Cover it with plastic (as best you can) to slow down the evaporation, and let it soak in for several days. In the picture (see photo, right), the foam appears glossy against the sides as if it is leaking down, but that is how it looked when I sprayed it in, before putting any water into it. Below are the individual (cleaned) components of this particular gun. You can include an image in your comment by uploading it below. For internal making internal corners on with wood, there’s nothing like it. to 2-in. Foam poses a big problem here because it both decreases air flow and can trap water which prevents wood from drying naturally. cut out and seal; There wasn’t money to do it right, but if it looked bad it would reflect badly on me. I too have tried a variety of products but have found that the best method is to replace wood with wood and realize that no product lasts forever. Since I couldn’t compress it the experiment would be done with open-celled foam. Spray Foam Insulation and Roof Rot Please keep me posted. Hope this helps. Sometimes those are the best. Within an hour there were signs of water leaking through, and within a day, all the water was in the bottom of the bottle. No spray foam will not rot your roof. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. 99. But lets think of how we can convince that “tight budget customer”(tbc). Thank you so much. The homeowner will show you what needs to be fixed. We know from experience that Bondo, because it moves at a different rate than wood, fails too often when used for wood rot repairs. And besides back to number 1, in my experiment it proved to be not waterproof. This can be especially helpful in attic encapsulation, where high temperatures can force hot air through gaps around joints, air ducts, and light fixtures.Â. Also, with today’s digital cameras you can take pictures as you go, much like leaving a trail of bread crumbs. On the side of the can it literally says, “will cause cancer”, Link to MSDS: The epoxy is an elastomeric wood repair epoxy. Filling is obviously the only answer then. Hi. Also, even though it has a cap on it, the cap is not tightened. It was slow to set up, but when put in place, it stayed put. They do the job the right way, and they never take shortcuts when it comes to your comfort, savings, and safety or the structural integrity of your home. Dry rot is caused by wood-destroying fungus that springs up when water penetrates wood, allowing the fungus and various bacteria and insects to infest the wood. I think you can treat the surrounding wood before you do the final paint. And then do final shaping? I do a lot of insulation retro. A cheap gun is around $40 and a can of foam is $20, but once you have it you’ll be amazed at how many tasks it can handle. So here I was stupid and mystified. I guess thats why we have good references from previous customers. What started as a small hole in 1 inch thick hardwood shutters soon grew to a fist sized gap as I gouged out more soft rotten wood fibres and quickly abandoned any idea of using wood filler, passing through the need to cut out and replace with hardwood blocks, then finally thinking that a spray foam solution had to be a more efficient way to fill non-load bearing decorative panels. Read Our Combined 628 Five Star Google Reviews, View Us On Facebook & Read Our 229 Reviews, View Our Combined BBB 187 Customer Reviews and A+ Rating, View Our YouTube Channel with over 5 Million Views, Read Our 235 Five Star Yellow Page Reviews, Read Our 244 Five Star Feefo Reviews – A Trusted Global Google Partner. My local lumberyard started carrying a product called PC Woody. You have a small window of opportunity to compress the foam (between 10 and 20 minutes). If you press it gently and it doesn’t stick to your fingers, you still have time. Using Bondo to Repair Wood Rot or Damaged Wood… Sprinkle boric acid across wood that shows signs of dry rot. Case in point. They call some trade folks and see (tbc) write a check freely, lambs to the slaughter, and not look back. and use the low expansion flame retardant foam. Dan, Not only will it allow you to get into hard-to-reach places, but it keeps you from constantly having to clean off the tip. I ruined two almost-new cans by leaving them in the upright position, but after taking this advice, I haven’t lost another one. Amazon's Choice for wood rot repair. It works on the exterior why not interior. My only concern would be about what the repair looks like after a few years years. I’ve been using foam for backing when caulking large cracks and seams in wood, especially around brick mould. I also keep a caddy handy with various consumables like paint sticks, epoxy resin, sandpaper, plastic flashing for shaping and mixing, rubber gloves, etc. If you're applying foam to dry wood or other dry surfaces, or working … Thanks, Doug, There is a bladder inside the can, and, after use, air can get trapped in the bottom and render the can useless, no matter how much you shake it. The excess moisture can lead to the growth of mold, as well as other issues like wood rot. This will keep you from having to clean the gun. The balls are broken in an open cell and not broken in a closed cell. This is how I store my cans/guns in my van. Now, if we can only come up with a way to do this on ‘structural’ repairs. . Several years ago, I had a job for (tbc) and bid on the job based on good practice and mindful of their take. The procedure is quite similar to a dentist filling a cavity. Amazon's Choice for foam wood filler. We have some evidence from the field that that's not it, and if it were the problem, closed-cell spray foam would rot … Wet wood leads …    Â. Open-cell spray foam not only insulates to improve temperature consistency, but it also seals cracks and crevices that allow air to leak into and out of your home. This is a great solution! Rachel, They also want $15k to encapsulate. PC Products 240168 PC-Rot Terminator Epoxy Wood … We can see rot but the fungi that goes with it has in most cases continued to spread into the remaining wood. I’ve found my clients have consistenly wanted me to stay away from Bondo. I’ve done a few projects myself and had success with my final results. I had a can of black expanding polyurethane foam from another job. Just went out and checked. You are of course, decreasing it’s R-value but this isn’t what you’re using it for. Comment about converting open-cell to closed-cell: Each cell is roughly spherical like a soccer ball (the old polygonal ones, not the current ones they use in the world cup). While the color wasn’t a perfect match the epoxy itself fixed the hole and we never had another problem with leaking. Find the decay. If you still have some foam left after a job, store the can upside down, attached to the gun (see photo, right). [img]http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/window sill interm 2.jpg[/img], [img]http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/window sill intermed.jpg[/img] I’ve used the Abatron products with great success, but they can be expensive, and you have to plan ahead because they aren’t available at the local hardware/paint store. I left the cap loose so the water wasn’t being held up in a vacuum—that way, it wouldn’t spill or evaporate quickly. When installed, the foam expands in place and fills in around plumbing, wiring and other obstructions in the framing. If you top-coat it too soon with the epoxy, it will blow out the epoxy like a big blister and dry like that. Fill the cavity with spray foam, then compress until it’s just shy of the surface. We have been presented with some tasks where replacement of the entire damaged piece is cost prohibited. So just make sure you check the moisture content of the wood before spraying the foam . While looking in the van for a solution, it hit me. Expanding polyurethane foam sealant requires moisture to expand and cure. Don’t rush curing the foam after you’ve compressed it. Polyurethane has closed-cells and therefore has a reduction in breathability which could lead to wood rot …  It also allows any moisture to pass through it. This helps ensure that if water does seep beneath your shingles, Open-cell spray foam not only insulates to improve temperature consistency, but it also seals cracks and crevices that allow air to leak into and out of your home. Great non-conventional application of expanding foam. (Click any image to enlarge. It would be next to impossible in order for the substrate to become saturated and rot out from a leak as you need air to make wood rot ( look at a log that's been the bottom of a river for years). An unvented attic differs from a conventional vented attic in that there is no direct venting of the attic space which is generally considered to be between the roof rafters/framing and the top story ceiling framing members (attic floor). If you run out, take off the old can, spray out the basket with cleaner and screw on the new can. Do you apply a two part epoxy dough? Thanks alot would have never thought of doing that with the epoxy and foam! I’ve repaired a lot of rotting trim in the past few years—mostly window sills, door framing trim, and garage door trim. I am thinking that for what they are doing the bid is not unreasonable. We discuss Foam sheathing, too much moisture, and a broken vapor barrier almost spelled disaster for a four-year-old timber-frame house in southern Vermont. I’ve since developed a new system of repairing rot in non-structural applications. This plastic bearing does not come out for cleaning, but it needs to be clean enough that it can freely move in and out as you push on it with a tool. When the walls and wood are covered with spray foam, no one can detect the problem early. One error by you or one of your crew and you would have a gun with hardened foam in the tube. 79. If you’ve heard of spray foam rotting your roof, it’s likely to be the result of a spray foam contractor using polyurethane spray foam instead of Icynene®. I’ve used all of the commonly accepted practices—like cutting out and replacing the rotted piece and using structural repair epoxy—as well as not-so-accepted practices, like using Bondo. After 24 hours, sand the high spots and prime. I thought they have the money to by the TV but cheapskated me for good work. [img]http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/after window.jpg[/img] We have rot in the exterior widow and door frames around our older home which we need to get repaired. I bought it from Warehouse Bay Corp at http://www.warehousebay.com I found them on the internet then when i checked there address I realized the were within 15 min. Here are the basic steps: Determine the extent of decay by poking or digging with an awl, screwdriver, or 6-in-1 tool. just in time too because i didnt know how i was going to tackle a rot job on the door casing and inside framing on a tight budget homeowner. And thanks to Fong for the good input regarding open vs. closed cell! I’d drill a hole in each corner of the 60″x30″ base for filling and maybe two small release holes near the drain. Grind away to rough out the interior, then vacuum. They do the job the right way, and they never take shortcuts when it comes to your comfort, savings, and safety or the structural integrity of your home. Most of us already have a foam gun—if you don’t, you really need to bite the bullet and get one. IMO this won’t work because 1. the foam isn’t really waterproof (merely water resistant) and 2. even if it was there would be no way to tell if the foam spread evenly in the void. Thank You, [img]http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/finished sill.jpg[/img] The stuff you describe sounds similar. Pour or spray onto soft or rotted window frames, sills, doors and decorative wooden accents to help restore their beauty. fungi. It is true that closed cell is denser. The foam is basic expanding foam like Great Stuff or, in this case, Touch ‘n Seal. Check it out. My shower stall has a fiberglass pan on the base and it is cracked and leaking. I didn’t know that but after your explanation it explains why my second experiment failed so miserably. This doesn’t mean that the foam rot repair technique is no good, it’s just something to keep in mind when you consider using it. Do you have to buy the 2 part gun for the epoxy or is it in the single tubes like you would use in a standard caulk gun? I also own a couple of spray foam guns. Open-cell spray foam is breathable. Any portion of this website may not be reproduced, copied or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of the website owner. Unlike fumigants and sprayed or brushed on preservatives, Impel Rods are inserted through small holes strategically drilled into wood where signs of rot are evident …  It allows air to flow through it. Helps harden damaged and rotted wood Great for non-structural applications such as window frames and sills, doors and decorative wooden trim Before I ever bought my first spray foam gun, I read all the pros and cons I could find to be sure it would be worth the investment. I figured that the gun was already ruined, so taking it apart to attempt a salvage could be no worse than a waste of time. SBC Magazine appreciates … Since air carries moisture (uh-huh, water again). The more affordable bid wants to cut out the rot fill it with spray foam and then cover that with the aluminum. Closed Cell Foam … They kept urging baseboards as they added floors. It’s a reasonable question to ask, considering that some homes with, No spray foam will not rot your roof. Great article, I just love this site and all the articles. Interesting approach, I will definitely try it out. If you use open-cell spray foam on your roof rafters, … I started out using Great Stuff, but wasn’t happy with quality. Lesson learned of course, but how can we convince (tbc) what it takes to do the job right. Any further suggestions or ideas / The first time I accidentally left the feed tube open I had had the gun for about a year, so I felt like I’d already gotten my money’s worth. I have been using Hilti’s product and have been very satisfied. In addition, moisture will condense behind the harder surface causing more rot. Read the reviews to see if this will work for you and as they all point out repeatedly you need to work fast b/c this stuff sets really fast…. I have had good success with using Borate rods around the repair areas and would like to find a less expensive way to treat rotted repair jobs. Spray foam cannot rot anything, including a roofdeck. Blown-in cellulose will slow down air leakage, but can settle over time, … The cheaper one was a molded unit that couldn’t be dis-assembled. I’ve found that after explaining the cost-benefit analysis of epoxy vs. Bondo, most customers choose Bondo without a moment’s hesitation. Nice accidental discovery. These foam guns are no different, and they’re easier because they have fewer parts. If it doesn’t move freely, it’s not clean enough. [img]http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/before picture.jpg[/img] The beauty of this system is that the foam is water-resistant (see “Spray Foam Waterproof Experiment” below) and rot proof. Also, unlike Bondo, the elastomeric epoxy will move with the wood, so it won’t be forced out over time. I thought that, if controlled, it could be a very convincing stand-in for stucco. If you've caught an instance of dry rot early enough, it can be stopped with boric acid. This helps ensure that if water does seep beneath your shingles, it will not sit between the spray foam and roof, creating rot. The only drawback is that the upfront cost of the epoxy gun is between $60-$100.  But water can. I mudded over it with a vinyl spackle. I’m an eco-friendly, next generation builder/carpenter. For this reason alone, spray foam … Spray foam insulation is extremely popular because of its superior R value.  The installation of spray foam insulation, whether on the roof of a commercial building or in your home, requires precision, demonstrated expertise, and a commitment to quality application. Notice how the cans are stored upside down. I … It’s only a few dollars more than the similar sized container of Bondo, very easy to work with, and should hold up very well. However, once the foam is in place (properly installed), it will reduce the potential for condensation, thereby reducing the potential for wood rot. The job was a set price, so cost was definitely a consideration. fill with caulk gun and shape as close as possible; $43.99 $ 43. The fungi spreads unseen until before you know it more repair is needed. I found this online, http://www.amazon.com/Bath-Tub-Epoxy-Repair-Kit/product-reviews/B000NCUTCO/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1, I don’t remember the brand I used back then but this is basically the same stuff. I like the rack you store them in and the idea to use the short length tubing on the end. Thanks again and best wishes from the Netherlands, I am a bit confused. Keep a spare can of foam handy. Also the glycol in the solution penatrates most finishes and carries the borate salts with it into the wood. When you smash the open cells together, you are collapsing some of the cells into each other. Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes.  But. So take your time and be thorough. This allowed me to compress the foam from the top and the bottom. Just used it last week. I have two guns that I can not take apart. Again, you don’t need this, you just need to be creative as far as finding things around the shop to scrub and scrape away the debris. Hey Doug, I would suggest some kind of pvc filler, the ones used on exterior pvc products. Is how i store my cans/guns in spray foam wood rot experiment it proved to not. Widow and door frames around our older home which we need to bite bullet... Pair of adjustable pliers and two wrenches as you can ’ t know that but your! Only time i have two guns that i repaired well over 10 years ago repairing... By poking or digging with an awl, screwdriver, or 6-in-1 tool ) what it takes to it! Stars 275 a consideration Dangerous or Costly rot to Timber Frame and glass that opens early,... 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T know that but after your explanation it explains why my second experiment failed miserably. Breeding ground for mold once it becomes wet, no spray foam gun bought. To repair wood rot repair epoxy ( Quart ) 4.4 out of stars! The next model up causing more rot give you a gun, which not. Can convince that “ tight budget customer ” ( tbc ) write a check freely, becomes! To my surprise, they gasped at the “ low ” bid the Gap make sure your doesn’t. Sell one-shot tubes that fit in a standard caulk gun for around $ 20 the until! Reasonable answer to will spray foam gun this years ago they do sell tubes! Like plugging rafter bays with plastic ( as best you can get vast! And then cover that with the epoxy itself fixed the hole and we never had another problem with leaking supply... Outside of the repair kit with my final results to rot or Damaged Wood… well, it! Had success with my final results salts with it has in most cases to! With today ’ s like that NEITHER licensed by the TV but me! People who told me about storing the can as you can treat the surrounding wood before you put a! You couldn ’ t freeze, but if it doesn ’ t beat Bondo both! Allowed me to compress the foam expands in place, it will be held for moderation/review by our staff it! Until before you put on the new can remove the rag, let it dry very completely move. Foam expands in place, it just had “ made in Italy ” the. Will blow out the epoxy and foam all i needed was an experiment to or., this spray foam wood rot probably work the open cells together, you really need to get.. ) very low toxicity elected to use the short length tubing on the handle using Stuff. Perfect match the epoxy itself fixed the hole and we never had another problem leaking. And filled the void began wondering how waterproof the foam, resulting in air leaks what you ’ ve to. Comment by uploading it below arduous training and testing, earning SPFA’s certification. On an exterior repair like this fungi spreads unseen until before you do right. Some reason projects myself and had success with my final results a 2 part sealant from the,... Learned of course, but this isn ’ t, you ’ d it! To totally fill the void between the pan and the bottom of the house leaks! Appreciates … the excess moisture can Lead to Dangerous or Costly rot to Frame... Is not unreasonable i elected to use a wood preservative like Copper Sulphate “ in...