What is Window Insulation Foam? (Types/Manufacturers/Cost)
There’s a fix to the outside air leaking in around your windows – foam insulation.
Now you’re probably wondering what window insulation foam is and how it works. All will be revealed in good time friends – or as you read this article.
Window insulation foam can help reduce those drafts you get around your windows. In some cases, when the windows are installed, the cavity around them isn’t filled with any kind of insulation. Those leaky areas can contribute to your home being uncomfortable, as well as high energy bills.
We here at RetroFoam of Michigan are on a mission to give homeowners all the information they need to make an informed decision. We have insulated more than 10,000 projects with spray foam and injection foam, so we understand how the material works and how it can help create an air barrier in your home.
Now let’s take a look at what window insulation foam is, who makes it, and how much it costs.
What is Window Insulation Foam?
Window insulation foam is a low-expanding, low-pressure polyurethane spray foam that is designed to create a weather-tight seal around windows, as well as around doors.
Not to be confused with froth packs, window insulation foam is sold in a can.
RELATED: Low-Pressure vs High-Pressure Spray Foam: What’s the Difference?
Installing Window Insulation Foam
There are two ways you can install window foam insulation – removing the window frame or removing the window itself.
The best method to ensure you fill the cavity around the window is to remove the frame around the window and then spray the canned foam in the gap. The foam, if installed properly, will create an air seal around the window so you don’t experience any more leaks.
Because window and door insulation is a low-pressure foam, the material doesn’t have a high expansion rate and is easy to control during the install. The biggest thing to remember is to ensure you fill the space around the window completely.
To install window insulation foam in your home, you will need at least three or four cans.
Manufacturers of Window Insulation Foam
Window and door insulating foam can be found in most home improvement stores.
The most popular manufacturers include Great Stuff, Loctite, Dap Draftstop, and OSI Quad.
Window Insulation Foam Cost
The cost of window insulation foam varies from product to product.
The cans also vary in size, which means depending on the product you choose, you may need more cans than another brand.
Let’s take a look at the prices at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- GREAT STUFF: 16 oz window and door insulating sealant with Quick Stop Straw is $5.98 a can, so around $24 for to insulate around all the windows in the house, according to Home Depot.
- Loctite: 12 oz Tite Foam window and door insulating spray foam is $7.68 a can, so around $31 for all the windows, according to Home Depot.
- DAP DRAFTSTOP: 26 oz spray foam insulation is $15.67 per can and $62.68 for the whole house, according to Lowe’s.
- OSI Quad:1 oz spray foam insulation is $14.09 per can and $56.36 for the whole house, according to Lowe’s.
Benefits of Foam Insulation
Hopefully, you have now sealed the area around your windows and have stopped any air leaks from getting through.
Just think about the comfort you have added to your home with just this small project, but what if you want more? Foam insulation throughout your home can not only make it more comfortable but also more energy-efficient. Think of the money you could save on monthly energy bills if your home maintained a constant, comfortable temperature.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of foam insulation, check out the Learning Center on our website.
About Amanda Ringler
Amanda previously has worked as a breaking news and crime reporter, TV news producer, and editor in Flint and Detroit. Throughout her career as a journalist, she has won several awards from The Society of Professional Journalists - Detroit Chapter and the Michigan Press Association. As part of the RetroFoam of Michigan family, Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that will help educate homeowners on the benefits of foam insulation. When Amanda isn’t writing, she’s spending time with her husband and rescued huskies. She also loves knitting, making art, cooking, and hosting dinner and a movie night for friends and family.