Dow ENERFOAM - User Manual

The instructions outlined here
describe how to use ENERFOAM™
Professional Foam Sealant to fill
gaps and cracks around the home.
Designed to fill gaps up to 3" (75
mm), ENERFOAM™ Professional
Foam Sealant expands to take the
shape of cracks and voids, forming
a permanent, airtight and water-
resistant bond to vinyl, wood and
metal surfaces.* Once cured, it
remains soft and flexible, permitting
natural expansion and contraction
of surrounding surfaces.
To determine the amount of
ENERFOAM™ Professional Foam
Sealant required for an application,
see Table 1.
P R E PA R A T I O N
1. Read and follow the Safety and
Conditions of Use instructions
below. Wear gloves, safety
glasses or goggles and
long sleeves. Provide good
ventilation and eliminate all
sources of ignition.
2. Shake can vigorously for 1
minute before dispensing and
between uses.
3. Gun-applied version: Invert can
and screw foam dispensing gun
assembly firmly onto valve as
shown in Figure 1. Screw until
finger-tight; do not overtighten
(Figure 2). When changing cans
using the foam dispensing gun,
tighten the flow control knob
before removing the empty can
(Figure 3). Use gun cleaner,
acetone or other adhesive
remover to remove any residual
foam from the attachment area
before attaching fresh can.
Straw-applied version:
Attach the nozzle by twisting it
clockwise into the valve.
installation information . commercial/residential
Installation Recommendations for
ENERFOAM
™
Professional Foam Sealant
®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow
*For cavities, cracks and penetrations larger than 3" (75 mm), Dow recommends FROTH-PAK™ Foam Sealant or FROTH-PAK™ FS Foam Insulation. For window and door framework, minimal-expanding GREAT STUFF PRO™
Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant is proven not to distort or bow the framework, when properly applied.
TABLE 1: ESTIMATED YIELDS FOR
ENERFOAM
™
PROFESSIONAL FOAM SEALANT
CAN SIZE, OZ (G) DELIVERY YIELD
(1)
, LINEAR
FEET (M)
ESTIMATED CAULK
EQUIVALENCY, QUART TUBES
24 (680) Reusable straw 775 (236) 18
24 (680) Gun 970 (296) 22
30 (850) Gun 1,450 (442) 33
(1) Estimated yield under ideal conditions, 3/8" (1 cm) bead.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

Summary

Installation Recommendations for ENERFOAM Professional Foam Sealant

Preparation Steps

Read safety instructions, wear protective gear, ensure ventilation, shake can, and attach gun assembly.

Application Methods and Tips

Gun-Applied Version Instructions

Adjust flow, fill gun, invert can, and dispense foam slowly into gaps, filling less than 1/3.

Straw-Applied Version Instructions

Attach nozzle, press button to dispense foam, fill gaps less than 1/3, and clean straw after use.

Cleanup and Disposal

Cleanup Procedures

Clean uncured foam with solvents; clean dispensing gun with cleaner or acetone.

Disposal of Cans

Dispose of empty cans as non-hazardous household waste, following federal and local laws.

Safety and Conditions of Use

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. General Preparation
5. Gun-Applied Version
6. Straw-Applied Version
7. Maintenance Features
8. Cleanup
9. Disposal
10. Safety and Conditions of Use

The ENERFOAM™ Professional Foam Sealant is a product designed for filling gaps and cracks around the home, specifically for openings up to 3 inches (75 mm). This sealant expands to conform to the shape of cracks and voids, creating a permanent, airtight, and water-resistant bond with various surfaces, including vinyl, wood, and metal. Once cured, the foam remains soft and flexible, allowing for natural expansion and contraction of surrounding materials.

Function Description:

The primary function of ENERFOAM™ Professional Foam Sealant is to seal gaps and cracks, providing insulation and preventing air and water infiltration. Its expanding nature ensures a complete fill of irregular spaces, enhancing energy efficiency and structural integrity. The sealant is suitable for a wide range of applications, including sealing around outdoor water faucets, fireplace gas lines, pipe penetrations, sewer plumbing penetrations, electrical wire penetrations, wall-ceiling junctures, electrical outlets, attic hatches, and HVAC vents.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Gap Filling Capability: Up to 3 inches (75 mm).
• Cure Properties: Forms a permanent, airtight, and water-resistant bond. Remains soft and flexible after curing.
• Tack-Free Time: Less than 20 minutes.
• Trim Time: 1/2 hour.
• Full Cure Time: 1 hour (dependent on temperature, relative humidity, and foam bead size).
• Substrate Compatibility: Adheres to vinyl, wood, composite, and metal (aluminum or steel) substrates. Best adhesion on clean surfaces free of oil or chemicals.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Extremely cold temperatures can affect dispensing performance. Cans may burst if left in areas susceptible to high temperatures (e.g., motor vehicles, near radiators, stoves) or stored above 120°F (49°C).
• UV Resistance: Cured foam can discolor if exposed to direct or continuous sunlight for 24 hours or more. Painting or coating is recommended for prolonged sunlight exposure.
• Yield (Estimated, 3/8" or 1 cm bead under ideal conditions):
  • 24 oz (680 g) Reusable straw: 775 linear feet (236 m), equivalent to 18 quart tubes of caulk.
  • 24 oz (680 g) Gun: 970 linear feet (296 m), equivalent to 22 quart tubes of caulk.
  • 30 oz (850 g) Gun: 1,450 linear feet (442 m), equivalent to 33 quart tubes of caulk.
• Composition: Contains isocyanate and a flammable blowing agent.

Usage Features:

The ENERFOAM™ Professional Foam Sealant is available in two application versions: gun-applied and straw-applied.

General Preparation:

1. Users must read and follow safety and conditions of use instructions.
2. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and long sleeves must be worn.
3. Ensure good ventilation and eliminate all sources of ignition (e.g., pilot lights, open flames, smoking).
4. Shake the can vigorously for 1 minute before dispensing and between uses.

Gun-Applied Version:

1. Attachment: Invert the can and firmly screw the foam dispensing gun assembly onto the valve until finger-tight. Do not overtighten.
2. Dispensing Control: Adjust the flow control screw on the back of the gun to an open position. Immediately press the trigger to fill the gun with foam, dispensing into a waste receptacle.
3. Application: Keep the can inverted. Insert the applicator nozzle into the penetration and dispense foam slowly. Fill gaps less than 1/3 full to allow for proper expansion.
4. Bead Control: The foam dispensing gun allows control of the foam bead size (from 1/8" to 3" [3 mm to 75 mm]) by squeezing the trigger or adjusting the flow control knob.
5. Overfilling: If overfilled, excess cured foam can be stuffed into the gap with a blunt tool or trimmed with a sharp knife.
6. Storage (Partially Used Can): Tighten the flow control screw, store the can upright with the gun attached, and use within 30 days.
7. Re-use: Shake vigorously for 1 minute before dispensing.
8. Safety Caution: Do not inject foam sealant into blind six-sided cavities (e.g., window mullions) as foam requires exposure to atmospheric moisture to cure.

Straw-Applied Version:

1. Attachment: Attach the nozzle by twisting it clockwise into the valve.
2. Dispensing: Press the button until the desired foam bead size is achieved. Fill gaps less than 1/3 full.
3. Overfilling: If overfilled, excess cured foam can be stuffed into the gap with a blunt tool or trimmed with a sharp knife.
4. Storage: Bend the straw back onto the plug on top of the trigger assembly to prevent moisture entry and curing inside the straw or valve.
5. Re-use: Gently rotate or twist the straw to break any adhesive bond of the foam, then pull the straw off the plug and dispense.

Maintenance Features:

Cleanup:

• Uncured Foam: Can be dissolved with gun cleaner, acetone, or other adhesive removers on solid surfaces.
• Cured Foam: Must be mechanically removed or allowed to wear off over time.
• Foam Dispensing Gun Cleaning:
  1. Install a can of gun cleaner, acetone, or other adhesive remover onto the gun.
  2. Spray until all foam is blown out and only cleaner is visible (approximately half the cleaner can will be used).
  3. Allow the gun to sit for several minutes, then repeat with a second flush.
  4. Do not leave a can of cleaner mounted on the gun, as it can dissolve the lip seals, rendering the gun useless.
  5. If foam escapes at the handle or trigger, it indicates a faulty seal, and the gun should be replaced.
  6. If the gun has not been cleaned, attach a new can of ENERFOAM™ Professional Foam Sealant immediately to prevent foam in the gun from curing due to air and moisture exposure.
• Straw Cleaning: Periodically rub the end of the straw on soft wood to free it from foam.

Disposal:

• Disposal of full or partially used aerosol cans must comply with all federal, state/provincial, and local laws and regulations. Empty cans are generally not considered hazardous waste and can be disposed of as non-hazardous household waste.

Safety and Conditions of Use:

• Read the label and Material Safety Data Sheet carefully.
• Ensure adequate ventilation; shut off pilot lights and extinguish open flames; eliminate all sources of ignition. Do not smoke or use lighters/matches while dispensing.
• Do not breathe vapor or mist. Use in well-ventilated areas or wear proper respiratory protection. Isocyanate is irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory system, and may cause sensitization.
• Foam is very sticky; avoid skin contact. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and goggles/safety glasses. Cured foam must be mechanically removed or allowed to wear off.
• Contents are under pressure. Do not puncture, incinerate, or store above 120°F (49°C).
• The product adheres best when surfaces are clean and free of oil or chemicals.
• Using foam dispensing guns simplifies application, enables pinpoint control, and creates an airtight, moisture-tight seal between the gun and can, preventing foam from curing and blocking the valve.

Dow ENERFOAM Specifications

General

Brand	Dow
Model	ENERFOAM
Category	Paint Sprayer
Language	English