Foam looks to be the material of the future, as it can obliterate bullets on contact and even shapeshift into furniture in a matter of minutes.

While expanding foam insulation isn’t capable of doing either of those things, it’s still a reliable sealant and insulator. Plus, it has a laundry list of hidden uses that go far beyond boosting your home’s energy efficiency.

Do you have a spray foam can lying around your home and want to avoid letting all of its potential go to waste? Read on for a quick rundown on what you can do with expansion foam.

1. Keep Valuables Intact During a Move

After moving day, the last thing you want to see when you open up your boxes is a giant pile of shattered plates and glasses.

Most people rely on foam peanuts or shredded paper to prevent this issue. However, a can of spray foam insulation works as an excellent shock-absorber too.

Start by spraying the bottom of your box with expanded foam. When it begins to solidify, wrap your fragile belongings in plastic film and lay them on top of the foam.

Next, place another plastic bag over your items and spray more foam over it. Make sure there’s enough room for the foam to expand and fill up the box.

2. Silence Your Water Pipes

Few things are more aggravating than waking up in the middle of the night due to rattling water pipes. But expanding foam insulation can put an end to your nightmare.

First, find out where the sound is coming from. Cut a hole in the wall and carefully spray the foam all around the pipe.

Not only will this muffle the noise, but it will also safeguard your pipes from extreme winter temperatures.

3. Eliminate a Wasp Problem

If you notice a wasp nest on your property, don’t get complacent. In only a few months, one colony can hold over 5,000 of these insects.

Look for the entrance to the wasp nest and spray it with pesticide. Then quickly use your can of expansion foam to block off any exits.

Before attempting this, put on protective gear. And make sure you do this in the evening when wasps tend to be more docile.

4. Prolong the Life of Your Bathtub

Does the floor of your bathtub ever flex when you step on it?

Over time, flexing like this can lead to cracks. But using expansion foam to fill in the empty space can help your tub last longer.

Begin by letting the water run in your bathtub until it is completely full. Open up your tub’s access panel and use a small vinyl hose to spray the foam under the tub.

5. Improve the Aesthetics of Your Backyard

Have you ever wanted to unwind in a velvety soft patio lounge chair while listening to the sounds of cascading water?

Unfortunately, you can’t create a bustling stream in your garden with just a can of expansion foam. But you can use foam sealant to finalize your DIY waterfall project.

When putting together a backyard waterfall, you’ll eventually need to add spill rocks. Cover the bottom of these rocks with expanding foam insulation to make sure they stay in place. Also, use the foam to block up any holes so the water can only travel over the rocks.

Final Thoughts on Using Expanding Foam Insulation

Rather than tossing aside your can of expanding foam insulation after sealing an air leak, hold on to it for some of the reasons mentioned above. However, if you’ve held on to a spray foam can for a long time, make sure it hasn’t expired prior to using it.

Also, if you make a mistake when applying the foam, don’t attempt to clean it up while it’s still wet. Give it time to firm up so you can peel it off easily.

Ready to dive headfirst into more can’t-miss home improvement tips and tricks? If so, be sure to check out the home and garden section of our blog!