How to fill gaps and cracks - please help

[SirCez]

Hi guys,

I have recently moved houses and need to fill in gaps to prevent bugs entering the house. I am not a DIY person, but will be doing lots of research to gain more knowledge. While I was googling, I came across DIYnot and decided to create a post.

I have attached photos. There is the gas meter, electricity meter and the consumer unit. I came a cross expanding foams but wasn't sure if it was suitable for the job. Any guidance will help a lot.

 

[Burnerman]

Expanding foams are great for these areas......however, the area needs to be damped first, ideally - so watch what you are doing!
John

 

[foxhole]

Filling gaps will have little effect on bugs entering the home.

 

[SirCez]

Filling gaps will have little effect on bugs entering the home.

I agree, but I still would like to get the gaps filled then I can at least say I've tried. Every little helps.

 

[SirCez]

Expanding foams are great for these areas......however, the area needs to be damped first, ideally - so watch what you are doing!
John

Thanks. I am just worried the cables might get damaged by the expanding foam. I've read contradicting information when googling. A friend of mine suggested I should hire someone and get it done properly. I am going to research more and I have a feeling I can DIY it. If it was just a crack in a wall outside it would have been easier, but the cables, the meters, the gas pipes just makes me nervous as a DIY virgin. Maybe I do need to hire someone. We'll see.

What about using Polycell Deep Gap Polyfilla? It states that "for holes over 20mm deep, build up in layer to dry in between".

I will keep this post updated whatever the final result would be.

 

[Burnerman]

Personally, I've never seen any cable or pipe deterioration when using expanding foam.....copper, MDPE or whatever.
Polyfilla in that situation is a right pain to use.
John

 

[opps]

You might want to use minimal expanding foam.

https://www.toolstation.com/exact-gap-hand-held-expanding-foam/p66044

Oh, and it is not "exact". It does however expand less than some other brands.

@Burnerman is correct about spraying the area first. It helps adhesion and speeds up curing.

I would strongly recommend purchasing a can of foam cleaner as well. It will cost about a fiver but if you make a mess it will enable you to clean it up.

Oh.. and the majority of spray cans only work upside down. If you need to take a break until the next day. Hold the can up the normal way, pull the "trigger" to expel some of the propellant (but not the contents).

 

[SirCez]

Thanks guys. Expanding foam it is then. Let's see.

 

[opps]

Thanks guys. Expanding foam it is then. Let's see.

Put down polythene dust sheets though to catch the stuff that falls down though.

Any excess can be cut away a few hours later.

 

[LizzySmith37]

You can use plaster, a small amount to fill up the gap & cracks.

Plaster can be found in the painting section of your local hardware store.