GREAT STUFF Gaps & Cracks

I have been using Great Stuff (awesome name BTW) for years. Here is my take on it. Prepare your surface carefully. Clean, dry, non-oily, etc. Disposable gloves highly recommended Super sticky when wet Go s-l-o-w, what seems like a little expands 3 to 5 times Once dry, the foam hardens, yet is still a bit soft. For my application, I carve the foam with a long-bladed exacto knife. The sharper and thinner, the better. For my application, I applied silicone caulk to upper edges and recently-revealed air pockets. This is to create a smooth, water-shedding surface. Finally, allow caulk to dry and spray paint with enamel paint. For any exterior application, painting is required. The suns' rays will deteriorate and oxidize the surface. So paint must be applied if item is outdoors. There is quite a bit of material in one can. I would estimate approximately 1.5 cu. ft. of cured foam if you were to use it all at one go. By the way. You must use it all, or toss the unused portion, since the liquid foam inside the long applicator nozzle will dry and harden, making any future uses impossible.

Great Stuff expanding foam when used appropriately, does a fantastic job. Wearing gloves, safety glasses and a mask I was surprised at how easy it was to apply right where I needed it. It flows out like whipped cream, and the dispenser straw makes it easy to aim. I took my time and applied it slowly and evenly, don`t over fill, it expands as it cures. When dry it forms a permanent, weather and insect tight seal. You can cut or sand any excess, then paint or stain if you wish. Dow claims one 12oz can equals 19 tubes of caulk. They both have their uses, but I would use the foam seal more for unseen areas. My picture shows a gap above a basement window that was open to the outside. I applied the foam inside and it expanded out through the crack, a complete seal. The inside area was small, and I didn`t really notice a smell, and the outside was no problem either. If you buy it for a particular job, look around for any other places you may need it. This is a one shot deal, as the can and applicator seal themselves shut as it dries. This was a very positive experience, from a product I had doubts about.