Non expanding gap filler

[AA7483]

Is there a product available similar to spray foam in a can that will fill a gap but not expand at all? I have a gap on top of this wall, about 3/4 x 7 in between each rib where the j channel meets the ceiling metal. I want to seal this up because my shop will be heated independently from my office. Foam will expand and make a huge mess. Even the minimally expanding variety. Caulk will take forever. Any ideas?

 

[Hilltopmasonry]

Backer rod


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[AA7483]

Oh yea, that's perfect. I guess I can just stuff it in and skip the caulk?

 

[Kaizen]

Oh yea, that's perfect. I guess I can just stuff it in and skip the caulk?

I would. Resist the temptation to make it pretty with caulking. Tuck the foam in so you don’t see the grey color of it


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[alwaysFlOoReD]

There are closure strips that might still work. Check the manufacturer or whoever supplied the steel. The strips are supposed to be installed before screwing down the metal on the roof. You should be able to squish it into place.

Backer rod might be cheaper and easier tho.

 

[padroo]

Backer rod comes in a lot of different sizes. I have found it in with the stuff to fill cracks for winter and with the concrete stuff in larger sizees in two different parts of a store.

 

[rlitman]

There are latex spray foams (Dap makes one, look in the paint aisle), that don't expand after spraying, and are soap/water cleanup. It works like shaving cream. It's not structural, but it does stop drafts well.

 

[maxpat82]

Check for windows and door installation spray foam in a can.

they don't expand much after application(like 20%). go by smallish layer and you'll be fine.

but those can cost a bunch compare to backing rod.

 

[rlitman]

Check for windows and door installation spray foam in a can.

they don't expand much after application(like 20%). go by smallish layer and you'll be fine.

but those can cost a bunch compare to backing rod.

All of the urethane foams expand a little after application. It's the nature of urethane foaming as it takes in moisture from the air. The window/door foam does have less expansion, plus it is open cell, so it doesn't push things around (regular Great Stuff could get in the gap and warp the metal). But even the window foam is tough to cleanup.

I'm standing by my latex foam recommendation. It's prefect for this purpose:
https://www.dap.com/dap-products-ph/daptex-plus-multi-purpose-foam-sealant/

The latex foam expands like shaving cream as it exits the can, and that's it. And you can wipe excess off with a moist rag.

 

[AA7483]

Thanks for all the great suggestions!

 

[1953mercury]

Maybe just a piece of L flashing the same color. Mike

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about a sheet of 3/4" white polystyrene foam ?

Cut it in strips and make yourself a little jig with the angles for production work cutting. Stuff it in and done, already matched for color.

 

[rburke65]

As said, the manufacturers of the metal panels make foam strips for this exact purpose. On a pole barn, they are used under the metal, above purlins.

 

[EOC_Jason]

As said, the manufacturers of the metal panels make foam strips for this exact purpose. On a pole barn, they are used under the metal, above purlins.

^^^ That...

 

[Itsjustdirt]

All of the urethane foams expand a little after application. It's the nature of urethane foaming as it takes in moisture from the air. The window/door foam does have less expansion, plus it is open cell, so it doesn't push things around (regular Great Stuff could get in the gap and warp the metal). But even the window foam is tough to cleanup.

I'm standing by my latex foam recommendation. It's prefect for this purpose:
https://www.dap.com/dap-products-ph/daptex-plus-multi-purpose-foam-sealant/

The latex foam expands like shaving cream as it exits the can, and that's it. And you can wipe excess off with a moist rag.

Any downside to using this stuff for door/window gaps? This stuff seems waaaayyyy nicer to use than the poly stuff that destroys anything it gets on. Kinda wondering why it’s not everywhere like the Great Stuff foam is

 

[rlitman]

Any downside to using this stuff for door/window gaps? This stuff seems waaaayyyy nicer to use than the poly stuff that destroys anything it gets on. Kinda wondering why it’s not everywhere like the Great Stuff foam is

The Great Stuff is stronger, and more resistant to insects and rodents. But in something well supported with a thin gap, you don’t need that.

 

[JoeMcGov]

As said, the manufacturers of the metal panels make foam strips for this exact purpose. On a pole barn, they are used under the metal, above purlins.

AKA: closure strips.

 

[gemniii]

Any downside to using this stuff for door/window gaps? This stuff seems waaaayyyy nicer to use than the poly stuff that destroys anything it gets on. Kinda wondering why it’s not everywhere like the Great Stuff foam is

First sentence in link:

Designed to meet the tough standards demanded for professional window and door installations while effectively filling and sealing large cracks, gaps and voids.

They would probably allow you to use it.

 

[ard]

I'd do both... Something to actually seal (backer road, foam strips, expanding urethane, etc) AND a trim strip to cover the gap and make the wall not seem like it's floating.

 

[AA7483]

I ended up using the latex spray foam. Quick easy and cleaned up with water.

 

[Lucky13driver]

Good idea on the latex spray foam. Glad it worked out well.