Recommended Spray Foam for a Successful Window Installation

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Steve Maxwell wrote an article a few months back about the 3 Steps to Successful Windows. Windows are the shield to the cold in the winter and heat in the summer. Maximize the energy efficiency of this open space.

Steve’s 3 Steps to Successful Windows

  1. First, you need to recognize efficient windows from wasteful ones before they get installed.
  2. Second, you need to know about innovative window features so you can look for them as you shop.
  3. And third, you need to understand what a good installation is and how to ensure it happens. Don’t rely on window professionals to handle these issues entirely for you. Some will deliver, but others won’t.

Step 3: Seal with the Right Foam

Once you have the recommended window installed, the final and important step to a successful window installation is to seal the window for optimal energy efficiency. As Steve mentions, some spray “can also pose a threat” if it expands too much.

“They expand so much that they can bow window frames inward under the pressure, making it difficult or even impossible to open and close them. Over-expansion of foam is why manufacturers developed something called low-expansion foam, but even this doesn’t solve the problem completely when it comes to windows.”

Steve recommends a low-pressure foam, not low expansion.

“Low pressure types expand just as much as other formulations, but with much less outward force. Low pressure foam, by contrast, caused no bowing even when perimeter gaps were filled and no braces used.”

Steve Maxwell recommends Arctic Foam (877.575.3626) as it stood up to his tests. If you would like to put ArcticFoam Products to your test, contact us to locate a dealer. If you would like to make ArticFoam Products available in your area, contact us to become a dealer.

Cleaning Cured Foam from Spray Foam Gun

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With most new products, there is some sort of learning curve. With spray foam products the learning curve comes in cleaning the product, adjusting the strength on the trigger, and maintainance of unused product.

A biggest question most contractors ask is “How can I clean cured spray foam from my gun”??? I searched forums and consulted a well-know Canadian contractor to get the best answer for you on this one.

ContractorTalk.com

“From what I understand with regular use you almost never have to clean it; just keep a can of foam on it. I’ve left mine for almost 2 months with a half full can and it still worked perfectly. If your can is spent and you don’t have another or your gun isn’t working properly then blast half a can of cleaner through it.”

 

Casaguru.com

“I’ve never seen any kind of solvent that can dissolve hardened polyurethane foam. The only option for a straw-type dispenser is to remove it from the can, then shoot solvent through it while the foam is still soft. It’s also important to dissolve uncured foam from the end of the nozzle before putting partially used cans away.”

 

The situation with professional guns is different. Since the valve is at the tip of the gun, i find that you can simply set aside partially used cans of pro foam with the gun in place, then come back and use them successful days or weeks later. For long-term storage, it’s best to remove the gun and flush it thoroughly by running solvent through it. Even a little remaining foam will cause the gun to harden up and become unusable.”

So the morale of the story is – proper maintenance for your spray foam gun or applicator produces less headaches. Spraying foam is similiar to painting. It is easier to clean your paint brush when the paint is still wet rather than waiting for it to dry.

After each product use, we recommend cleaning your spray gun with a solvent to clean the uncured foam away. Clean the uncured foam away from the outside and inside the gun. ArcticFoam Products has a spray foam cleaner that works to melt uncured spray foam away with a couple straws. Visit our website for more information on our spray foam cleaner and the full line of our spray foam sealants.

Weatherstripping Doors with ArcticFoam Door Sealant

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Looking for a Door Sealant for your weatherstripping project?

Door Sealant Weatherstripping Doors with ArcticFoam Door SealantArcticFoam Products is a Canadian company that distributes a full line of low pressure insulating spray foam window and door sealants. These insulating foam sealants are perfect for weather stripping and sealing your doors. Learn why so many Canadian home owners and contractors choose Arctic Foam by reading more…

How to Apply Door Sealant

To apply the ArcticFoam product the door sealant must be applied to a clean surface. For the best experience use one of the Pro Series Spray Foam Guns. The spray foam guns provides more accurate control when dispensing the product and applying it to your door.

Why you should use ArcticFoam for your Door Sealant

ArcticFoam door sealant is a new technically advanced closed-cell polyurethane spray foam that exerts 85% less pressure that traditional spray foams. What this means to you is that it solves the problem of door bowing problems. In other spray foams the expansion of the foam causes pressure against the door and causes it to warp. Deflection and warping is almost always caused from misapplication and by selecting foams that are not suited for the specific purpose of sealing doors. Don’t buy any Door Sealing foams until you take a look at what we have to offer.

Products for Weatherstripping Doors

For More information we invite you to watch our video on Spray Foam Sealant


If you have any questions about Door Sealant please leave them in the comment box below or connect with ArcticFoam on Twitter.To learn more about how ArcticFoam can help you, give us a call at 1-877-575-FOAM (3626)

If you are a store or dealer that is unsatisfied with sales of your current Door Sealants, or would like to expand your product line, please contact us for our dealer pricing

become a dealer Weatherstripping Doors with ArcticFoam Door Sealant

Seal Windows with the Right Spray Foam

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new window installation 223x300 Seal Windows with the Right Spray FoamSteve Maxwell wrote a great article today in the Herald Homes paper. It addresses all issues that professionals may have when installing windows. The article titled “Three steps to successful windows” outlines a sturdy window installation in 3 steps.

Step 1: Choice “Window-Wise” Windows that good quality and energy efficient

Step 2: Install a plastic water leakage system to prevent leaks into the home

Step 3: Seal with the right foam

Steve explains that low-pressure (not to be confused with low-expansion) foam is the way to go to prevent windows from bowing inward. In Steve’s experiment he found that low-expansion foam still caused windows to bow even when temporarily supported with pieces of wood. Steve reported “Low-pressure foam, by contrast, caused no bowing even when perimeter gaps were filled and no braces used.”

Steve recommends ArcticFoam Products as it stood up to his tests.

“Low-pressure foam is currently a specialty item, but one brand that’s impressed me in particular is Arctic Foam ( www.arcticfoamproducts.com; 877.575.3626). It’s one of the products that stood out in my tests. They make a range of foams, and their window and door sealant is the only low pressure type.”

If you would like to put ArcticFoam Products to the test as a dealer, contractor or window installation company please contact us to request a sales meeting or locate a store.

Selling Hardware Products Online and In-Store

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Internet shopping has drastically increased since the emergence of the Internet. More consumers are doing research online and purchasing online due to convenience and increasing confidence in e commerce portals.

Across all industries, businesses and corporations are adding e commerce to their website to meet the demand of convenience from their customers. Even small items like hardware products are being sold online.

RONA eng logo coolcanucks ca Selling Hardware Products Online and In Storehome hardware logo Selling Hardware Products Online and In Store

A few examples of Canadian hardware stores that are doing a great job at offering product both online and in-store are Rona, Home Hardware, Preston Hardware, and Canadian Tire. Although all may not accept purchase and delivery through the website, they are providing information for the consumer doing research.

canadian tire Selling Hardware Products Online and In Storepreston hardware logo Selling Hardware Products Online and In Store

Whether you have an e-store or just a physical store, the end result is to satisfy the customer with quality products at reasonable prices. If you are a Canadian hardware retailer that is interested in expanding your spray foam product line or are unsatisfied with your current products, visit our new dealer page to contact us to request pricing for our ArcticFoam spray foam product line. 

Canadian Construction Companies on Twitter

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There are several tools for searching for users on Twitter including the Twitter search tool bar, Twellow, WeFollow,  and Tweepz. But sometimes it is nice to find a list of Twitter users that people have already collected.

Since our main audience for our Window/Door/Gap sealant product is construction companies in Canada, we have started following and engaging with some “social savvy” construction/renovation companies on Twitter.

arcticfoam1 Canadian Construction Companies on Twitter

This list would be good for home improvement product suppliers to start engaging with end users of the product. Engage, distribute samples, and keep on-top of industry news. Please note there are MANY more construction, renovation and home building companies on Twitter, this is a just a starter list of some of the more active and influencial Twitter users that we have stumbled upon.

Canadian Construction Companies on Twitter

  • @DenaliConstruct: Alberta general contractor specializing in commercial, light industrial, retail, medical, agricultural and design build construction
  • @marquis_reno: For all your construction, renovation and disaster recovery needs (Quebec, Canada)
  • @HarconGroup: Full service general contracting firm servicing both the residential and commercial markets (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @KLConstruction: K&L Construction is a general contractor in London, Ontario, Canada. We are active in the commercial, industrial and civil/infrastructure markets
  • @readytodomicile: We are Ottawa’s premiere boutique condo builder, creating high end urban spaces designed for the 21st century.
  • @Lifetime_Dev: A real estate development firm building & developing residential & commercial properties across the GTA for over 30 years.
  • @jsawblue: Jigsawblue exists to bring near/net zero homes to the mainstream at no additional cost to the consumer. We can turn any builder into a high performance builder! (Calgary, Canada)
  • @BaydenBuildReno: BAYDEN BUILD & RENOVATE is a Full Service construction company. Custom homes, additions & renovations for residential & commercial properties. (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @OntarioHomeReno: Ontario Home Renovators specializes in complete home interior finishing. Our professionals are well trained to assure the work is done right. (London, Ontario)
  • @WaldenHomes: With over two decades in the biz, we offer the quality you demand, on time and on budget. Our home renovation motto: Plan Smart, Build Smart (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @pratt_homes: Pratt Homes has been building condominiums, townhomes and detached home communities in the Barrie area for over 100 years.
  • @OlmaniDev: We are a full service kitchen, bathroom, deck, home renovation company and we are able to handle all aspects of your projects in and around Vancouver, BC.
  • @LimaHomeReno: Residential and Commercial Renovation Specialist in Ottawa, Ontario
  • @Ecowest: We’re a metro-Vancouver area company specializing in renovations that increase energy efficiency, such as windows, doors, heat pumps, insulation, and more.
  • @MarcraftHomes: Marcraft Homes – is a Luxury Custom Home Builder in the Lower Mainland of BC, building quality residential homes in Greater Vancouver
  • @JDLHomes: Custom homes, renovations & general contracting services. Owned & operated by brothers Jeff & Doug Langford in Vancouver, BC Canada.
  • @martellhomes: Award winning Martell Home Builders: Moncton, Saint John (NB)
  • @Green_ByAdera: Green is a collection of one, two and three bedroom homes created to promote energy conservation and healthy, sustainable living for families and the community
  • @ckrygier: Home Builder, Developer, seriously committed to energy-efficient, high-performance, sustainable homes.
  • @BosaProperties: For over 4 decades, the Bosa family has been building quality homes w/ exceptional standards & distinguished architecture – homes that endure the test of time
  • @AllrenosLTD: Our company is called Allegiance Construction LTD,We specialize in residential renovations, no job is ever too big, as we use the best trades in the industry (Maple Ridge, BC)
  • @MountainsideBC: We are a family run renovation/contracting company based out of the Fraser Valley in BC, Canada
  • @WallmarkHomes: British Columbia’s Leading Custom Home Builder since 1987
  • @sabalhomes1: the uncommonly stylish homebuilder… our line up of homes is expansive and can be found in communities in and around Calgary and Edmonton
  • @renotoronto: Renovation Nation – Toronto Home Improvements can make your project an exciting experience, quickly, effectively and cost efficient
  • @AberdeenHomes : 4 Generations of building homes in Waterloo Region
  • @AtticaHomes: Custom Home Builder, and Basement Developer in Edmonton, Alberta
  • @BaywoodHomes: New Homes. Official Baywood Homes Tweets. We provide quality built homes with a Custom Touch®, exceeding customer’s expectations every step of the way (Barrie, Ontario)
  • @RJHContracting: RJH Contracting Inc. is a BC owned and operated contracting company that provides a full range of construction and property maintenance services
  • @ThtfulDwellings: Thoughtful Dwellings: Sustainable Homes for Everyone
  • @ThisIsRosehaven: Since 1992, Rosehaven Homes has built over 2,800 homes in Southern Ontario.
  • @polygonhomes: British Columbia’s leading home builder since 1980.
  • @BCRenovations: Vancouver Renovations Group has a team of skilled craftsmen that can provide the results you desire.
  • @wobuilt: Vancouver Renovations Group has a team of skilled craftsmen that can provide the results you desire.
  • @BarstowHomes: Custom home builder in Richmond BC – We video blog the entire home building process!
  • @UrbanRenos: Specializing in interior and exterior home renovations (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @NLC_Homes: New Leaf Custom Homes. Renovator / Builder with a passion for craftsmanship and energy efficiency, serving the Kingston, Ontario Area
  • @AshcroftHomes: Discover the comfort and peace of mind that come from owning a home built to the highest standards of quality. (Ottawa, Ontario)

Canadian Construction Industry News

  • @ConstructSafety: Construction Safety Specialists for over 10 years in Europe & Canada
  • @CMIBlog: Construction marketing guru and publisher
  • @RCD_Canada: Reporting on the Canadian construction industry since 1927: Canadian construction industry news and information.
  • @homestars: We help homeowners connect with the best renovators, repairmen and home service professionals through reviews, forums and social media.
  • @eieihome: EiEi Home is a home improvement community where you can get real info, advice, and opinions of homeowners & contractors (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @onhomeowner: OntarioHomeOwner.com – the regional website for Ontario homeowners. Check out our business directory for realtors, mortgage brokers and contractors near you!
  • @DCNVINCEV: Editor of the Daily Commercial News, Canada’s construction industry newspaper since 1927
  • @homerenoguide: North America’s #1 resource for home renovation – sharing & searching for home improvement inspiration
  • @handycanadian: A site to help navigate Canadian homeowners in the direction of professional, reliable contractors and home improvement advice.
  • @bildgta: We are the voice of the residential land development, home building and professional renovation industry in the Greater Toronto Area with over 1350 members.
  • @REEPGreen: Working together for healthier homes and sustainable communities in Waterloo Region through innovative programs, public education and more.
  • @CARAHS: Canadian Association of Renovators And Home Services We deliver Education,Information and Benefits to Self Employed Home Renovators and Home Services.

Canadian Construction “Celebrities” on Twitter

  • @Bryan_Baeumler: Host of HGTV’s Disaster DIY, House of Bryan, and President of Baeumler Quality Construction Inc.
  • @maxwell_tips: Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, shares 20 years of home reno & woodworking expertise via his syndicated columns, blog, website & workshops. (Toronto)
  • @magruffman: TV host, producer, writer, book publisher (wereallinthistogether.ca), author, woodworker, welder, trail-running enthusiast, kids’ building advocate (Toronto, Ontario)
  • @Make_It_Right: The official Twitter of Mike Holmes – Host of Holmes on Homes & Holmes Inspection on HGTV & HGTV Canada
  • @JimCaruk: Jim Caruk is a renovation contractor, HGTV host and founder of Build it Yourself Learning Centers (Toronto)

Canadian Construction Supplier on Twitter

  • @Toolio127: IHL is a one-stop-shop for industrial & construction supplies, located in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.
  • @bluematerials: Blue Materials is a building products supplier that specializes in high performance building products. Why Blue? Because our products are beyond green!
  • @UJR_TIMBRMART: Fifth generation hardware store (Novia Scotia)
  • @ImproveCanada: Improve Centre is a one-stop Home Improvement Centre, providing both Trades & Consumers with Construction / Renovation / Design related needs (Vaughan, Ontario)
  • @RoyalBP: Royal Building Products: 40+ years working together to build better neighbourhoods of lasting value.

When you look at this list – you see that the most “social” areas are Ontario, British Columbia and Calgary. Interesting..I wonder if design innovation is reflected in these major cities?

Please add a comment to add your construction/renovation Twitter URL if you are a Canadian company active on Twitter. We will keep adding to this list.

Upcoming Celebrity with Fieldstone Windows!

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Since our product launch we have connected with some really cool people in the construction trade. An expert in the Canadian window and door industry is Ken Simpson of Fieldstone Windows.

fieldstone arcticfoam 300x225 Upcoming Celebrity with Fieldstone Windows!

Fieldstone Windows & Doors has been providing quality custom-made window and door products and expert installation services to the GTA and Central Ontario since 1997. “A great window or door installation starts with a good design and considers the owner’s tastes, the home’s architecture and the product’s features.”

hgtv Upcoming Celebrity with Fieldstone Windows! EP travels cityline1 Upcoming Celebrity with Fieldstone Windows!

Fieldstone works with a group of TV designers including Sarah Richardson (HGTV star on Sarah 101), Emmanuel Belliveau (HGTV cohost of My Parents’ House), The Designer Guys, and Stacy McLennan (City Line guest expert).

Fieldstone has also done some work for some influencial interior design bloggers including  @meredithheron, @littlehouseblog, @2hounds and @allysonjbanks

Talk about a construction trade company this is embracing social media! From TV appearances to service mentions, Fieldstone is really making a name for themselves as a market leader in the window and door installation business.

air leaks 300x196 Upcoming Celebrity with Fieldstone Windows!

ArcticFoam Products is thrilled to be Ken’s choice for window and door sealants! With the support of Fieldstone Windows and his partners, ArcticFoam Products will quickly go from a product concept to a TV stuntman! Follow us on Twitter to stay updated with media news.

“This is grrrrreat stuff!” – Ken Simpson (Fieldstone Windows)

Marketing Home Improvement Products

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table background products new 300x300 Marketing Home Improvement ProductsIn marketing a new product, you can walk down many different paths. You can follow the traditional route with direct phone calls, door-to-door sales, and sending direct mail. You can make connections via your network on Twitter and Linkedin and spread the word with a blog, photos and videos. You can network with industry professionals to write about you or promote via video. You can come up with a “state-of-the-ark” viral marketing campaign using all of the above.

Now which marketing method is best to engage contractors and DIY handymen? Traditionally contractors are very loyal to a product for years if they like it and/or it’s cost-effective. They will however try something new if it was recommended by someone they trust – a friend, colleague, family member or industry professional. Given this information, I would think these are a few items that need to be in your marketing plan (if you are not choosing a viral marketing plan)

Marketing a New Product to Home Improvement Gurus:

  1. Making connections with major contractors, industry professionals (“the celebrities”), DIY bloggers and hardware dealers
  2. Providing product samples
  3. Following up to gather testimonials
  4. Product Samples to Major Contractors
  5. Product Samples to Industry Professionals (the “celebrities”)
  6. Product Samples to Hardware Dealers
  7. Product Demo Videos and Photos
  8. Product Specification Sheets
  9. Blog Talking About Product Uses and Benefits
  10. Twitter and Facebook To Engage and Share All Updates

The big question is how do you get feedback from contractors after you have provided a product sample? The answer is making it as easy as possible for them to reach you. You want to be top-of-mind without bombarding anyone with phone calls before they are ready to buy. Perhaps putting a sticker on the product with your contact information. Or including a QR code on the product packaging that will take them to a unique landing page on your website that gives instructions to buy.

Next, if personal connections are important to your target audience you should be engaging them in as many ways as possible. Exhibiting at tradeshows, making personal visits to stores, engaging in social media, and staying in communication via phone/email. Creating product demo videos is also another way of communicating. Any form of sharing information is a way of connecting.

There isn’t ONE marketing technique or medium you should use to be successful in marketing home improvement products. However, you will develop your marketing campaign by knowing who your target audience is and delivering what they want. You may have the best invention in the world but in order to make it a successful business you need to let people try the product, love the product and the service you provide.