Duct tape may be lauded as the home improvement product that can fix anything, but we’d like to make an addendum. Duct tape and foam insulation are the two home improvement products that can fix everything. Affordable, durable and long-lasting, foam insulation should be on every workbench, inside every kitchen drawer, and next to any air conditioner unit in your home or office.
Foam insulation is commonly used to fix drafts around doors, windows and expansion joints. Often sold in long strips with tape on one side, foam insulation is simple to tape around areas that have cracks and holes that are letting air escape and costing you a fortune in heating and cooling costs. Designed to resist mold and mildew, foam insulation is ideal for use in areas where it will be exposed to water.
Foam insulation is also a great product to use to help soundproof areas, with many people applying the foam around doors, windows and on the walls in recording studios, home theatres and even nurseries. Crafters, hobbyists, and anyone tired of hearing their small appliances scrape on the floor or counter can use foam insulation as padding.
If you’re got a problem around the home, there’s a good chance foam insulation can help solve it. Check out our top picks below.
1. Frost King Rubber Foam Weather Seal
For insulation with major staying power, we recommend the Frost King Rubber Foam Weather Seal. The Frost King has an impressive five-year lifespan starting at application, helping to insulate against air loss. The 10’ long black foam tape is 1/2” wide and 9/16” tall and comes in nine size options to fit any job. The flexible foam can fit and fill small cracks and holes. The compression tape can seal in windows and doors, eliminating air loss from drafts. It’s also shock-absorbing and durable and can be used around appliances like air-conditioner units.
Pros: The Frost King is a great option for cars, trucks and boats that need insulation to help stop rattles, squeaks and vibrations.
Cons: The Frost King has a shorter lifespan if used in areas that are constantly in motion.
2. Yotache Foam Insulation Tape
Insulate your drafty areas and provide shock absorption with the Yotache Foam Insulation Tape. The Yotache is resistant to deformation and has a high-sealing ability, with the foam tape able to withstand temperatures between -50℃ to 150℃, making it appropriate for use around major appliances and in cars and boats. The tape is weatherproof, resistant to oil and corrosion, dust-proof, anti-skidding and flame retardant. The Yotache comes in 15 size options making it easy for customers to find the right tape for every job. The tape shown here comes in two rolls measuring 1” x 3/8” x 6.5’.
Pros: The Yotache is made with environmental protection material, as well as CR foam and neoprene for long-lasting life.
Cons: The Yotache comes with a higher price point than its competitors.
3. Magzo High Density Foam Tape
Block out air and sound with the Magzo High Density Foam Tape. The Magzo is made with non-toxic neoprene and is a closed-cell foam, which means it works well for soundproofing purposes. The tape shown here measures 1/2” thick and 3/8” wide and has a total length of 13’. Like the Yotache, the Magzo is weatherproof for temperatures between -50℃ to 150℃ and is non-degumming. The Magzo can stand up to harsh conditions and is resistant to oil and corrosion, is dust-proof, shock-absorbing, and anti-skidding. The Magzo can compress to fit in small areas and still regain its shape after repeated uses.
Pros: The Magzo comes in 15 size options, making it simple to find the right tape for any job, with each tape able to be easily cut to size.
Cons: Even though the Magzo is available in several size options, it can be difficult to tell what size is required for specific jobs.
4. IZO All Supply Egg Crate
Soundproof your recording studio, home theater, study, baby nursery and more using the IZO All Supply Egg Crate. The IZO crates come with a total of six tiles that measure 1 square foot and can be cut and trimmed to fit specific areas. Not only do the tiles help to muffle outdoor noise, but they also add to sound clarity, making them ideal for recording purposes, gaming rooms and home theaters. The lightweight foams are safe for use on ceilings and can be used on electronics like cameras and Go-Pros for sound dampening. The IZO tiles come in six colors, including black, green, blue, red, grey and purple.
Pros: The IZO has an overall Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.55.
Cons: The IZO isn’t well-suited for blocking air loss.
5. Loctite TITEFOAM Insulating Foam Sealant
Seal small cracks and holes that are too big for foam with Loctite TITEFOAM Insulating Foam Sealant. The polyurethane-based insulating foam sealant expands and dries hard and white while still providing flexibility. Titefoam comes with a straw applicator for ease of use and works both indoors and outdoors on brick, wood, metal, stone and PVC. Titefoam can be used around windows and doors, HVAC ductwork, in attics and basements, around wiring, plumbing, baseboards, gas lines, water faucets and more.
Pros: Titefoam is great for sealing areas against air loss as well as protecting against infestations by bugs and pests.
Cons: Titefoam isn’t appropriate for cracks or holes.
6. XCEL Neoprene Sponge Rubber Sheet
Seal large openings and provide shock absorption and padding with the XCEL Neoprene Sponge Rubber Sheet. The Xcel is available in nine size options and is a wider option for jobs that require more than thin pieces of foam insulation tape. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can stick to a variety of surfaces and works well for the bottom of furniture, electronics and more items that require padding. Xcel also makes for a more comfortable handle around items like free weights. The industrial-grade rubber also helps to seal out drafts around windows, doors and more areas where heat can escape.
Pros: The Xcel is made with a neoprene-based rubber that features a tensile strength of 50 PSI, making Xcel stronger than many other foam insulation options.
Cons: The Xcel is rated for -50℃ to 70℃, which is not as high a heat rating as the Yotache and Magzo.