Construction foam is practical and easy to use. The mass is supplied in compact spray bottles and only increases in volume when it comes into contact with the air before it hardens very quickly. What is an advantage for assembly is a disadvantage when the foam has to be removed. If you cannot do this immediately, removal will require more effort.
Effective removal of construction foam
The versatility of window foam means that it is used very often. It is primarily used to seal windows and doors. After installation there are joints and leaks. The foam has a thick consistency when sprayed. It hardens immediately in air. It is not always possible to spray the foam precisely into the joints and then remove the remains immediately. The overflowing foam is only removed after it has hardened. Even during renovation work, frame foam often has to be removed. In any case, it will be easier if you aim for elimination while the foam is still soft. However, since you do not have much time for this measure, it is important for you to know how to remove the hardened foam. In any case, you should arrange for the excess foam to be removed as quickly as possible during the construction work.
Good to know:
Window foam has a soft consistency immediately after use. Removal is easiest at this point.
Caution when working with assembly foam
Basically, you can remove the foam even if it has already completely hardened. Even while working with the assembly foam, it is possible to limit the later effort required for removal by taking care and attention. Also note that the construction foam cannot only spread in the joints. It may also have to be removed from the skin or clothing because it sticks there very stubbornly. For this reason, it is important not to wear high-quality clothing while working. Choose work clothes or older items of clothing that you no longer wear as often. The stubborn foam is very difficult to remove from clothing. The same applies to the skin, which is why it is recommended that you wear gloves and long clothing while working. This is especially true if you are not very experienced in working with the foam. Working carefully will ensure that you don't have to put in as much effort later when it comes to possible removal and will be able to complete your measures more quickly.
Good to know:
PU foam can only be removed from clothing and skin with effort. Therefore, work with the necessary caution.
Ways to eliminate window foam
You will not always be able to prevent the stubborn frame foam from getting stuck in a place where it is not wanted. If removal is necessary, you have various options. You can opt for mechanical removal or you can use a chemical remover. However, there are also home remedies that are very effective when it comes to removing PU foam. Which agent you choose depends on the size of the foam to be removed, but also on your personal preference. For example, chemical removal is very effective, but sometimes you don't want to use such cleaning products at all. Home remedies and the mechanical variant require more effort depending on the consistency of the foam. Ultimately, however, you will achieve a successful result by any means necessary.
Tip:
Sometimes it may be necessary to try several methods. This depends on the contaminated area, but also on the consistency and degree of hardening of the construction foam.
Mechanical removal of construction foam
Behind the mechanical removal of frame foam lies the manual scraping of the dirty surfaces. You will need a spatula or a very sharp knife to remove the foam from the surface. When removing it mechanically, it is important that the surface on which the foam has settled is not damaged. Using this method, removing plastic surfaces is easier than removing wood because the surface of the natural material is softer and can be scratched more easily. On the other hand, you have the option of processing the wood after the construction foam has been mechanically removed. This can be done with a new coat of paint or a coat of paint. Windows and doors made of plastic, however, can retain scratches as residue.
How it works:
Use the following tools:
- Spatula
- Razor blade
- carpet knife
- ceramic hob scraper
- Wire brush
- Steel wool
For larger amounts of construction foam, take the carpet knife and use it to remove the foam. This is very easy thanks to the airy consistency of the foam. Afterwards, there will usually be a residue that adheres firmly to the surface. How you remove this depends on the type of surface and the amount of foam. The wire brush and steel wool can be of good use here, for example if there are uneven window joints. Use a spatula or a sharp razor blade on the frame.
How to use a PU foam remover
A chemical window foam remover has the advantage of being simple and relatively problem-free to use. However, you must be prepared to use a chemical agent. In addition, you should ensure that the mounting foam remover does not attack the surface. However, with the classic surfaces made of wood or plastic, which the windows are usually made of, there is usually no danger because the remover is tailored to these materials. You can get window foam remover from hardware stores and building materials stores. When purchasing, make sure that the area to be worked on, which is indicated on the bottle, is sufficient for your needs and, if necessary, add a small amount to be on the safe side. You can get the construction foam remover from different manufacturers. The individual products are very similar in their application.
How it works:
First start with the mechanical removal of the construction foam as described. Try to remove as much of the foam as possible this way. You should only use the chemical cleaner for the residues that stubbornly stick to the surface.
- Spray the cleaner on the areas where the construction foam remained after mechanical removal.
- Allow about 30 minutes for it to take effect.
- The residue has softened and can be easily removed with a spatula or wooden spatula.
- Clean the surface classically with water and a mild cleaning agent.
If the first measure was unsuccessful, repeat the steps described once or twice more. If you are still unsuccessful, try another measure.
Home remedies for removing frame foam
As an alternative to mechanical and chemical cleaning, you can use home remedies. The effectiveness is surprisingly good, but ultimately depends on the consistency of the foam.
You can use these home remedies to remove window foam:
- Nail polish remover
- Isopropanol
- Mix the same amount of coffee powder and dishwashing liquid together (skin-friendly)
If you use isopropanol, ask at the pharmacy. When it comes to home remedies, it is important that the surface to which the construction foam adheres is not damaged by the products. This is especially true when using nail polish remover or isopropanol. Therefore, before using it, test how the home remedy behaves on the surface in an inconspicuous area. If there are no concerns, you can begin removal. Proceed as when using the chemical PU foam remover and spray or dab the solution onto the solid construction foam. Wait up to ten minutes if using nail polish remover or isopropanol. When mixing coffee powder and dishwashing liquid, the waiting time is around 30 minutes. Then use a wire brush to remove the residue.
Good to know:
Sometimes it is helpful to use two of the home remedies one after the other if the residue is particularly stubborn.
Removing assembly foam from skin and clothing
While working with the frame foam, despite great caution, it can happen that residue remains on clothing or skin. If you have worn old clothes or a work outfit and cannot get rid of it, it is not that serious. However, you should remove the residue from the skin as quickly as possible.
Clothing disposal
Removal is not possible with all substances. It is therefore an advantage if you wear clothing made of smooth fabric while working with the window foam. The mounting foam can possibly be removed with nail polish remover or a razor blade.
Attention:
Detergents have no effect and cannot remove the PU foam from the fibers of the clothing.
Removal from skin
Use a cream with a very high fat content or a washing paste. Apply the cream or paste to the skin as quickly as possible so that the foam can dissolve before the skin becomes too irritated. Allow the active ingredient to absorb into the skin for some time. Remove any remaining residue with a soft brush.
Tip:
Wear work gloves or rubber gloves when working with the construction foam and make sure the gloves cover your forearm.
