Where to get scrap insulation foam?

[RobertInOntario]

As some of you might know, I’m thinking of expanding my small 3x5’ layout by adding a 13” wide by 3’ long section.

Since the layout is made up of insulation foam, I simply need to obtain a small piece of insulation board. I could spend $20 buying a new one of these but thought I would try doing it on the cheap first.

Does anyone have any suggestions where I might find some scrap foam board? I’m checking off and on at my local Home Depot. I guess construction sites, renovated houses, etc., might be good sources?

Thanks,
Rob

[MasonJar]

The big box stores might have broken or damaged pieces - I got some full sized sheets that had been crushed slightly in one corner (making the shiplap useless) for $5 each instead of $20.

In new homes, it gets used commonly for foundation insulation, so try your local subdivision under construction (just ask first...!).

Other uses include under interlocking stone (commercial projects usually), ceilings, basement floors so you might see if there's any renos going on nearby.

I almost always see large chunks along the highway too, so that's your last resort...!

Andrew

[RobertInOntario]

The big box stores might have broken or damaged pieces - I got some full sized sheets that had been crushed slightly in one corner (making the shiplap useless) for $5 each instead of $20.
In new homes, it gets used commonly for foundation insulation, so try your local subdivision under construction (just ask first...!).
Other uses include under interlocking stone (commercial projects usually), ceilings, basement floors so you might see if there's any renos going on nearby.
I almost always see large chunks along the highway too, so that's your last resort...!
Andrew

Thanks, Andrew. I like the idea of trying the local big box stores. But I'm not sure what my wife would think if I started picking up scraps along the highway, although that would work too! I'll have to do this when I'm on my own!

Cheers,
Rob

[eightyeightfan1]

Thanks, Andrew. I like the idea of trying the local big box stores. But I'm not sure what my wife would think if I started picking up scraps along the highway, although that would work too! I'll have to do this when I'm on my own!
Cheers,
Rob

Why?...I do it all the time.
You know how much of that pink stuff blows off flatbeds on the highway.

[RobertInOntario]

Thanks, Andrew. I like the idea of trying the local big box stores. But I'm not sure what my wife would think if I started picking up scraps along the highway, although that would work too! I'll have to do this when I'm on my own!
Cheers,
Rob

Why?...I do it all the time.
You know how much of that pink stuff blows off flatbeds on the highway.

I don't recall seeing any of the pink stuff along roadways but then I haven't been looking! I'll keep my eyes open & see what I can find.

Rob

[MasonJar]

I don't recall seeing any of the pink stuff along roadways but then I haven't been looking! I'll keep my eyes open & see what I can find.

Rob

Rob -

This is definitely a source of last resort. I don't know why, but it is fairly common in Ottawa to see sizeable scraps along the roads. But in Toronto, I am not sure you'd want to be stopping on the 401 (for example) to save yourself $5 (or even $20). Besides, I don't think you'd find any pieces big enough for decking/subroadbed - more like chunks for landscaping.

Andrew

[nachoman]

Do you have any friends in the area building layouts? Some of them may have a scrap piece, or perhaps you could go in for 1/4 of the cost of a large sheet, and they can keep the rest.

[RobertInOntario]

Do you have any friends in the area building layouts? Some of them may have a scrap piece, or perhaps you could go in for 1/4 of the cost of a large sheet, and they can keep the rest.

Thanks ... at the moment, I'm pretty much "lone-wolfing" it but I could check with the local MRR club or even at an LHS. Rob

[RobertInOntario]

I don't recall seeing any of the pink stuff along roadways but then I haven't been looking! I'll keep my eyes open & see what I can find.

Rob

Rob -

This is definitely a source of last resort. I don't know why, but it is fairly common in Ottawa to see sizeable scraps along the roads. But in Toronto, I am not sure you'd want to be stopping on the 401 (for example) to save yourself $5 (or even $20). Besides, I don't think you'd find any pieces big enough for decking/subroadbed - more like chunks for landscaping.

Andrew

Yeah, good point. I'd definitely not stop along the 401 but might while driving along a not-so-busy country road. As you say, it could be damaged so much that it might only be suitable for scenery. Cheers, Rob

[RobertInOntario]

I saw the answer to my question bouncing around in the wind today, in a driveway across from my work. An approx. 3x3' piece of white foam was being blown across a driveway near my office! So I quickly picked it up and stuffed it in the car. It might just be what I need to add a fiddle yard to my layout, although it's a little scuffed up & messy (so it might still be better to buy a new piece). At any rate, the scavenger in me is coming out and I feel a little chuffed that I found something that just might work for free!

My wife rolled her eyes though!

Rob

[TrainNut]

Also check in the dumpsters of the appliance stores and electronic stores. While it's not the insulation kind, you can find some pretty sizable pieces of foam that have been used to keep refrigerators and big screen TV's from getting damaged within their packaging.

[RobertInOntario]

Also check in the dumpsters of the appliance stores and electronic stores. While it's not the insulation kind, you can find some pretty sizable pieces of foam that have been used to keep refrigerators and big screen TV's from getting damaged within their packaging.

Thanks. Yes, that sounds like a good source as well. And you can always use scraps for scenery, etc., too. Rob

[nachoman]

I would avoid using the white beaded stuff for anything structural. It isn't very strong. it will work for scenery, but it is much bigger mess when carving.

[stuart_canada]

go to a new home construction area and look around for some one important and ask if you could have a piece that is no longer needed.
lots of the pink or grey foam is used now for construction and lots is cut and tossed
ask and i am sure you will find some
I got a couple pieces for my use that way

[RobertInOntario]

I would avoid using the white beaded stuff for anything structural. It isn't very strong. it will work for scenery, but it is much bigger mess when carving.

Thanks, I agree. I think I"ll scrap what I've found because it certainly does make a mess. Rob