglass insulation. Spray foam is the clear winner as it features an improved insulation factor and far better sealing properties.

Alternative 2.

Icynene® is a non-toxic spray foam that doesn’t contain formaldehyde, HCFC, CFC, or HFA so it produces no toxic emissions. Unlike polyurethane foams, Icynene® foam cells are filled with tiny air pockets.