Health

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
Density0.4 – 0.6 lbs/cubic foot1.5 – 2 lbs/cubic foot
R-Value per inchUp to 100 times original size30 – 50mm depth
Air and Moisture Barrier3.5 – 3.96 – 7
SoundproofingAir barrier onlyBoth air and moisture barrier
Structural StrengthSuperiorInferior
ResilienceModerateHigh
Resistance to Pests & UVHighModerate
CostMore cost-effectiveMore Expensive
Best Suited ApplicationsInterior, soundproofing, air sealingExterior, 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/

https://isothane.com/spray-foam-insulation/

https://isothane.com/open-cell-closed-cell-spray-foam-insulation/

James Morkel

Tech website author with a passion for all things technology. Expert in various tech domains, including software, gadgets, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. Dedicated to simplifying complex topics and providing informative and engaging content to readers. Stay updated with the latest tech trends and industry news through their insightful articles.

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