Compare Open Cell & Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulations
Explore Your Options
Both closed cell spray foam and open cell spray foam insulation can be used effectively in commercial building designs to allow the building to achieve energy efficiency and consistent performance. When applied on the interior, open cell spray insulation provides performance advantages that differ from those of closed cell spray foam used on the exterior. Architectural firms can specify both the building envelope for a total performance option.
Closed cell spray foam exterior applications
- Can be applied at very low temperatures (as low as 5oF)
- Adds wall racking strength as well as impact resistance
- Ideal for continuous insulation solutions
- Higher R-value* per inch – easier to accommodate high R-value* requirements in narrow spaces
- Lower vapor permeance (can be a Class II VDR)
- Can reject bulk water (ideal for flood zones)
- Higher tensile and bond strength
Open cell spray foam interior applications
- Can be installed at a significantly lower cost and target the same specified R-value*
- Can achieve greater R-value* if not restricted by space
- Lower raw material/resource use
- Permits bi-directional drying
- Will accommodate long-term creep and seasonal movement
- Hydrophobic material
- Air barrier and insulating material
Comparison Chart
|
|
Open Cell Spray Foam | Closed Cell Spray Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Spray In Insulation and Air Barrier Material |  |
|
| Vapor Barrier | |
|
| Vapor Permeability | |
|
| Structural Reinforcement | |
|
| Able to deflect water and reject bulk water | |
|
| Able to accommodate seasonal shifting | |
|
| Cannot sustain mold | |
|
| R-Value (at 1")* | 3.7 | 6 |
| Blowing Agent | Water | Chemical, Water |
| Suitability | Interior | Interior, Exterior |
| Sound Dampening | |
|
| Cost | $ | $$$ |
R means resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Compare insulation R-values before you buy. There are other factors to consider. The amount of insulation you need depends mainly on the climate you live in. Also, your fuel savings from insulation will depend upon the climate, the type and size of your house, the amount of insulation already in your house, and your fuel use patterns and family size. If you buy too much insulation, it will cost you more than what you'll save on fuel. To get the marked R-value, it is essential that this insulation be installed properly.
Our licensed Commercial Contractors can tell you more.
