Open Cell and Closed Cell Spray Foam Explained

Spray foam insulation is a popular choice for builders and homeowners who want to improve their property’s thermal performance, livability, and durability.
In this article, we’ll explore the science behind the two main types of spray foam insulation: open cell and closed cell.
At a broad glance, here’s where the two stand based on different aspects:
Aspect | Open Cell Spray Foam | Closed Cell Spray Foam |
Density | 0.4 – 0.6 lbs/cubic foot | 1.5 – 2 lbs/cubic foot |
R-Value per inch | Up to 100 times original size | 30 – 50mm depth |
Air and Moisture Barrier | 3.5 – 3.9 | 6 – 7 |
Soundproofing | Air barrier only | Both air and moisture barrier |
Structural Strength | Superior | Inferior |
Resilience | Moderate | High |
Resistance to Pests & UV | High | Moderate |
Cost | More cost-effective | More Expensive |
Best Suited Applications | Interior, soundproofing, air sealing | Exterior, superior thermal resistance, water resistance |
Keep reading to learn more about their differences, benefits, drawbacks, and how to choose the right one for your needs in detail.
What is Spray Foam Insulation?
Spray foam insulation is a material that is applied to the interior of a building to create an air and thermal barrier. It expands and hardens after application, filling gaps and cracks to prevent air leakage and reduce heat transfer. Spray foam insulation comes in two main kinds: open cell and closed cell.
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open cell spray foam insulation consists of bubbles that pop during the application process. This allows air to fill the voids, resulting in a soft and flexible texture.
Benefits
Improved indoor air quality: Open cell spray foam forms an efficient air barrier, reducing air leakage and improving the air quality inside the building.
Noise reduction: It dampens sound and vibrations, making it an effective noise buffer.
Resilience: Open cell spray foam can withstand seasonal and permanent shifts in a building’s location without cracking or losing effectiveness.
Cost-effectiveness: It requires less time and resources for installation, making it more affordable than closed cell spray foam.
Drawbacks
Lower thermal resistance: With an R-value between 3.5 and 3.9 per inch, open cell spray foam is less effective at retaining heat compared to closed cell spray foam.
Moisture issues: Open cell spray foam does not act as a vapor or moisture barrier, potentially leading to problems such as mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage.
Additional protection required: Open cell spray foam is susceptible to fire, UV rays, pests, rodents, and insects and requires an additional layer of protection, such as drywall or plywood.
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell spray foam insulation has tightly packed bubbles, preventing air from escaping during the installation process.
Benefits
Higherthermalresistance: With an R-value between 6 and 7 per inch, closed cell spray foam has better thermal resistance than open cell spray foam.
Airandwaterbarrier: Closed cell spray foam acts as a shield against air and water, preventing issues related to condensation and water damage.
Structuralstrength: By bonding firmly to the substrate, closed cell spray foam can improve a building’s strength and stability.
Superiorresistance: Closed cell spray foam is resistant to heat, flame, ultraviolet light, insects, rodents, and other pests, making it suitable for situations where open cell spray foam would be inadequate.
Drawbacks
Higher cost: Due to the increased cost of materials and labor, closed cell spray foam is more expensive to install than open cell spray foam.
Inferior soundproofing: Compared to open cell spray foam, closed cell spray foam provides less effective soundproofing.
Potential shrinkage and cracking: The constant expansion and contraction of the surrounding temperature may cause closed cell spray foam insulation to shrink and crack over time.
Ultimately, both open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation offer unique advantages and drawbacks, making it crucial to evaluate your specific requirements to choose the most suitable insulation solution for your property.
For more information, visit
https://isothane.com/spray-foam-insulation/
https://isothane.com/open-cell-closed-cell-spray-foam-insulation/