How to Seal Windows and Doors

 
 
 

Seal, Insulate, & Reduce Energy Costs

The gaps around window and door frames give unwanted air an open invitation into a home. However, Great Stuff™ and Great Stuff Pro™ Window & Door Foam Sealants can quickly and easily block the flow of air for greater comfort and lower energy bills.

Materials

 

 

  • Eye Protection
  • Gloves
  • Drop Cloth
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Great Stuff™ product of choice
  • Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner
  • Serrated knife
 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Step by Step Instructions
    1. Prep area by removing dust and debris. 
    2. Shake can for 60 seconds. 
    3. Install the dispenser to the product as per directed on the label. 
    4. Practice with a dry run. 
    5. Invert the can and insert it into the gap around the window or door and framework.  
    6. Activate can by pulling the trigger. 
    7. Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked in Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner. 
    8. Foam should be tack-free in 10 to 15 minutes. If not, mist with water. 
    9. Once cured, cut excess foam with a serrated knife as desired. 
    10. Store or dispose of product as per directed on label. 
    • If the doors and windows are already finished, you’ll need to remove the trim. Great Stuff™ Window & Door is intended to bond to building materials to be an effective air barrier - for this reason, it would be difficult to remove the foam from the plastic of the window frame if you planned on taking the unit out of the window in the cooler months of the year.
    • Mist with water to speed cure.
    • Trim cured foam with serrated blade.
    • Any uncured product that gets on the skin can be removed with acetone.
    • Shake vigorously for a minimum of 60 seconds. If the can sputters, simply shake the can while held upside down.
    • Best results if used when product temperature ranges from 60-90°F (15-32°C). The can should not be exposed to temperatures more than 120°F. Cured foam should not be exposed to temperatures in excess of 240°F.
    • Fill gaps <50%
    • If applied outdoors, be sure to paint or cover foam to prevent discoloration and UV damage.

    Great Stuff™ cans featuring the straw tube applicator will seal shut if left to sit for more than 2 hours after its last use.

    Great Stuff™ cans featuring the Smart Dispenser™ may be reused up to 30 days with the straw left attached to the canister, just clean the tip after your first use. For best results:

    • Thread the Smart Dispenser™ onto the valve until it is secure, ensuring there is no gap between the dispenser and the valve
    • Do not unwind the dispenser after you have started using it.
    • Let up on the trigger slowly to release pressure in the straw and prevent spurts during the next use and to achieve the most consistent bead.
    • Tighten the flow control screw until fully closed for storage. Use can within 30 days of initial use.
    • Store upright with dispenser still attached to can.

    If using Great Stuff Pro™ with Foam Dispensing Gun, follow these additional steps before application:

    • With the can secured, set your desired bead size by adjusting the flow control knob on the back of the gun (bead can be adjusted from 1/8"-3"). Then, pull the trigger to fill the gun with foam, dispensing excess foam into an appropriate waste receptacle. Lastly, test the bead size before applying. 
    • Tighten the flow control screw until fully closed for storage. Use can within 30 days of initial use.
    • Store upright with a foam dispensing gun attached.
    • Always leave a can of foam attached to the gun with the flow control screw closed.
    • When ready to change cans, shake the new can of foam for a minimum of 60 seconds.
    • NEVER leave a gun without a can of adhesive without a can of Great Stuff Pro™ attached unless the gun has been thoroughly cleaned with Great Stuff™ Foam Cleaner.
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Doesn't bow windows or doors
  • Fills an average of four to six residential windows with a single can
  • Maximum durability
  • Doesn't bow windows or doors.
  • Reusable for up to 30 days
  • Fills an average of four to six residential windows with a single can
  • Expands and contracts to allow for various weather conditions.
  • Reusable for 30 days when left attached to GREAT STUFF PRO™ Dispensing Gun
  • Bonds to vinyl, wood and metal frames