There are three major types of spray foam application systems: high-pressure, low-pressure, and one-component insulating foam sealants. Each application system has unique advantages to fit the needs of your project.

All application systems allow spray foam to tightly adhere to the entire structure which helps keep it in place. Because spray foam helps fill gaps from joints, seams and cracks, spray foam insulation can be used to enhance the energy efficiency of any home or structure. The spray foam will fill seams, gaps and other small openings, limiting air and moisture intrusion.

High-Pressure

Two-Component Foam

Low-Pressure

Two-Component Foam

Insulating Foam Sealant

One-Component Foam

Advantages of High-Pressure, Two-Component SPF

High-pressure systems can be used by trained professionals to spray high-density, medium-density, and low-density spray foam. High-pressure, two-component spray foam is most likely to be used on larger projects such as a new building construction or renovations.

Learn more about safety considerations and what to expect when having high-pressure spray foam installed in your home.

Advantages of Low-Pressure, Two-Component SPF

Low-pressure two-component spray foam is typically applied by trained professionals around ductwork, electrical or piping penetrations, rim joists, and roof repairs. Low-pressure spray foam is used to insulate and seal small to mid-sized areas in homes and other buildings that are too large for, insulating foam sealants sold in small cans. It is especially effective in weatherizing older homes that have many cracks, gaps and wall penetrations around doors, window frames, pipes and plumbing lines. The air- and heat-leakage improvements can be quite dramatic after a low-pressure SPF application, which can result in greater efficiencies.

Learn more about safety considerations and what to expect when having low-pressure spray foam installed in your home.

Advantages of Insulating Foam Sealant, One-Component Foam

Insulating foam sealant, also known as one-component foam or foam-in-a-can, is generally used for small projects, such as sealing gaps and cracks. This foam is available to both professional spray foam applicators and homeowners. It’s popular with users seeking to save energy and conserve resources.
One-component foam sealant bonds readily to wood, masonry, metal, glass and many plastics. It sets and cures quickly, hardening into a protective shield that helps prevent air from crossing the foam barrier where it is installed.

Typical uses for insulating foam sealant include:

  • Filling gaps and cracks around window and doorframes
  • Closing gaps around outside-wall penetrations made by gas lines, water faucets or dryer-vent hoses
  • Filling gaps inside the home caused by electrical line or HVAC vent penetrations

Homeowners can buy cans of one-component foam at hardware and home improvement stores. When applying insulating sealant, it’s important to follow the manufacturers’ recommended instructions for safe applications and personal protection. Once the foam is set, it can be sanded, trimmed, painted or stained using appropriate precautions.

Learn more about safety considerations when installing foam sealant in your home. Information found on this site is meant to be an informative resource, not a substitute for the product manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations.

Additional Spray Foam Resources