What is the difference between open cell spray foam and closed cell spray foam?

Open cell foam is full of cells that aren't completely encapsulated. In other words, the cells are deliberatly left open. This makes the foam a softer, more flexable material. Closed cell foam is made up of cells that are, as the name suggests, completely closed.

How can you tell the difference between closed and open cell spray foam?

The major difference between the two foam options is that closed cell foam tends to be harder or firmer while open cell foam is softer or less firm. Another difference is that closed cell tends to be less springy with soft cell foam offering more spring to it.

What type of spray foam insulation is best?

According to the Department of Energy, spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF) is 50% more effective at insulating buildings, compared with traditional insulation products. In addition to this, SPF is also versatile and easy-to-install, making it the more cost and energy efficient choice for insulation material.

What is closed cell spray foam used for?

Since closed-cell spray foam is a denser material, it is meant to insulate buildings and appliances. It helps to insulate the air within (and outside) of the insulated object, prevents mold growth, and can even strengthen the wall.

Is closed cell spray foam worth the money?

Closed-cell spray foam is the king of the insulations when it comes to both R-value per inch and cost. Nothing else comes close, really. Unlike its open-cell cousin, closed-cell spray foam is not vapor permeable and will not hold water. This makes it an excellent option in case of water intrusion.

SPRAY FOAM: Open Cell vs Closed Cell

What is the R-value of 4 inches of spray foam?

Spray Foam Insulation R-Value

Open cell spray foam insulation is R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch. This R-Value is normal for open cell spray foam.

Which is better closed or open cell foam insulation?

Closed cell foam has a higher R-value than open cell foam, usually about 6.0 per inch. But some closed cell foams, like Tiger Foam's E84 Closed Cell formula, have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. This higher rating makes closed cell foam better at keeping heat in or out of a structure.

Which spray foam has the highest density?

High-density spray foam insulation has the densest structure of all spray foam insulation types. Due to its high density, more material is needed to cover and insulate an area. For each cubic foot of high-density spray foam insulation, roughly 3 lbs. of closed-cell foam is used.

Is 2 inches of closed cell foam enough?

Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home.

Do you need a vapor barrier with open cell spray foam?

Open cell spray foam is not a moisture vapor barrier, and will allow moisture to pass. So, if you're considering spraying foam to the roof deck of your new or existing home, you want open cell. If there's a roof leak, water will pass through the foam, and you will quickly be able to find your problem.

Can you spray closed cell over open cell?

Both open and closed cell foam will form an air-tight seal. However, open cell has half the R-value per inch as compared to closed cell – roughly R-3.5/in to closed cell's R-7/in. In order to get the same insulating value, open cell must be sprayed twice as thick as closed cell.

What is the R-value of 3.5 inches of spray foam?

The R-value of open cell spray foam is about 3.5 per inch, although the R-value can be different depending on the product. Open cell spray foam has a low density and is many times applied in interior walls and areas that are hard to reach in a home.

Does open cell foam mold?

It has vapor permeability. Open cell spray foam cannot sustain mold. Its blowing agent is water. Open cell has sound dampening qualities.

What is the R-value of open cell spray foam?

Closed cell spray foam has an R-value of R-7 per inch. In comparison, open cell spray foam has an R-value of R-3.8 per inch. Additionally, the materials have decidedly different densities.

Where should you not use spray foam insulation?

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?

Is there a spray foam that stays soft?

Due to its relatively large cell structure, low-density foam stays somewhat soft and flexible after curing.. Low-density spray foam provides heat insulation and seals airflow through cracks, joints and seams by filling the cavities.

Why is spray foam different colors?

The color of spray foam insulation will change over time, and according to Dakota Spray Foam Insulators, you could dye the foam or paint it if a certain color is desired.

How thick can you spray closed cell foam?

The ASTM E84 tests for most spray polyurethane foams limit the maximum installed thickness of foams to 4 inches or less. The ASTM E84 tests for some SPF products limit installations to a maximum of only 2 inches.

What is the thinnest insulation with highest R-value?

Aerogel insulation offers the highest R-value of any insulating material at less weight and thickness—ideal for construction, refineries, pipelines, and thin-gap thermal barriers.

What is the R-value of 2 inch closed cell spray foam?

The R-value of closed-cell foam is R-6.5-7 per inch. Contractors often use it to insulate under slabs, ceilings, walls, and roofs.

What is 2lb spray foam?

Known as a Medium Density Closed Cell Foam, 2lb foam is particularly useful in climates where heavy rain storms are common.

Is closed cell spray foam waterproof?

In short, closed cell spray foam is waterproof while open cell spray foam is not. This is because closed cell spray foam insulation is a denser material, while open cell spray foam is lighter and expands more.

Does spray foam create moisture problems?

While the benefits of spray foam are multifaceted—it can reduce energy costs, increase a home's structural integrity, create a moisture barrier and prolong the life of an air conditioning unit—it can also cause problems.