Encyclopedia

of Home Improvements

*Great Stuff*

Great Stuff is just that - it's great stuff

Great Stuff is a polyurethane foam sealant. Spray it into a gap or hole and it will expand and dry, creating an air and watertight seal.

Make sure to wear hand and eye protection when using Great Stuff. Once it gets on something its very difficult if not impossible to remove

Shake the can for 30 seconds and screw the trigger on the nozzle. Foam will dispense slowly by pulling down on the trigger. Gaps should be filled only half way to allow for proper expansion. When filling large gaps foam should be applied in layers, not all at once.

You can use minimaly expanding Great Stuff for gaps around doors and windows. It will expand enough to fill the gap and not push the frame out of plumb.

Have you ever wondered why your house never seems to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter, even though your air conditioner or furnace seem to be constantly running? This is a common problem in homes that are insulated with fiberglass, but are not air-sealed.

The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines, under the siding, in the basement, and in many other places. When you add them all up, it's about the same as having a four square foot opening letting air in and out of the house. Air leakage through holes, gaps, and cracks is the single biggest cause of home heating and cooling loss. This loss accounts for 30 to 50 percent of the energy used in most homes. With a 400 percent increase in heating and cooling costs over the past decade, air sealing your home is a simple way to save money and make your home more comfortable.

Insect Infestations

The average home has many hidden holes, gaps and cracks around window and door frames, electrical outlets, plumbing lines and under the siding. These openings are pathways for insects to enter the house. If your house is infested by ants, ladybugs or other small insects, you can minimize the problem by sealing gaps and cracks around the house.

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