"Did you use any foam sealant around the edges? That usually solves draft issues for me..."
Yeah, foam sealant's been my go-to as well. Batt insulation is definitely easier to work with overall, but I've noticed it can still leave tiny gaps around tricky spots like window corners. Foam just seems to fill those awkward spaces better. Did you find any particular brand worked best? I've tried a couple different ones and noticed some expand way more aggressively than others... learned that the hard way when trimming excess foam off my frames later.
I've had similar experiences—some of those foams expand like crazy and make a real mess. Last time I used Great Stuff's Window & Door version, and it was way easier to control. Still had to trim a bit, but nothing too drastic.
"Last time I used Great Stuff's Window & Door version, and it was way easier to control."
Agreed, the Window & Door foam is definitely more manageable. Still, I've found that even with the "low-expansion" types, ambient temperature makes a noticeable difference. On a hot day, it can still surprise you with how much it expands. Learned that the hard way when sealing around a patio door—ended up trimming more than anticipated. So, always best to test a small bead first and wait a bit before going all-in...
"On a hot day, it can still surprise you with how much it expands."
Yeah, temperature definitely plays a role. I tackled my first window replacement last summer, thinking the low-expansion foam would be foolproof. Nope... ended up with foam oozing out everywhere and spent way too long trimming it back. Lesson learned: always underestimate how much you need at first, especially if it's warm out. Better to add a bit more later than deal with that sticky mess again.
Been there myself—foam disasters are a rite of passage. A couple tips I've picked up:
- Keep a spray bottle of water handy; misting lightly helps control expansion.
- Always start with less foam than you think you'll need; it's sneaky stuff.
- Warm weather makes foam extra ambitious, so go easy.
Still, sounds like you handled it well enough. Next window will be smoother...probably.
Yeah, foam can be a real pain. I learned the hard way too—my first window looked like it was attacked by marshmallow fluff. Good tips above, especially about going easy in warm weather. Honestly, though, sounds like you did alright. Next time you'll have the hang of it... or at least make a smaller mess. Congrats on keeping all your fingers intact, btw.
Yeah, foam's tricky stuff. I remember my first attempt—I underestimated how much it expands and ended up with foam oozing out everywhere, spent hours trimming it back. One thing I've learned since then: always use less than you think you'll need, especially around windows. Also, keeping a spray bottle of acetone handy helps clean up any accidental drips before they harden. Sounds like you're already ahead of where I was at that stage, though... and hey, fingers intact is always a win.
Yeah, acetone's handy, but honestly I prefer just taping off areas beforehand. Learned the hard way acetone can mess up finishes if you're not careful. Still, sounds like you got off easy—my first foam job looked like a marshmallow exploded...
Haha, marshmallow explosion sounds about right... did you at least get a good laugh out of it later? I've had my fair share of foam disasters too—once spent an entire afternoon scraping dried foam off my hands because gloves are apparently "optional" in my brain. Totally agree about acetone though; it's great until it isn't. Ever accidentally dripped some on a freshly stained surface? Instant regret.
Taping off is definitely safer, but do you find it takes forever to prep everything? Maybe I'm just impatient, but I always underestimate how long it'll take to tape properly. Still, better than spending hours fixing mistakes afterward, I guess. Glad you made it through the window replacement with all fingers intact—small victories count, right?
I feel your pain on the foam situation—once had a can malfunction and spray foam shot everywhere except where I wanted it. Took ages to clean off my tools, and yeah, acetone was involved... carefully. As for taping, I get the impatience, but honestly, I've learned the hard way that prep time is rarely wasted. I'd rather spend an extra hour taping than half a day fixing paint bleed or scratches. Glad your window project ended safely—those small victories definitely add up.