The best DIY spray foam insulation can be quite difficult to find. That’s why many people refrain from DIY work and call in a professional. Still, this can usually become quite costly in the end.
In that regard, we decided to make things easier for you by bringing together some good and effective DIY spray foam insulation kits. Not only will we tell you what the best buys are according to your preferences, but we will also provide some further tips and information to make the project as smooth as possible.
Best DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit Comparison Table
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What Is Spray Foam?
Spray foam is not as new on the market as many might think it would be – in fact, it has been around since the 80s. This product combines polyol resin and isocyanate – and when these two products meet, the result will be a foam-like layer that expands about 30-60 times its initial size.
Once you have sprayed the foam and it finishes expanding, it will dry off and retain its shape constantly – making it the perfect choice for insulating. You can use this spray to fill in every cavity as well, as it expands and shapes around it without compressing. Once it sets, all you have to potentially do is level the foam and finish the remainder of your project.
Benefits of Using DIY Spray Foam Insulation
Obviously, the main benefit that spray foam insulation brings to the table is the fact that it helps you save energy. In comparison to fiberglass or other insulation methods, it leaves no place for the air to infiltrate – providing around 30% more insulation.
Aside from its energy-saving properties, spray foam insulation can also provide the following benefits:
- It offers great structural support for your home, strengthening the base construction.
- It repels water, making it impermeable and functional even if a water pipe bursts or something similar happens.
- The seal that it offers is airtight, making it almost impossible to break.
- It prevents the formation of mold and mildew.
- Its lifespan is much longer as compared to other materials for insulation.
- Reduces the pollen or allergen amount that infiltrates into your house.
It may be slightly more expensive in comparison to other conventional insulation methods, but the result is generally worth it. It is much easier to apply and it gives you complete control. No matter if you have a bigger or a smaller area to insulate, all you have to do is spray the substance and allow it to expand.
Plus, it has a higher R-Value in comparison to other isolation materials. This means that if the worst were to come and the structure would somehow catch fire, the material would be fire retardant. However, it also depends on the type of spray foam you buy. So, you may want to take that into consideration.
Types of Spray Foam Insulation
When it comes to spray foam insulation, you have two options to pick from – the open cell type and the closed-cell. Each type has its own pros and cons and fits different insulation needs. None is better in comparison to the other insulation type; it just depends on what you intend to do. Here is what you may expect from each of them.
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Open Cell
Open-cell spray foam has various benefits. It is the perfect choice for filling and insulating nooks and crannies, along with other holes that need repairing. This type of spray foam insulation has quite good soundproofing properties, all while being very light. It begins expanding the moment that it touches the surface, which means that no nook or crevice is left unattended to.
Open-cell spray foam is more affordable in comparison to closed-cell, but at the same time, it might not be very useful in extreme weather. For this reason, you might want to use it for indoor DIY projects – such as insulating an inner wall, for a room that you want soundproofing.
Here’s a video to help you get started with open cell spray foam insulation.
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Closed Cell
If you want to tackle more robust insulation, then you might want to consider closed-cell spray foam. This type is more resistant to harsh weather, making it the perfect choice if you have some outdoor insulation project in mind. At the same time, since it is more rigid, it’s the ideal choice if you need more structural integrity for a project. It’s also denser and less expansive, as well as completely impermeable to water.
Best Price DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit Reviews (Updated List)
Finding the best DIY spray foam insulation kit can be quite challenging, particularly considering the number of products out there. For this reason, we gathered some of the most popular options to make your job easier for you.
1. Foam It Green 602 Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Kit – Best Overall Choice
- Quickly Seals Out Air & Insulates
- 17 Free Extras with Orders Over $250
- Light Green Foam Reduces Waste
- Appr. 602 square feet at 1 inch thick of cured foam
- 24/7 Customer Support
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When in doubt, this closed cell insulation kit might be one of the most efficient ways for you to insulate a particular room of your house. Since it has a thick consistency that is resistant to water, you may use it to insulate your attic or other walls that are directly in contact with the weather outside.
This insulation kit is quite smooth to install, and while you do need to wear protective gear, it rarely sprays all over the place. The two tanks allow you to cover 602 square feet, giving you one-inch insulation that can keep the inside and outside temperatures separate.
The insulation is also fire retardant, which means that in the event of a disaster, this insulation might stop the spread. It also features anti-microbial properties, which means you will not have to worry about mold growth.
Pros
- It is easy to install
- It covers a wide area
- Fire-rated and antimicrobial
Cons
- The nozzle occasionally leaks foam
2. Touch N Seal 4004520300 Insulating Foam Kit – Best Budget Choice
- SPECIAL NOTE! Due to state regulations, this product is not currently available for use in CA, CO, MA, NJ, NY, VT, and WA. Signature required at the time of delivery. Theoretical Yield: 300 board feet or 300 square feet using a 1" layer (1 board foot = 12" x 12" x 1")
- Open-cell, non-structural air sealing and insulating foam, Increases R-value and sound reduction
- Reduces energy loss, No Ozone Depleting Chemicals or formaldehyde, Dries in one minute
- Ideal for flash & batt applications (air sealing), Class 1 fire-retardant
- Kit Includes: Foam cylinders, fan and conical spray nozzles, applicator gun, and 15' hose
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a spray foam insulation kit that is not as expensive, then you may want to try this one from Touch’n Seal. This product proves that you don’t need to break your wallet in order to insulate your home and prevent any energy losses.
This product may be a couple of hundred bucks less in comparison to other products, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. It is actually the perfect choice if you have a smaller area to cover, up to 300 sq. ft.
Since this is an open-cell insulating spray foam, it has very good noise-insulating properties. This means that if you wish to transform your garage into a studio, you may easily do it with this kit. It comes with the two A and B tanks, the spray gun, the hose, and the nozzles – so, with everything you need to go on with your project.
Pros
- It is very affordable
- Reduced energy loss
- Dries quickly
- Great soundproofing properties
Cons
- Not very good for harsher weather or the outdoors
3. DOW FROTH-PAK 620 Close Cell Spray Foam Sealant Insulation Kit – Easy to Use Choice
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want a spray foam insulation kit that you can use effortlessly and without making a huge mess, then you may want to try the Dow Froth Pak 620. This closed-cell insulation foam quickly isolates cracks and cavities for every temperature, meaning that you may easily isolate an exterior wall as well.
This product also features a quick curing time – taking less than a minute to fully expand and about an hour to cure completely. It is the perfect option if you wish to get the job done fast and then get on your way.
This foam kit comes with the two tanks, the appropriate spray nozzles, gun dispenser, and hose assembly. It can also insulate up to 620 sq. ft., making it the perfect choice if you have a bigger space to insulate.
Pros
- It cures very quickly
- It covers a wide area
- Very easy to apply
Cons
- You need to apply it very quickly, or else it can stick to the nozzle
4. Dow Froth Pak 650 Spray Foam Insulation Kit – Best for Wide Areas
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do you have a bigger surface to cover? In that case, then you might want to try out this option. With the ability to cover up to 650 square feet, it is a perfect choice if you have a bigger room to insulate.
Since this insulation kit is a closed-cell type, it is a great choice if you have an outdoor surface to cover. Moreover, since it has a high R-value (6 per inch of foam), you can be certain that it is water retardant. It is also waterproof, so even if a pipe bursts in the vicinity, it will not affect the foam.
The spray foam is very easy to use – and as long as you position it properly, it does not make too much of a mess. It can also be restarted and reused multiple times within a month, so if you have a bigger project coming up, you may use it whenever you need it.
Pros
- Makes very little mess
- Highly energy efficient
- High R-value
- It covers a wide area
Cons
- It can be quite expensive for some, considering the value
5. Fomo Products Inc. P40540 Spray Foam Insulation – Best Against Mold and Mildew
- Type: Closed Cell Single Component
- Kit Includes: 9 ½” hose, brass ball valve, and a brass needle nozzle.
- Yield: 36,108 linear ft at ¼ inch bead
- Size: 260 oz. (16lb)
- R-Value: 5 per inch
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a handy closed-cell insulation foam, then you might want to try this Fomo option. Featuring a 16lbs tank, it can cover cracks and gaps up to 3 inches – and depending on your needs, it may also insulate entire walls.
With an R-value of 6 per inch, this unit is perfect for withstanding harsh temperatures, no matter if we’re talking about extreme cold or extreme heat. It is also fire retardant, so in the event that a tragedy might strike, the insulation won’t make matters worse; in fact, it will actually slow things down.
The foam is very easy to use and does not make too much of a mess. It also repels moisture, meaning that you won’t have to worry about mold and mildew.
Pros
- Very easy to apply
- High R-value
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Wide coverage
Cons
- The foam layer can be slim depending on the temperatures
6. Tiger Foam E-84 Spray Foam Insulation Kit – User-Friendly Choice
- ASTM E-84 fire rated, closed-cell, fast rise formula.
- Cured R-Value of up to R6 per inch.
- Easy-to-use, disposable and recyclable tanks.
- Comes complete with 9.5 ft Gun & Hose, 3 Fan & 5 Cone Nozzle Tips
- Each kit covers approx. 200 board feet at 1"
Last update on 2023-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you only need to insulate a small area up to 200 sq. ft., this insulation kit is a perfect choice. If you do not want to waste money or needlessly throw away products, then this can prove of great help. Not only is it affordable, but it is very qualitative as well.
What makes this product special is that it has one of the highest R-values on the market – 7.0, to be more specific. This means that even if it is exposed to very high temperatures, the chances are that it won’t get damaged by the heat too much. It is also very easy to assemble and to use, making it perfect for the DIY-er that has never used spray foam insulation before.
This product expands fast, dries quickly, and is also very efficient at saving you energy. The tanks are recyclable as well, making it a user-friendly choice.
Pros
- Very affordable in comparison to other kits
- High R-value
- The tanks are recyclable
- Very energy-efficient
Cons
- The coverage area is very small
- The spray gun may be tricky to use
Things to Consider When Buying the Best DIY Spray Foam Insulation
When it comes to purchasing the best DIY spray foam insulation, you also have to consider a variety of factors. Some of the most important ones are:
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R-Value
The higher the R-value of spray foam, the more effective it will be. A product that has a high R-value will not only be able to properly insulate an area, but it will also protect it against extreme conditions (i.e. extreme cold or extreme heat). Bear in mind that R-value might also be affected by the areal temperature, exposure to moisture, and age of the product. The type of the product will also affect the R-value, as open-cell foam has a higher R-value in comparison to the closed-cell type.
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Ease of Application
There’s no secret that applying spray foam can be somewhat of a messy task. That being said, if you want there to be as little mess as possible, you might want to read into some reviews and choose a product that is easy to apply. In most cases, open-cell spray foam is lighter and easier to apply, but depending on the circumstances, you might also find an easy-to-use closed-type as well.
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Color of Spray Foam
While this might not be a crucial consideration for most people, it’s still something to think about – especially if you wish for the insulated area to remain visible. White and off-white are typically the most popular, but there are other shades that you can pick from (e.g. pink, yellow, green, etc.).
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Accessories
What other accessories does your spray foam insulation kit come with? Some units come with gun dispensers, nozzles, longer hoses, and a variety of accessories that will make the application smoother. Consider all of the accessories that you need before making the purchase so that you don’t have to make several different orders.
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Coverage Area
Depending on the kit that you purchase, you should be able to obtain certain coverage. If you have a bigger surface to cover, go for kits that have at least two tanks. You should also measure the room and read the product description, to make sure that you don’t run out of product when you most need it.
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Foam Thickness
Depending on the R-value, the spray foam may achieve a different thickness. Open-cell spray foam is generally thicker, but if you don’t want it to take too much space, you might want to go for closed-cell insulation.
How to Use a DIY Spray Foam Insulation Kit?
Spray foam insulation is quite easy to do, as long as you carefully read the user manual. Since your main concern here is safety, you may want to make sure that you wear all the right protective gear and take the proper precautions. Always wear a paint project respirator and safety goggles.
To avoid things from getting really messy, you might want to cover areas where you don’t want the spray foam to get (e.g. the floor). Once you do that, connect the hose to the tank, rock and purge the tanks, verify that the temperature of the room and the tank is correct, and spray the foam from around 6-26 inches from the surface. The layer needs to be thin – about 2 inches.
Leave it about a few minutes to cure, and once it dries, you may finish your project. Depending on the result, you may either cover it, or you may just leave it like that.
FAQ
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Is it difficult to use spray foam insulation kits if you’re not a pro?
Getting the full hang of it can take a few minutes, but essentially, spray foam insulation works pretty much like spray paint. You just need to be careful not to spray it everywhere, because otherwise, you will have expanded foam all over the place. So, you certainly don’t need to be a pro to use spray foam insulation.
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Can I use spray foam on a surface that is slightly moist?
Spray foam insulation does require moisture to a certain degree in order to expand and cure. However, while there is no issue when the surface and the air are slightly moist, the foam insulation won’t stick well to the surface if it is wet. Before trying to apply the spray foam, you may want to allow it to dry for as much as possible.
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Is DIY spray foam efficient in reducing noise as well?
Yes, it can reduce noise, although this will mostly depend on the type of spray foam that you purchase. Since open-cell spray foam is thicker and expands much more in comparison to closed-cell insulation, it has much better noise-insulating properties.
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What is the general duration of DIY spray foam insulation?
While we can say that spray foam insulation “can last forever,” it usually lasts for at least a lifetime. Under normal circumstances, spray foam insulation can resist as much as 80 years, but it will also depend on the application, exposure to the sun, and water damage.
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Won’t spray foam insulation seal the air in my home and make it less breathable?
While the spray foam does seal the air in your home entirely, it’s not that much of a difference when it comes to air quality; you will still need to ventilate your home. However, most experts recommend that you install an HVAC system in your home that will ventilate the air. This way, the air will be clean and you will not have to sacrifice warmth for ventilation.
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What sort of equipment do I need together with DIY spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation doesn’t only have a very toxic smell, but through its nature, it can also get everywhere. This is why you need to wear the right safety gear, including protective coveralls, gloves, goggles, and a mask or respirator.
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Where can you buy spray foam insulation kits?
The best place for you to buy DIY spray foam insulation kits is from Amazon, as it has a multitude of options for you to pick from. You can also read quite a few reviews there to make sure the product is good. Shipping is very fast, and in case the item is not what you expected, you also have a very simple return policy.
Wrap Up
It doesn’t take an expert to insulate a certain area – you may easily do it yourself if you want to. However, in order to be successful, you need to buy the best DIY spray foam insulation kit – one that you can easily use without all the professional gear. Hopefully, our suggestions and our tips came to good use.
