Find Answers to Your Secure Set Foam Product Questions
Secure Set expanding foam products are ideally suited for both DIY and commercial use. Below you will find the most common questions our customers ask when considering using Secure Set products for their projects. Questions are categorized by product type and are updated on a regular basis.
Secure Set Spray Foam FAQ's
Here are some quick tips to help you with your spray foam project. This isn't an all inclusive list but is based on questions we receive.
Do Not:
Use canisters upside down.
Remove the black insert/mixer from the nozzle.
Omit nozzles or use without mixing nozzle attached.
Skip the test spray step before application.
Always:
- Fully read and follow the instructions included in the box.
Test gun trigger before pressurizing tanks (opening valves).
Apply petroleum jelly over piston holes and O-ring after use.
Cut nozzle tips for better flow when lifting (slab jacking).
When slab jacking, wrap nozzles with black electrical tape to create a seal between nozzle and hole.
Replace nozzle after 30 seconds of pause to prevent clogs.
Cold Weather Shipping
Secure Set Spray Foam Kits
Secure Set Spray Foam performs best when shipped and applied under safe temperature conditions. Because spray foam is sensitive to freezing, exposure to below-freezing temperatures during transit can permanently damage the product and impact performance.
When winter weather exists in Oklahoma and along several common shipping routes, we will temporarily hold spray foam shipments until temperatures are consistently above freezing.
What This Means for You
Order Now and Hold Your Place in Line
You are welcome to place your order at any time. Orders placed now will be queued and prepared so they can ship immediately once weather conditions allow safe delivery.
Shipping Options
Secure Set Spray Foam Kits
- Shipments will be released as soon as temperatures rise above freezing along the full delivery route
- Ordering now ensures priority shipment when conditions improve
Any customer whose order is placed on temporary Weather Hold will be notified by email. The email will include a link to a Cold Weather Shipping Waiver form for customers who want to request immediate shipment.
For product protection, spray foam kits cannot ship during freezing conditions without a completed waiver.
We recommend a 3/8" diameter masonry bit. You'll want to have one long enough to drill through your concrete slab. You'll also need enough length to drill through the thickness of hardened foam for additional lift. Some customers have reported slab thicknesses between 3" and 11", so having a longer bit ready will save you time.
Click here to download instructions for using extension tubes with Secure Set Spray Foam.
Normal shelf life is up to 12 months from date of manufacture. Shelf life may be decreased when exposed to temperatures over 110℉. Cooler storage areas will ensure proper shelf life.
The actual expiration date is stamped on the tanks and shipping box. For best results, we recommend ordering the product 2 to 8 weeks before your expected project start.
Once you drill through the concrete slab, you can use a wire with a 90 degree bend in the end you insert. This allows you to "grab" the bottom of the slab first to measure the slab thickness. Then, you will reinsert the wire until it hits ground and measure the difference. Keep in mind the height of the void will vary, so you'll want to take several measurements. Using a hammer, you can tap the concrete surface to determine the width and length of the void. The hammer will sound different over solid areas. Check our videos for examples. Another option is to use a borescope/endoscope to visually inspect the void. We recommend buying one with dual-lens technology, providing multiple viewing angles.
Using extensions tubes can decrease the yield of the product. Testing with a 50' extension significantly reduced the volume of foam and increased the density. Even 10' extensions have been found to reduce the yield. It is difficult to estimate the reduced yield due to variables including product, ground, and ambient temperatures.
Secure Set Spray Foam can be used as an insulation layer. It has an R value of 6 per 1" of thickness. Two 1" layers would provide an R value of 12.
An order for Secure Set is normally processed and shipped the same day it is received, if the order arrives before 2pm Central Time (Monday thru Friday). Transit times vary from 1 to 4 days depending on the destination address. All shipments originate from Oklahoma. Most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
GRA Services has not tested Secure Set Extra Heavy Duty Spray Foam for lifting structures, support walls, or footings. Many customers have used the product for those projects and reported great success.
Do NOT use tools. Doing this will void warranty. Contact GRA Support for assistance.
If only one side of your spray gun is dispensing (usually the red “A” side), the issue is almost always due to temperature, clogging, or crystallization in the chemical or nozzle. Follow these troubleshooting steps in order:
Check temperatures:
Both tanks, the gun, and hoses must be between 70°F and 90°F (21°C–32°C) during use.
If it’s cooler than this, bring the entire kit indoors or warm the tanks gently before spraying again.
Never use open flames or direct heat.
Check for kinks or restrictions:
Inspect both hoses. Any sharp bends or flattened areas can block flow.
Straighten or reposition hoses as needed.
Purge the gun:
Remove the nozzle completely.
Aim the gun into a cardboard waste box, not the product carton.
Pull the trigger for 5–10 seconds to confirm that two even, side-by-side streams are coming out of the gun.
If one side sputters or doesn’t flow, continue to Step 4.
Warm and re-lubricate:
Apply petroleum jelly (lubricant) to the O-ring and the face of the gun.
Let the tanks sit in a warm area (70–90°F) for at least 30–60 minutes, then retest.
Crystallization in the red (A) side is more common if the kit has sat unused for several weeks.
Check the nozzle:
If both sides dispense properly during purging, attach a new nozzle.
Make sure the black internal mixer is still inside the nozzle before use.
Do not reuse or clean old nozzles — always discard them once foam begins to harden.
Still not spraying evenly?
Close the valves and contact GRA Services Support at 405-672-8885 before attempting to force valves or disassemble the gun.
Using tools on valves or fittings may void your warranty.
Yes — your spray gun and hose assembly can be reused for up to 30 days after first use, provided the system is properly shut down, sealed, and stored according to the instructions. Follow these steps carefully to make sure the gun, hoses, and valves stay functional for the next use:
1. Close and secure the system after spraying
Turn both cylinder valves clockwise to the closed position.
Do not drain the hoses. They must stay full to keep air and moisture out.
Push the trigger safety forward into the locked position.
2. Protect the gun with lubricant and nozzle
Remove the used nozzle but do not discard it.
Wipe any liquid or foam residue off the gun face with a clean, dry cloth.
Apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly (lubricant) to:
The O-ring, and
The entire face of the gun, covering the small piston holes.
Reattach the used, hardened nozzle. This acts as a protective cap to seal out air and moisture.
3. Storage between uses
Store the kit indoors at 60–90°F (16–32°C) in a dry area, away from direct sunlight, freezing temperatures, or open flames.
Do not lay tanks on their sides or upside down. Keep them upright in the shipping box.
If the kit has not been used for more than 7 days, remove the old nozzle,
dispense a small amount of foam into a waste box, wipe clean, re-lubricate,
and reseal with the same nozzle.
4. When reusing the kit
Before spraying again, confirm both tanks and hoses are warmed to 70–90°F (21–32°C).
Gently rock or roll the tanks if they’ve been sitting for more than 2 months to remix settled chemicals.
Always install a new nozzle for each new spray session.
Spray a small test amount into a cardboard box to confirm that the foam color is uniform and mixes evenly.
5. Important precautions
Never attempt to clean or flush hoses with solvents or air pressure.
Never remove hoses from the tanks once connected — this breaks the factory seal and voids the warranty.
If one side of the gun doesn’t spray during reuse, follow the troubleshooting guide for uneven spray
Proper storage is critical to protect the chemicals, gun, and hoses so your kit can be reused safely for up to 30 days after it’s first opened. Follow these steps immediately after spraying and whenever the kit will sit unused for more than a few hours.
1. Close and secure both tanks
Turn both cylinder valves clockwise until closed.
Do not drain the hoses — keeping them full prevents air and moisture from entering the system.
Push the trigger safety forward into the locked position.
2. Clean and protect the gun
Remove the used nozzle, but do not throw it away.
Wipe the gun face and barrel clean with a dry cloth (do not use solvent).
Apply a generous coating of petroleum jelly (lubricant) to:
The O-ring, and
The entire face of the gun, including the small piston holes.
Reattach the used, hardened nozzle.
This acts as a seal to keep the gun face from drying out and to block air and moisture.
3. Choose a proper storage location
Store the entire kit indoors at 60–90°F (16–32°C) in a dry area.
Keep the tanks upright in their original box.
Do not store the kit sideways, upside down, outdoors, or in direct sunlight.
Keep away from freezing conditions, heaters, or open flames.
4. Maintenance during downtime
If the kit is not used for more than 7 days, perform this quick check:
Remove the hardened nozzle.
Dispense a small amount of foam into a waste cardboard box to confirm both sides flow evenly.
Wipe the gun face clean.
Reapply lubricant and reinstall the same hardened nozzle.
This helps keep the valves and hoses primed for the next use.
5. Before using the kit again
Make sure the tanks, gun, and hoses are warmed to 70–90°F (21–32°C) before spraying.
If the kit has been stored for more than 2 months, gently rock or roll the tanks to remix the contents before use.
Attach a new mixing nozzle and perform a test spray into a cardboard box to confirm the foam color and mix quality.
6. Safety and warranty notes
Never attempt to disconnect hoses from the tanks once installed — this breaks the factory seal and voids the warranty.
Do not use tools to open stuck valves. If valves will not open by hand, contact GRA Services Support at 405-672-8885 for guidance.
Always store the kit where children and pets cannot access it.
If your foam is runny, discolored, or stays sticky after spraying, it means the two chemical components (A and B) are not mixing in the correct ratio. This can happen for several reasons, usually related to temperature, nozzle issues, or uneven flow between the two tanks.
Follow these steps to identify and fix the problem before wasting more material.
1. Check temperatures first
Both tanks, hoses, and the spray gun must be between 70°F and 90°F (21°C–32°C) before and during use.
If the chemicals are too cold, the red (A) side can crystallize or thicken, blocking flow and causing poor mixing.
Bring the kit indoors to warm up for several hours or set it in a controlled area — never use direct heat or open flames.
2. Make sure the tanks are upright and secure
Always spray with the tanks in their box and standing upright.
If tanks are tipped, laid sideways, or upside down, the system can draw only propellant gas from one side, resulting in uneven flow and uncured foam.
3. Inspect hoses for kinks or restrictions
Straighten any bent or flattened hose sections.
A partial blockage on either side can prevent even dispensing.
4. Purge the gun and test flow
Remove the nozzle completely.
Aim the gun into a cardboard waste box (never the product carton).
Pull the trigger and verify that two even, steady streams of liquid come out — one from each side of the gun face.
If one side sputters or flows less, stop and check temperature again or warm the tanks further.
Wipe the gun face clean before attaching a new nozzle.
5. Inspect and replace the nozzle
Always install a new mixing nozzle for each spray session.
Make sure the black internal mixer is still inside the nozzle — this small insert blends the two chemicals.
Never remove or reuse nozzles after the foam starts curing; a partially blocked nozzle will cause uneven mix or sticky foam.
6. Confirm proper spray technique
Apply foam in thin layers (up to 2 inches) and allow each layer to expand and cool before adding more.
Avoid continuous spraying longer than one minute — long spray times can cause the canisters to chill and pressure to drop, affecting the mix ratio.
If you see frost forming on the fittings or hoses, stop and allow the system to warm back up.
7. Check for chemical age or settling
If the kit has been stored for more than two months, gently rock or roll the tanks before use to remix any settled material.
Expired or old product may also result in sticky or uneven foam — check the expiration date on the carton before spraying.
8. If the problem continues
Stop spraying immediately and contact GRA Services Support at 405-672-8885.
Do not attempt to force valves, disconnect hoses, or use tools on the fittings — this can damage the system and void the warranty.
A support technician can help determine whether the issue is due to storage, temperature, or product condition.
Temperature is one of the most important factors for getting proper foam mix and performance.
Both the red (A) and white (B) canisters must be warmed to 70–90°F (21–32°C) before spraying. If the chemicals are too cold, the foam will spray unevenly, appear discolored, or remain sticky instead of curing properly.
1. Ideal temperature range
Before and during spraying:
Chemical temperature: 70–90°F (21–32°C)
Ambient air temperature: 60–90°F (16–32°C)
Substrate (surface being sprayed or injected): 60–90°F (16–32°C)
Temperatures outside these ranges can cause pressure imbalance or improper mixing, resulting in poor foam quality.
2. How to check if tanks are warm enough
The tanks should feel slightly warm to the touch, not cool or cold.
When you gently shake a canister, you should hear and feel the liquid moving freely inside.
During the first test spray into a waste cardboard box, the foam should:
Come out smoothly and evenly from both sides
Turn off-white within a few seconds
Be tack-free in 30–60 seconds
If the spray sputters, the color looks uneven, or the foam stays wet or sticky, your canisters are too cold.
3. How to warm your canisters safely
Bring them indoors at least 24 hours before use if stored in a cold location.
Set them in a warm (not hot) room, ideally 68–75°F (20–24°C), and allow them to warm slowly.
For faster warming:
Keep tanks in their original box and place the box near a safe heat source such as a space heater or radiator — not closer than 3–4 feet away.
Rotate or gently rock the tanks every 15–20 minutes to distribute heat evenly.
Never use open flames, hot water, or direct heating devices on the tanks. Doing so can damage the valves or cause overpressure.
4. Cold weather tip
If ambient temperatures are below 60°F (16°C):
Warm both tanks to 80–90°F (27–32°C) before starting.
Keep them inside the shipping box during spraying to retain heat longer.
If you’re working outside, rotate tanks between the spray area and a heated space.
Use short spray intervals (10–15 seconds at a time) to avoid chilling the canisters.
5. Signs your tanks are too cold
Foam comes out unevenly or in separate colored streams.
The red (A) side stops flowing entirely.
Spray pressure drops, or foam sputters from the nozzle.
The gun or hoses feel icy or show frost buildup.
If any of these occur, stop spraying immediately and warm the tanks back up before continuing.
Secure Set Spray Foam kits include two types of mixing nozzles:
Clear (Conical) – Creates a stream-style flow for direct injection and lifting applications.
Yellow (Fan) – Produces a fanning spray pattern for surface coverage or side-access applications.
Both are mixing nozzles that blend the A-side and B-side chemicals as foam exits the gun.
Do not remove the small black insert inside the nozzle — that is the mixer and is required for proper foam expansion.
Spray foam kits ship under hazardous materials (Hazmat) regulations because the pressurized canisters cannot be safely returned once shipped.
For safety and compliance reasons, no returns or refunds are allowed on spray foam kits after they leave our warehouse.
Note: The product itself is not toxic or environmentally hazardous — it’s classified as Hazmat only because it’s shipped in pressurized containers.
Wrapping 5–7 turns of black electrical tape around the tube or nozzle ensures a snug seal in the drilled hole.
This prevents foam blowback, which can clog the gun, hoses, or mixing nozzle.
The tape also helps maintain consistent pressure and reduces waste from leakage during application.
After spraying:
Close the valves on both canisters.
Remove the used nozzle and apply petroleum jelly over the face of the gun and the O-ring, covering the small piston holes.
Attach a hardened-off nozzle to protect the gun from air exposure and crystallization.
This step is essential to prevent clogging and extend the life of the applicator.
Yes. Temperature plays a major role in foam performance.
Cold weather: Product may expand slowly or incompletely; always warm kits to the recommended range before use. See our temperature guide for full details.
Hot weather: Product can crystallize, especially the red (A-side) component, if exposed to air or excessive heat.
Store in a cool, shaded place and use promptly after opening.
One canister Part A, one canister Part b, hose, gun, 5 conical nozzles, 5 fan nozzles, packet of lube for hose gun, disposable gloves, wrench, and instructions.
Secure Set Mix & Pour FAQ's
Normal shelf life is 24 months. Shelf life is affected by storage temperature. The hotter the shed or warehouse, (110 degrees F or hotter) the greater the possibility the resin will separate in the “B” component, thus shortening the shelf life. Cooler storage areas will ensure proper shelf life.
Secure Set is an inert plastic, closed-cell, structural foam that will not allow water or air to move through it. It does not leach or have any nutritional value that would promote fungicidal or bacterial growth. It has no effect on the soil or the environment around the post.
Since Secure Set is a closed-cell material, water or air (oxygen) does not move through it. Without air or water next to the post below ground line, there is no rot or rust. Therefore wood, metal, and vinyl posts will last years and years longer than if they had been set in concrete.
No. Gravel is used as a means to drain away water that can be trapped in the concrete around your post. Since Secure Set is a closed cell, high density foam, no water or air can penetrate it. When using Secure Set there is no need for the additional purchase and use of gravel.
Click on the “Calculate Your Project” button and input your project details. The resulting information will be the total number of ounces needed of both Part A & Part B (which is always equal amounts).
An 80lb bag of concrete will fill a half (.50) cubic feet. One gallon of Secure Set will fill 2 and a half (2.50) cubic feet.
If a 8″ diameter x 24″ deep hole is used to set a 4″x4″ post, you could use one SS-SP-824-1 kit or you could set five (5) posts with one gallon Secure Set SSF-4-10-5 kit.
Please use the Calculate Your Project button below
Secure Set is a green product and environmentally safe. As an inert plastic foam, Secure Set has an expected life of more than 40 years.
Frost heave is the result of moisture freezing that is trapped in the soil around the base of your post. Traditionally, concrete has been used to set fence posts. However, because of its porous nature, concrete absorbs water and contributes to the nuisance of frost heave when freezing temperatures have penetrated into the soil. Secure Set is very effective for setting posts in these conditions because, as a closed-cell, high-density structural foam it will not absorb water. Preventing frost heave is accomplished with the use of Secure Set and by digging your holes with a bell shape so that the bottom of the hole is slightly wider than the top of the hole. When the moisture in the soil freezes it expands, exerting lateral or sideways pressure on the base of the post. With a bell-shaped hole, the sideways pressure tends to force the post down into the hole instead of up. If your hole has a V shape, where the top is wider than the bottom, and you have used concrete, these two factors traditionally have contributed to the post being “pinched” up and out of the ground.
Secure Set is formulated to be used in DRY SOIL* CONDITIONS. If a post hole has standing water in it or if the soil is highly saturated or muddy, take appropriate measures to remove the water and dry the post hole. One method is to extract the water with a "ShopVac", then reverse the hose and use it as a blower to dry out the soil. Another method is to use a weed burner or propane torch. If Secure Set is combined with standing water, it will hyperactivate and the resultant foam will overflow the hole and its strength will be diminished.
*Sandy soil: Secure Set seeps into the soil before expansion and does not latch on well to sandy soil or wet soil. You can use concrete form tubes to pour into if tightly backfilled.
Fence posts: should be buried 1/4 of the overall height of the post for line posts and 1/3 for corner/gate posts
Mailboxes: should be buried 2 ft. or 25% in the ground
Flagpoles: should be buried 10% plus 2 ft. in the ground.
Decks(recommended no higher than 5ft. above ground): should be buried 1/3 in the ground.
Gazebos, pergolas, pole barns, retaining walls, ranch fencing, sail shades and batting cages: posts should be buried 1/3 in the ground.
Antennas, lamp posts, birdhouses: should be buried 25% in the ground (depending on top load)
Small satellite dishes: should be buried 2 ft. in the ground.
Park benches: should be buried 50% in the ground.
Street light poles and road/traffic signs: should be buried as per municipality guidelines
An order for Secure Set is normally processed and shipped the same day it is received, if the order arrives before 1:30 pm Central Time (Monday thru Friday). Transit times vary from 1 to 4 days depending on the destination address. All shipments originate from Oklahoma. Most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.