How To Glue Foam Insulation To Metal

By  Kimberly Johnson

Things Needed

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil

  • Straight edge

  • Utility knife

  • Silicone adhesive or subfloor adhesive

  • Caulk gun

  • Screwdriver

  • Foam insulation boards

  • Seaming tape or silicone caulk

Tip

You can also use silicone caulk or expanding spray foam as the adhesive to secure the rigid foam to the metal.

After the adhesive dries completely under the foam insulation, apply seaming tape over all joints between the boards. If desired, you can apply silicone caulk between the joints instead of using seaming tape.

Stacks of solid foam insulation panelsJupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Foam insulation is an important part of maintaining energy efficiency inside and outside the home. It comes in large panels that look like drywall, but are comprised of foam and attach to the interior or exterior of the home. While you can attach foam insulation panels using nails, gluing them is less labor intensive. Glue also seals best to underlying metal components, such as metal studs or flashing installed around the perimeter of the insulation area.

Step 1

Measure the metal installation area using a tape measure to determine how large to cut the foam insulation.

Step 2

Lay a piece of foam insulation board on a table, and using a tape measure, locate the proper cut mark following the measurements you took in Step 1. Draw a pencil line on the foam at that point. Place a straight edge on the line, and hold it firmly in place. Pull the blade of a utility knife along the entire straight edge one or two times to score the foam.

Step 3

Slide the scored area of the foam over the table edge until it hangs freely, and then snap it downward swiftly to break if off.

Step 4

Hold the foam board up on the wall to ensure it fits properly. If needed, trim additional material off using the utility knife.

Step 5

Lay the cut foam insulation panel on the work table, and install a tube of silicone adhesive or subfloor adhesive into a caulk gun. Tighten the gun fully, then snip off the tip of the tube nozzle by a quarter-inch. Insert a screwdriver shaft into the center of the nozzle hole to puncture the inner seal.

Step 6

Apply a 1/4-inch wide strip of adhesive around the entire perimeter of the foam board, approximately a half-inch from the edge. Apply more adhesive over the entire inside area of the board using a zig-zag pattern.

Step 7

Lift the foam insulation panel up, and turn the glue toward the metal you are attaching it to. Firmly press the foam board into place with your hands, and hold it for five to 10 seconds.

Step 8

Proceed to cut and glue all remaining foam board panels in the same manner.

References

Recommended