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Quick Answer
Froth pak sealant can be used as insulation in some applications, but it has limitations compared to more traditional insulation materials. The key factors when considering froth pak sealant as insulation are its lower R-value, higher cost, and more difficult installation.
What is Froth Pak Sealant?
Froth pak refers to two-part polyurethane foam that comes in pressurized cans. To apply froth pak foam, you dispense the two liquid components from the can and they react and expand to fill cracks, gaps, and voids. As the foam cures, it hardens into a rigid, closed-cell plastic.
Froth pak is commonly used as a sealant to fill openings and prevent air infiltration. It can also act as an adhesive and insulator. Some of the main applications of froth pak include:
- Filling gaps and cracks in structures
- Insulating rim joists in basements
- Adhering roof tiles
- Mounting windows and doors
- Sealing ductwork and HVAC components
The closed-cell structure of cured froth pak gives it insulating properties. The trapped air pockets resist heat flow. Froth pak has an R-value of around R-5 to R-6 per inch.
Benefits of Froth Pak Insulation
There are some advantages to using froth pak foam as insulation:
- Air sealing – Froth pak seals cracks and gaps as it expands and cures, preventing drafts.
- Versatility – It can fill odd-shaped cavities and spaces that would be difficult to insulate conventionally.
- Adhesion – Froth pak bonds to many building materials, sealing out moisture and air.
- Higher R-value – Per inch, froth pak provides a higher R-value than some other types of foam insulation.
The ability to air seal and insulate in one step makes froth pak foam convenient for some insulation needs. The foam can reach into cracks, gaps, and voids that would be difficult to address with rolled fiberglass batts or rigid foam boards.
Limitations of Froth Pak Insulation
Despite some benefits, froth pak has important limitations as insulation:
- Lower R-value – Compared to fiberglass and rigid foam insulations, froth pak has a lower R-value per inch.
- Higher cost – The material cost per square foot is higher than traditional insulation.
- Difficult installation – Achieving proper thickness and coverage takes skill with the froth pak applicator.
- Air sealing only – It addresses air leaks but doesn’t insulate entire cavities or surfaces.
To achieve the high R-values recommended for exterior walls, attics, and other building assemblies, the thickness and cost of applying froth pak would typically be impractical. The lower R-value per inch also makes it poorly suited for insulating entire wall cavities or open attic spaces.
Froth pak works best as a targeted air sealing and insulating foam, not for insulating whole structures. It is also sensitive to proper installation thickness and technique.
Recommended Uses for Froth Pak Insulation
Here are some of the best uses for froth pak foam as insulation:
Rim Joists
Applying froth pak in rim joists can seal air leaks and provide R-10 to R-15 insulation. Rim joists are vulnerable to air infiltration and thermal bridging. Froth pak bonds well to wood and seals cracks.
Attic Hatches/Kneewall Doors
Foaming attic hatches and kneewall door frames can seal air gaps. An uninsulated attic access can leak air and lose heat. Froth pak is an easy way to insulate and air seal these spots.
Electrical/Plumbing Penetrations
Froth pak excels at sealing penetrations for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other services that cut through insulated surfaces. Foam backer rods are often used first before applying froth pak.
Ductwork
Sealing ductwork connections, seams, and penetrations with froth pak can eliminate air leakage. Foamed ductwork loses less conditioned air and requires less energy to heat and cool effectively.
Window and Door Installs
Froth pak adheres windows and doors into their openings. It air seals the gaps and provides a layer of insulated sheathing. Making a high-performing air barrier is critical on window and door installs.
How to Install Froth Pak Insulation
If you do wish to use froth pak sealant as insulation, follow best practices:
- Read all manufacturer safety instructions. Wear PPE like gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
- Cover adjacent surfaces with plastic sheeting to prevent overspray.
- Use approved backing materials as required. Insert backer rod into gaps before foaming.
- Shake froth pak canisters thoroughly to mix components.
- Attach and purge nozzle to ensure even flow without clogs.
- Dispense foam in even 1″ lifts allowing time to cure between passes.
- Trim cured foam as needed for aesthetics and proper clearances.
Proper froth pak application requires practicing techniques on scrap materials first. Applying multiple thin passes allows foam to fully cure rather than sag or drip.
Alternatives to Froth Pak Insulation
In many cases, traditional insulation types like these may be better options than froth pak foam:
Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Fiberglass delivers higher R-value per inch at a lower cost but lacks air sealing properties. It’s not feasible for small gaps. Fiberglass works well for insulating attics, walls, floors, and other large open spaces.
Rigid Foam Insulation
Rigid foam boards provide increased R-value for less thickness compared to froth pak. Types like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) are common in exterior wall sheathing and basement foundation insulation. Rigid foams require separate air sealing.
Spray Foam Insulation
Professional spray foam insulation kits can deliver higher R-values than DIY froth pak kits. The equipment investment is substantial, but total insulating value per pass is improved. Installation expertise is critical as well to make proper thermal boundaries and avoid overspray.
Conclusion
In summary, froth pak does have limited usefulness as an insulator:
- It can work well for targeted air sealing and insulating in gaps and cracks.
- Performance is not equivalent to traditional insulation types for whole assemblies.
- Achieving proper thicknesses for high R-values has practical challenges.
- Material cost is higher than other insulation on a per square foot basis.
- Installation expertise and practice are required for proper application.
For whole-structure insulation needs, materials like fiberglass batts and rigid foam boards tend to be better options. Froth pak works best for sealing air leaks through cracks and openings. When used appropriately, it can supplement more robust insulation to improve energy efficiency.