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Q. Which specifications do Handi-Stick®
adhesives meet?
A. Handi-Stick® Construction Adhesive exceeds the strength
requirements of ASTM C557-93 and CGSB 71.25, and passes ASTM E-72.
Handi-Stick® Subfloor Adhesive conforms to ASTM D-3498,
CA 25-4, ASTM E-84 and HUD UM60a. Please refer to the Technical
Data Sheet (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for formulation
specific information and physical properties.
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Q. What safety Precautions are necessary when
dispensing foam?
A. Foam should be dispensed in a well-ventilated area or
if proper ventilation is not practical then certified respiratory
protection must be used. Impervious gloves and protective eyewear
such as goggles must be used as well. Appropriate clothing to protect
the skin and hair should also be worn. Uncured foam can be removed
from work surfaces with acetone. Acetone should never be used on
skin or other tissues. Cured foam is non-toxic and contains no VOC’s,
Formaldehyde or ozone depleting chemicals.
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Q. What kind of coverage (yield) can I expect
from a 12-oz. can of One-Component Handi-Foam®?
A. The table below gives the coverage (yield) for 12-oz.
Handi-Foam®.
|
Bead Diameter |
Linear Feet |
Linear Meters |
|
0.25" (0.64 cm.) |
1,760 |
536 |
|
0.375" (0.95 cm) |
780 |
238 |
|
0.50" (1.27 cm) |
440 |
134 |
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Q. What is the temperature range that cured
foam can withstand?
A. Cured One-Component foam typically withstands temperatures
from -200 degrees F (-129 degrees C) to +200 degrees F (93 degrees
C). Cured Two-Component foam withstands temperatures between -200
degrees F (-128 degrees C) and +240 degrees F (116 degrees C). Please
refer to the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for formulation specific information
and physical properties.
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Q. What is Handi-Foam’s expansion ratio?
A. Two-Component chemically cured Handi-Foam has an expansion
ratio of up to 8 times the original volume.
One-Component moisture cured Handi-Foam has an expansion ratio
of 2-3 times the size of the bead dispensed from the can.
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Q. What is the difference between One-Component
foam and Two-Component foam?
A. One-Component foam comes in a single can (or cylinder)
and cures in 10 to 20 minutes through a reaction with moisture in
the atmosphere. Two-Component foam comes in a kit with two cans
(or cylinders), each containing a separate chemical. Upon activation
of the kit, the chemicals are mixed and dispensed through a specialized
dispensing unit. The cure time is much shorter than One-Component
foams, usually within two minutes.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Seal Window
& Door Sealant?
A. Handi-Foam One-Component Window & Door foam is classified
as a UL/ULC polyurethane foam sealant. All One-Component Foams cure
when moisture found in the air reacts with the chemistry of the
dispensed foam. Optimal air temperature for using foam is between
65 F – 100 F. Under these conditions expect material to dry
tack free in 10 minutes and to fully cure in 24 hours. Under conditions
of low humidity or when used in cooler temperatures the cure time
will be longer.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Stick General
Purpose Adhesive Foam?
A. Handi-Stick One-Component General Purpose Adhesive is
classified as a UL/ULC polyurethane foam sealant/adhesive. All One-Component
Foams cure when moisture found in the air reacts with the chemistry
of the dispensed foam. Optimal air temperature for using General
Purpose Adhesive foam are between 65F and 100F Under these conditions
adhered item must be in place and mechanically fastened within 20
minutes. Minimum cure strength is reached in 2 hours and full bond
is achieved in 7 days.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Stick Construction
Adhesive Foam?
A. Handi-Stick One-Component Construction Adhesive is classified
as a UL/ULC polyurethane foam sealant/adhesive. All One-Component
Foams cure when moisture found in the air reacts with the chemistry
of the dispensed foam. Optimal air temperature for using foam is
between 65 F – 100 F. Under these conditions expect a working
time of no more than 2 minutes, a cure to hardness in 1 hour and
a complete and final cure in 24 hours. Under conditions of low humidity
or when used in cooler temperatures the cure time will be longer.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Stick Subfloor
Adhesive Foam?
A. Handi-Stick One-Component Construction Adhesive is classified
as a UL/ULC polyurethane foam sealant/adhesive. All One-Component
Foams cure when moisture found in the air reacts with the chemistry
of the dispensed foam. Approved air temps for using Subfloor Adhesive
foam can be as low as 0F. However the contents of the can must be
between 40F and 115F. Under these conditions subfloor decking must
be in place and mechanically fastened within 10 minutes. Minimum
cure strength is reached in 2 hours and full bond is achieved in
7 days.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Foam One-Component
Foam?
A. Handi-Foam One-Component Foam is classified as a UL/ULC
polyurethane foam sealant. All One-Component Foams cure when moisture
found in the air reacts with the chemistry of the dispensed foam.
Optimal air temperature for using foam is between 65 F – 100
F. Under these conditions expect material to dry tack free in 10
minutes and to fully cure in 1 hour. Under conditions of low humidity
or when used in cooler temperatures the cure time will be longer.
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Q. What is the cure time for Handi-Foam Two-Component
Foam?
A. Handi-Foam Two-Component Kit Foam is a chemically cured
polyurethane foam sealant. The cure time for Two Component foam
is very short, within 2 minutes foam will be tack-free and chemically
inert. Two-Component foam is cuttable in 2-5 minutes and is completely
cured in 1 hr.
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Q. What is the best temperature for using Handi-Foam?
A. Handi-Foam should be applied when the temperature of
the tank contents is between 75 and 85 degrees F. If
the tank or can is warm to the touch then it will dispense properly.
It is important to remember that the contents of the tanks will
take some time to warm up completely. This is a non-issue on a warm
summer day. But in winter if the tanks have been stored in an unheated
area it may take a considerable time to be certain the actual contents
have warmed up. In these cases please plan ahead so that you can
allow adequate time for the contents to warm fully.
Warning: Foam containers should not be stored at temps in excess
of 120 deg F or stored in direct sunlight. Two Component Cured foam
should not be exposed to flame or temps in excess of 240 deg F.
One Component cured foam should not be exposed to flame or temps
in excess of 200 deg F.
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Q. Some Handi-Foam items are classified as E-84
Class1, what does this mean?
A. ASTM E-84 Class 1 is a rating indicating a material
is fire rated product. When a flame-retarded material passes a specified
flammability test, it is termed a fire rated product. In
practical terms, a fire rated product aids in reducing the
risk of flashover in a major fire by its diminished role on supporting
combustion. However, being organic in nature, fire rated products
are still combustible. Even the most flame retarded urethane foam
will undergo combustion at temperatures exceeding 1022°F (550°C).
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Q. Does Foam off-gas once cured?
A. No Polyurethane foam is completely inert once cured.
There is no off-gassing.
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Q. Do I need to buy a dispensing gun and hoses
for my Two-Component Handi-Foam kit?
A. No you do not, all the accessories needed are supplied
in the foam kit. This includes factory attached hoses and a dispensing
gun. The hose length is 9-1/2 ft. The larger II-600 and II-605 kits
come with 15’ hoses. All kits come with 8 disposable nozzles
(5 Cone and 3 Fan Nozzles).
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Q. Do Handi-Foam products have a VOC content?
A. No. One of the great benefits of all Handi-Foam Two Component products is that they are 100% free of VOC's.
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Q. Can fungus or mold grow on Handifoam in
damp conditions?
A. Foam does not support the growth of mold or fungus.
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Q. Can Handi-Foam Slow Rise be used in pool/spa
applications?
A. Handi-Foam SR is commonly used in this application to
fill a void under a tub to stop flexing, provide structural support,
insulate and reduce vibration. However, installers should be aware
that the foam will expand at least 3 to 5 times and exert a lot
of pressure on the tub. Use a brace to secure the tub/spa or fill
the tub with water to add weight to keep the tub in place when foam
is rising and curing.
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Q. Can Handi-Foam® or Handi-Stick®
products be reused?
A. Yes. Instructions are listed below for the different
types of products:
One-Component straw foam - Leave straw adapter connected
to aerosol can. Trim off tip of straw to reuse. Product must be
reused within 30 days.
One-Component gun foam - Leave pressurized can of foam
attached to gun during storage. Product must be reused within 30
days.
Two-Component foam kits - For short or long term storage
please follow these guidelines:
- Leave dispensing gun and hoses attached to cylinders.
- Always remove and discard the used gun nozzle. Never attempt
to dispense material through a nozzle that has been left unused
for more than 45 seconds! Doing so will ruin the Gun and Hose
assembly.
- To avoid discharging material after removal of nozzle set the
black trigger safety in the down position.
- Use the supplied tube of petroleum jelly and a rag to clean
the tip of Handi-Gun where disposable nozzles are mounted. After
you have finished cleaning the mounting face apply additional
petroleum jelly to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion during
storage.
- Cylinder valves should be turned off; however, do not drain
hoses.
- For long-term storage fresh chemical should be dispensed through
the dispensing gun every 5 to 7 days to avoid crystallization
within the hoses. No more than 1 foot of material needs to be
dispensed to accomplish this. It is not necessary to mount a nozzle
on the Handi-Gun when performing this operation.
When you are ready to begin using your Two-Component foam kit
follow these guidelines:
- Be certain contents of foam containers are warm (75 to 85 Deg.
F). A rule of thumb is if the tanks exterior is somewhat warm
to the touch (and the tanks have been stored in a warm area) then
the contents are warm enough to work properly.
- Agitate the contents of both tanks. Gently rock each tank back
and forth for 1 minute or so to ensure that the contents are thoroughly
mixed and have not settled in the bottom of the tanks.
- Inspect the face of the Handi-Gun for dirt and debris. After
ensuring that it is clean put a layer of petroleum jelly on the
mounting face and attach a new nozzle to the Handi-Gun.
- Open the valves on the top of each tank (turn them counter
clockwise ) and release the trigger safety on the Handi-Gun.
- Once you are ready to begin spraying foam fire a test shot
of material into a disposable container. This will ensure that
the material is mixing and dispensing correctly. If everything
appears normal begin spraying foam immediately. If the Handi-Gun
is un-used for more than a minute you will have to replace the
nozzle before using tool again.
- Always wear eye and skin protection when spraying foam. Refer
to manufacturers complete instructions supplied with kit before
use.
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Q. Can Handi-Foam be used as a Fire Stop?
A. No, Handi-Foam is not rated for Firestopping applications.
Handi-Foam E84 Class 1 foams are classified as flame retardent. This may include insulating rim joists, tub and spa
applications, use in mechanical rooms near machinery and in vehicles
and refrigerated trucks. Cured foam should not
be exposed to flame or temps in excess of 200 deg for one component
foam and 240 F for two component foam.
Standard and Handi-Flow Two-Component Handi-Foam kits are not classified
as fire retardent.
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Q. Can Handi-Foam be used as a Flotation material?
A. Yes it can. Handi-Foam meets the U.S.Coast Guard Spec.
for flotation in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations, Paragraph
183.114. We recommend the use of Handi-Foam Slow Rise for a more
controlled application. Also keep in mind that large volumes of
foam in a confined space can generate heat while curing. Use caution
when touching a metal pontoon or canister until it cools. Handi-Foam
exposed to UV rays must be painted to avoid the hardened foam being
damaged by sunlight.
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Q. Can Handi-Foam be exposed to sunlight?
A. Polyurethane based foams are sensitive to UV light (
Sunlight ). Any UV exposure indoors or out will cause the foam to
break down. If used in an area exposed to UV the foam must be painted
to provide UV protection. However it will work very well in an outdoor
application as long as it is coated.
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Q. How can I remove foam from my skin?
A. No solvent readily removes cured foam. It is not harmful
to skin and will wear off in a few days. The foam can be scraped
off using a pumice stone or nail file.
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Q. How can I remove foam from surfaces other
than skin?
A. Since no solvent readily removes cured foam, it normally
must be removed through mechanical abrasion techniques such as scraping
or sanding. Uncured foam can be removed with Handi-Foam Cleaner,
acetone, or nail polish remover.
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Q. How do I determine the amount of foam coverage
in a Two-Component kit?
A. The Foam kits are identified by a number. For example
a II-205 kit will yield 205 board feet of dispensed and cured foam.
A board foot is defined as a 12” x 12” square x 1”
thick after expansion and cure.
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Q. How do I dispose of a Two-Component kit
once I am done with it?
A. Relieve pressure from the cylinders by fully dispensing
the kit. Dispose of kit per local regulatory guidelines. Please
read complete instructions supplied with your kit.
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Q. If I want to fill a mold or cavity, what
type of product should I purchase, and how much will I need?
A. Handi-Foam® Slow Rise Two-Component foam is specifically
formulated for mold and cavity filling. Its slower reactivity imparts
a high degree of flowability, allowing a mold of any size to be
totally filled. Listed below are some of the Slow Rise products
along with their foam yields.
|
Kit Size |
Cubic Feet* |
Cubic Meters* |
|
II-200 SR |
14.2 |
0.40 |
|
II-600 SR |
43.7 |
1.24 |
| SR Refill Systems |
128 to 830 |
3.6 to 23.5 |
* Yields shown are based on a theoretical 2.0 lbs. per cubic foot
(32.04 kgs. per cubic meter) in-place density. A cubic foot is defined
as area 12 inches deep x 12 inches wide x 12 inches tall.
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Q. To which surfaces will Handi-Stick®
adhesives bond?
A. Handi-Stick Adhesive Polyurethane Foam will stick tenaciously
to a wide variety of substrates, including metal, plastic, rubber,
brick, concrete, drywall, glass and wood.
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Q. If I spray a Two-Component kit, and the
foam does not cure, is soft and spongy, or is crispy to the touch,
what went wrong?
A. The kit is probably off-ratio. The components are designed
to dispense 1:1 in volume. Make sure the kit has been thoroughly
shaken before use, and that each tank valve is fully open. Change
the gun nozzle and resume spraying. Proper chemical temperature
is also required for optimum dispensing.
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Q. How many disposable nozzles will I
receive with my Two-Component kit?
A. Each Two-Component kit, size II-105 and larger, will
come with 8 disposable nozzles. Regular and E-84 foam kits will
come with 5 Cone and 3 Fan style nozzles. The Slow Rise foam kits,
designed for filling large voids and cavities, will come with 8
Cone style nozzles. Additional nozzles of either type are available
in our on-line store.
Our small II-15 Two-Component kit is supplied with 2 disposable
dual purpose style nozzles.
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Q. What is the difference between Cone
& Fan Nozzles?
A. Cone Nozzles are designed to dispense Two-Component foam
in a steady stream. This makes Cone nozzles ideal for filling closed
wall cavities, large voids and for filling drums and pontoons used
for flotation. Fan nozzles have a flattened tip and dispense the
foam in a fan type spray pattern. Fan nozzles are best for use when
spraying foam over larger open area surfaces such as walls and between
floor and ceiling joists. |
