OPEN VS CLOSED CELL

Spray Foam Comparison - Open vs Closed Cell

It is important that our clients understand the difference between open and closed cell spray foam insulation in City, State. While both are wonderful insulation options, knowing how they work will help you select the best option for your specific needs. 

Open Cell Foam

Open cell spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid spray, which expands to 100 times its original volume, and cures within seconds to provide a seamless barrier that fills out every crack and gap. In comparison to traditional insulation options, open cell foam provides up to 50% energy savings because it provides a perfect air seal.

This material offers the best R-value/cost ratio when compared to the cost and results of other spray foam insulation materials, and its high energy savings rating is the result of incredibly low ACH (air changes per hour) ratings. Open cell foam performs best as a highly effective air barrier, because it does not qualify as a vapor barrier, but in many homes, vapor barriers are not necessary. 

Open cell foam insulation is a lower density product, providing a much higher yield that is essential to combat the rising energy costs of today. This high yield comes at the cost of approximately half the R-value of closed cell foam, but it can still provide incredible thermal insulation and air barriers. 

The Facts of Open Cell Foam:

  • Provides immense savings in heating & cooling costs
  • Creates seamless air barriers
  • Helps eliminate mold growth
  • Breathes, but very slowly, allowing it to act as an effective air barrier
  • Acts as an excellent noise reduction tool 
  • Lowest price point for foam insulation

Closed Cell Foam

On the other hand, closed cell foam (also known as closed cell polyurethane spray foam) is perhaps the most efficient insulation material available on the commercial market, with R-values approximately double what any other insulation material can provide. In addition to the high R-value that makes them so valuable, closed cell foam options are characterized by rigidity and strength. Closed cell foam acts not only as a highly effective air barrier, but offers excellent resistance to water and low moisture and vapor permeability.

Much like open cell foam, closed cell spray foam is applied as a liquid, and expands to 40 times its original volume in seconds. As a higher density foam, closed cell foam is much stiffer than open cell foam once cured. With the highest cost/output ratio of any foam spray insulation material, closed cell foam offers shocking strength, rigidity, and a high R-value. Studies have even shown that wall racking strength can be doubled or even tripled after closed cell foam has been applied!

The Facts of Closed Cell Foam:

  • Provides double the R-value of other insulation material options
  • Acts as a moisture barrier if applied at a thickness of 50mm or above
  • Offers immense savings in energy costs for heating and cooling
  • Considered suitable for applications below grade or on the exterior of the building, as it rejects water
  • Works as a seamless air barrier 
  • Wards off mold growth
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