After spray polyurethane foam (SPF) has cured, it needs to be trimmed for a flush finish with the studs. This will allow the drywall (or other surface finish) to be installed properly. There are a number of products on the market to trim spray foam.
This video demonstrates the process of trimming closed cell spray foam. You’ll see how the machine cuts smoothly and trims the wall cleanly the full width of the head. This allows for fast easy trimming of corners. By running the head directly on the studs it also uses its rotating head to feed itself up the wall. This minimizes the effort it takes to operate this trimmer if used properly.
The Spray Foam Nation online store features a few different products to help contractors plane the cured spray foam: 16″ Foam Planer for 2 lb. Closed Cell Foam and a 24″ Foam Planer
Would you recommend closed cell or open cell spray foam insulation for a basement? I live in Florida.
Closed cell would typically be best for your basement as it provides more moisture resistance.
Why is the trimmer-planer mechanic not wearing protective mask or glasses in the video?
Another question: Can the foam be sprayed into the wall cavities with some sort of re-usable forms pressed over or temporary screwed to the studs to force the foam to expand flat and even with the framing faces – requiring minimal trimming afterward? A little more thought up front could save what looks to be many hours of labor and cleanup afterward. And what of the chaff that is produced in trimming? Does it have to be disposed of in any special way?