How Do Low Expansion Foam and High Expansion Foam Differ?

You might be thinking about spray foam insulation but aren’t sure which type to choose. High Expansion Foam and Low Expansion are the two most popular kinds. Below are the key differences between them.

Uses

Since it expands to as much as five times its output size, high-expansion foam gets primarily used to fill in significant gaps like:

• Rim joists, wall/roof joints, or substantial cracks in framing
• Blind corners
• Wall/ceiling intersections
• Around cans and boxes, lights over the cans

Low-expansion foam expands around 10% bigger than its output; therefore, it gets employed for smaller tasks such as:

Large cracks and gaps around doors and windows that can’t get filled with caulk

• Plumbing, HVAC, and electrical wiring
• Small holes and seams in the framing

Method of Curing

High Expansion foam contains two components stored inside separate containers until mixed before spraying. Following spraying, the foam usually cures in less than two minutes.

Low expansion foam comes in one container or tank and is dependent on the moisture present in the air to set, typically within 20 minutes. It is possible to require a spritzer to properly repair low expansion foam under dry conditions.

Method of Dispensing

Because high expansion foam gets often used to tackle larger projects and needs separate tanks for both components, the dispensing systems are generally more extensive and come with two tanks, each having lines connecting with the spray gun.

Low expansion foam is usually in smaller containers connected straight to the sprayer or a single line connecting to a separate tank. For the best spray foam services, talk at 613 Spray Foam.

We are here to help you be with a comfortable and safe experience. So please call us at (613) 319-8422 or e-mail us at info@613sprayfoam.ca.