Removing Cured, Dried, Excess, or Old Spray Foam from Any Surface

Getting acquainted with how to remove spray foam is an essential skill for homeowners. Whether it’s on your roof, walls, or even clothing, removing spray foam can be tricky without the right approach. When done incorrectly, removing cured spray foam can result in damage to your surfaces or unnecessary frustration.

This post provides step-by-step instructions for every surface, highlights the essential tools you'll need, and answers frequently asked questions to make spray foam removal safe, effective, and hassle-free. 

Why Do You Need to Remove Spray Foam Insulation?

Poor installation is a major reason why spray foam insulation needs to be removed in buildings. Poorly installed foam insulation offers more harm than good. It causes off-gassing and other health complications. If you're looking to install spray foam insulation correctly and avoid these issues, refer to our DIY Guide for detailed steps and best practices.

Here are the main reasons for removing spray foam insulation:

• Poor installation
• Home repairs
• Moisture problems
• Deterioration
• Aging 

What Tools Do You Need for Spray Foam Removal?

Several tools are commonly used for removing spray foam from any surface. The common ones are hand tools because they are easier to handle and offer better precision. In the case of large-scale projects, professionals use power tools for foam insulation removal. 

Here are the tools you might need:

Hand Tools 

• Putty Knives: Effective for scraping off foam without damaging surfaces.
• Chisel: Ideal for removing hardened or dried foam from tight spaces.
• Plastic Scraper: Gentle on delicate materials like PVC and vinyl, preventing scratches. 
• Serrated Blades: Useful for cutting through large sections of cured foam. 
• Wire Brush: Perfect for scrubbing off stubborn foam residues from rough surfaces like concrete.
• Sandpaper: Best for smoothing wooden surfaces after foam removal.

PowerTools

• Power Drills: Useful for breaking down thick, hardened foam layers quickly. 
• Power Saws: Ideal for large-scale projects requiring precision cuts. 
• Heat Gun: Softens cured foam, making it easier to scrape or remove without causing damage. 

How to Remove Spray Foam from Any Surface?

Removing uncured spray foam is a less challenging task. All it takes is to act quickly by cleaning the foam with spray foam cleaner, acetone or other natural alternatives. On the other hand, removing dried spray foam requires either hand or power tools, depending on the size or complexity. Here is how to remove spray foam on different surfaces:

1. Removing Spray Foam from Roof

• Use a saw, chisel, or putty knife to scrape off dried spray foam from the roof.
• Use a wire brush or metal scraping tool to remove more foam.
• Apply a spray foam cleaner or chemical solvents like lacquer thinner to dissolve the remaining foam residue.
• Rinse the roof with warm, soapy water to remove foam residue.

2. Removing Spray Foam from Walls

The process of removing cured spray insulation from walls is similar to that of roofs. 

• Use serrated blades, saws, or power tools to cut away large sections of dried foam.
• Dissolve the foam residue with foam cleaner or acetone.
• Use a heat gun to soften stubborn foam residue.
• Scrape off the remaining foam insulation from the wall.

3. Removing Spray Foam From Ceiling

• Carefully cut foam insulation without damaging the ceiling using a utility knife or chisel. 
• Use a plastic scraper to remove the remaining spray foam from the ceiling.
• Soften cured foam with a heat gun or chemical solvents like acetone and lacquer thinner. 
• Use a scraper to remove the spray foam residue. 

4. Removing Spray Foam From Clothing

• Remove the excess foam by scraping it off using a scraper.
• Blot the affected area with vinegar or acetone.
• Wash the cloth using warm, soapy water. 

5. Removing Spray Foam From Concrete

Removing old spray foam from concrete involves using hand or power tools based on the difficulty. 

• Use the putty knife to remove the cured foam as much as possible.
• Use a wire brush to remove excess cured foam from the concrete.

6. Removing Spray Foam From Wood

• Use a putty knife to remove excess foam from the wood.
• Use sandpaper to remove foam (avoid using on finished wood to prevent gouging).  
• Rub a clean cloth with foam cleaner onto the wood. 
• Wipe the remaining foam residue with a clean, dry cloth.

7. Removing Spray Foam From Vinyl Door

• Gently scrape off the foam from the door by using a putty knife. 
• Cut off cured spray foam from the door as much as possible. 
• Dampen a clean cloth with acetone or foam cleaner to soften cured spray insulation.
• Use a clean cloth to clean the softened spray foam on the vinyl door.

8. Removing Spray Foam From Metal

• The best method for removing dried spray foam metal is to cut off a large chunk with a chisel, putty knife, or serrated blade (use power drills for hardened spray foam).
• Gently rub a clean cloth soaked in spray foam cleaner or lacquer thinner onto the metal. 
• Be gentle when removing spray insulation from metal to prevent scratching or gouging. 
• Clean off foam residue with warm soapy water. 

9. Removing Spray Foam From PVC

• Gently scrape off uncured spray foam using a plastic scraper. 
• Use a foam cleaner or warm, soapy water to soften the foam residue (do not use acetone on PVC materials).
• Clean the PVC with a clean, dry cloth.

How Can You Stay Safe While Removing Spray Foam?

Always prioritize safety when removing spray foam. Follow these tips to protect yourself and prevent damage:

• Wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask when handling solvents or tools. 
  Ensure proper ventilation in the workspace, especially when using chemical solvents.
• Test solvents like acetone on a small, hidden section of the material before applying to the main surface.
• Avoid using open flames or heat sources near flammable solvents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Dissolves Expanding Spray Foam?

Expanding spray foam dissolves easily in foam-specific solvents, such as spray foam cleaner, acetone, lacquer thinner, WD-40, etc. These solvents break down polyurethane foam easily, making it easy to remove. Other natural alternatives dissolve expanding spray foam, such as vinegar, petroleum jelly, and oils.

Does WD-40 Remove Cured Expanding Foam?

WD-40 is a common solvent used in softening cured expanding foam. It dissolves spray polyurethane foam and makes it easier to remove. 

Does Petrol Dissolve Expanding Foam?

Yes, petrol will easily dissolve expanding polyurethane foam. Petrol is commonly used to remove spray foam from the skin and hand.

Will Acetone Remove Dried Spray Foam?

Acetone effectively removes dried spray foam from various surfaces. It is also the most common solvent for dissolving cured spray foam on various surfaces.