Home type expansion foam

[djvan]

I tried the search bar and didn't get any hits. Could home type aerosol foam in a can work to replace 2 part marine foam? I am talking about just re doing a small section. Any pros or cons?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />DougV>

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Home type expansion foam

Hi Doug,<br /> If it's above the waterline and only to be used as emergency flotation, then it might work, but I wouldn't want to use it somewhere that it might be subjected to water contact, as it is not a closed cell foam and it will soak up moisture.<br />- Scott

 

[Elk Chaser]

Re: Home type expansion foam

I think you can use it without any trouble. <br /><br />Urethane Foam and Icynene Foam <br /><br />1. Won't wick or absorb water<br />2. Doesn't sag or settle over time in any application <br />3. Doesn't support mold growth<br />4. Can be injected into a closed cavity <br />5. Class 1 fire rated<br /><br /> http://www.foamtightinsulation.com/

 

[G DANE]

Re: Home type expansion foam

If you do anyway, fill the room with sodabottles or similar, they wont absorb water, then foam to hold them in place and add strength to boat. In the end, seal room off to make sure water cant get in. I tried to put a broken off chunk of this foam in a plastic bag with water. It did absorb a little water after some time. ( weeks )

 

[thejeepster02]

Re: Home type expansion foam

I wondered the same thing, so I ran a test. I submerge a piece in water for now 3 weeks. 2 days ago I took out the weight which was holding it down and it popped right up to the surface. It didn’t absorb any water as yet.

 

[djvan]

Re: Home type expansion foam

Thanks for the feedback, I don't really need to do any foaming in the near future, just some info to tuck away for later.<br /><br />DougV><br /><br />Jeepster, what if you were to slice your sample piece and see if it then takes on water.

 

[Evinrude Boater]

Re: Home type expansion foam

I think you're onto something djvan. A blob of foam likely won't absorb much water but break the skin and you open up the cells. Even extruded foam like the blue board made by Dow will absorb several times it's weight in water. I've seen that in roofing applications where the insulation is on top of the roof membrane with gravel holding the insulation down. When water accumulates on the roof, the insulation is held under the water. With that constant water pressure it eventually absorbs into the foam. Some knob put that in my boat and I don't know what was heavier, the wet foam boards or the wet plywood floor.

 

[cc lancer]

Re: Home type expansion foam

Well everyone has opinions, so I will throw this one out. Eventually you will sell your boat, you have put bottles in the boat, and foamed over them, insulating foam instead flotation foam, home made stringers out of press board, etc.,etc.<br /><br />The buyer has an accident, hits a log, rips a hole in the boat, people get killed. The plaintiffs attorney hires a surveyor to inspect the boat, and finds non-standard repair work done to the boat, a soda bottle hanging out of the hole in the boat. <br />The insurance company files a motion to be released from liability, because non standard work was performed on the boat. When you finally walk out of court, you will own the clothes on your back, and nothing else. And maybe have a settlement to pay for the rest of your life.<br /><br />And since we live in a country where anybody can be sued for any thing. All comments that I make on this forum are for entertainment purposes only.<br />

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Home type expansion foam

I think anyone who remembers my horrid war with an unmentioned and long since disappeared member knows my viewpoint on home product vs marine grade 2 part foam. In my opinion, above waterline quick fix foaming is a decent application for home product. Below waterline, 2 part is the only way to go. It is much more water resistant. There is a reason why you have to spend so much on 2 part vs home product. <br /><br />I will also say that I see nothing wrong with offsetting cost by using jugs or whatever with the foam. The purpose of the foam is to displace enough water to keep the boat at the surface for safety when swamped. There is nothing that says that the foam cannot be augmented in any way to achieve that end. In most boat construction, the foam is not part of the structure, so an insurance company could not legally deny a claim in the event of an accident. <br />Also, used boats are bought as is, with no warranty or claim to structural integrity written or implied. It is up to a buyer to have a survey done if he is in doubt. Even if a survey is done, it is highly unlikely to find non standard repair jobs under the floor. A lawsuit like this would be thrown out of court in roughly 2 seconds, as there is no set industry standard for boat manufacture or repair. Nice thought though....

 

[Mark42]

Re: Home type expansion foam

I bought some of the home foam to re-foam the hollow underside of the gunnels on my boat. I would have used a pour in foam, but just couldn't figure out how to get the boat upside down then back up an on the trailer by myself.<br /><br />The home foam should do the trick and it is intended for emergency situations only. Unlike the below floor foam, it really shouldn't come in contact with water unless I am in real trouble!