Understanding Light Density Open Cell versus Medium Density Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Understanding Light Density Open Cell versus Medium Density Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Light Density Open Cell More>

• Spray in place insulation and air barrier
• Vapor permeable
• Breathes
• Will accommodate long term creep and seasonal movements
• Does not sustain mold
• Rejects bulk water
• Drains water through
• Typical R-Value of 3.6 per inch
• Water commonly used for blowing agent
• Suitable for interior applications only

Key Advantages of Open Cell

• Soft, flexible and highly adhesive texture allows the product to retain a tight air seal during the normal structural movement/shifting over the life time of the building
• Vapor permeable permits bi-directional drying of assemblies
• When applied to the underside of a roof deck, will allow for bulk water to pass through and visibly expose the location of an exterior roof leak
• Soft open cell structure allows for greater sound absorption versus closed cell structure
• Using a water based blowing agent instead of a synthetic blowing agent reduces the environmental impact
• Lower cost

Medium Density Closed Cell More>

• Spray in place insulation and air barrier
• Low vapor permeance
• Vapor barrier (class II VDR)
• Rigid design adds structural reinforcement
• Does not sustain mold
• Rejects bulk water (even submerged)
• Deflects water path
• Typical R-Value of 6.0 per inch
• Blowing agent increases R value
• Suitable for both interior and exterior applications

Key Advantages of Closed Cell

• Higher R-value per inch, easier to accommodate higher R requirement in narrow spaces or thinner wall capacity
• Hard, rigid texture provides increased wall racking strength (if necessary)
• Also suitable for exterior and below grade applications as it rejects bulk water
• Lower vapor permeance, can be a class II VDR
• Impact resistance