Open vs. Closed Cell Insulation Spray Foam - What Works Best for Your Home?

Excerpt:

This blog post will discuss the difference between open-cell vs. closed-cell foam insulation and what you should use in your home to help save money on heating and cooling costs.

Keywords: insulation spray foam, air barrier installation services

Home insulation is a vital part of any home, and it can have a significant impact on your energy bills. There are two main types of insulation: open-cell insulation and closed-cell spray foam insulation. Understanding the differences between these two products is essential to decide which one will work best for your home in Black Mountain, NC.

In this blog post by Spray Foam Asheville WNC, LLC, we'll discuss both types so that you can make an informed decision.

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam - Composition

Open-cell foam insulation is less dense than closed-cell foam and looks like a sponge. It can be installed as either a liquid or in blocks, pellets, or spray form. Open-cell allows water vapor to escape, making it ideal for attic applications where condensation problems occur.

Closed-cell foam insulation is solid, uniform, and smooth. It's available in rigid panels or rolls of varying widths. Closed-cell foam insulation makes a tight seal against air infiltration at the edges. It provides resistance to air movement through cracks around windows and doors, making it one of the most effective insulators on today's market.

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam - Blowing Agent

Open Cell Foam: Open cell foam insulation comprises tiny cells that are not entirely closed. This makes the material less dense and absorbs more moisture than closed-cell foam. Because of this, open-cell foam is not as effective at preventing heat loss as closed-cell foam. However, due to its ability to absorb water vapor, open-cell foam is better for areas where moisture is present, such as in basements or crawlspaces.

Closed Cell Foam: Closed-cell foam insulation is made of cells that are entirely closed and packed tightly together. This makes the material denser and more effective at preventing heat loss. The closed-cell foam also does not absorb water vapor, making it a better choice for areas where moisture is not present.

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam - R-Value

Open-cell foam insulation also has a lower R-value than closed-cell foam, which will not effectively prevent heat loss. However, it is a more affordable option and can be used in applications where closed-cell foam is not an option. Additionally, open-cell foam insulation is more effective at preventing air infiltration than closed-cell foam.

If you are looking for affordable insulation that can help prevent air infiltration, open-cell foam is a good choice. If you need the highest R-value possible, closed-cell foam is the best option.

Both types of insulation have their place in the modern-day home.

You should make a choice depending on your specific needs and situation.

If you have any questions about Open vs. Closed-cell spray polyurethane insulation, please feel free to contact Spray Foam Asheville WNC, LLC in Black Mountain, NC. Our experts will be happy to assist you further and make it easy to choose the proper insulation spray foam. If you are looking for high-quality and flawless insulation, waterproofing, and air barrier installation services, you can always count on our experts.