Spray foam insulation comes in two different types, open cells, and closed-cell spray foam insulation. These two are considered separate, because of the distinction in the cells of the foam. Spray Foam Insulation Near Minneapolis MN
- Open-cell foam: In simple words, it has purposefully left open cells, which makes this type of foam softer and more flexible.
- Closed-cell foam: This, on the contrary, has completely closed cells, as its name suggests. The cells are tightly packed together so that no air or moisture can get inside the foam. This is why closed-cell foam is more rigid and stable compared to open-cell foam.
Open Cell vs Closed Cell Foam: Which Should I Choose?
You might be confused between the two, and you might want to know which is better between the two. Here is the thing, one is not necessarily better than the other is. They both are excellent, just good at different things. Therefore, if you want to know which one is better FOR YOU, then you need to consider what the two are good at, and what your requirements are.
Differences Between Open-Cell and Closed-Cell Foam Insulation
Open-cell foam and closed-cell foam have different strengths and drawbacks. Let us look at the differences between the two types of foam insulation.
The Cells
We already know about the cell structure of the two types of foams. Closed-cell foam has tightly packed and very compact cells. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, has loosely packed and open cells. The arrangement of the cells changes the properties and structure of the foams.
Density
Closed-cell foam is much denser compared to open-cell foam. This is because the cells are very tightly arranged in them. Closed-cell foam is over three times denser than open-cell foam.
R-Value
The R-value of foam is the foam’s resistance to the flow of heat, which means how well they are at insulating. Closed-cell foam has a higher R-value compared to open-cell foam. The higher the R-value, the better the foam is at insulating your home. Open-cell foam has a much lower R-value compared to closed-cell foam.
Expansion
Lastly, the most significant difference between the two types of foam is the expansion. Closed-cell foams expand to 1′ thickness when it is sprayed. Keep in mind that multiple layers can be sprayed to achieve a higher R-value and greater thickness. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, expands to 3′ thickness. Because it is so thick, it can only be applied as a single layer.
Benefits of Closed-Cell Foam
You might have been able to tell by now that closed-cell foam is a better choice for strong insulation. This is because it has a higher R-value than the open-cell foam. It is rigid, therefore; it also strengthens the structure of the building. This type of spray foam insulation is an outstanding sealant; no air or moisture will pass through its barrier.
Benefits of Open-Cell Foam
The best feature of open-cell foam is the fact that it has a very high expansion. This is a much-desired feature because there are often awkward, hard-to-reach areas in a house or building. These weird and very hard-to-reach areas are easily covered and insulated with the open-cell spray foam. These types of places cannot be easily reached by closed-cell foam. Open-foam has a much higher expansion, so it fills in all the weird and complicated gaps. Moreover, it is excellent for soundproofing your home. It is also much cheaper, but it is ineffective in insulating your home in extreme weather than closed-cell foam.
For more information about our spray foam insulation services, feel free to contact Spray Foam Insulation Plus, the best insulation contractors in Minneapolis MN, today.
Spray Foam Insulation Near Minneapolis MN
Spray Foam Insulation Near Minneapolis MN
Spray Foam Insulation Near Minneapolis MN
