Can Closed Cell Foam Be Used in a Residential Attic?

Yes! You can install closed-cell foam insulation in your Florida home attic. Like any other material, closed-cell foam keeps your home comfortable by preventing heat transfer and air infiltration.

But how does it compare with other insulation types? Here we'll briefly discuss some merits and demerits of open-cell and closed-cell foam.

Highest Insulation "R-Value" per inch

R-value measures insulation effectiveness. That means the higher the R-value, the better the insulating material resists heat transfer. Closed-cell foam has a much higher rating than open-cell foam at a staggering 6.2 per inch compared to 3.7 per inch.

As such, the closed-cell foam provides more thermal protection in vulnerable areas such as the attic. This barrier prevents heat loss, keeping your home more comfortable and reducing the cost of your energy consumption.

Low Vapor Permeability

An insulating material should prevent energy loss and offer moisture protection. The attic area of your house is particularly vulnerable to moisture. It could be due to humidity from the outside or daily activities in your home.

This water creates a conducive environment where microbes and bacteria can thrive. As a result, they lower your indoor air quality and pose a threat to your health. The moisture may also cause water damage.

To prevent that from happening, you need an insulation material such as closed-cell foam in your attic. As the name suggests, the foam has very little space between the cells, which makes it difficult for moisture to pass through. On the other hand, open-cell foam is much more porous. Although controlled, it will absorb moisture from the air.

Superior Air barrier

An airtight insulator will create a barrier between outdoor air and the indoor area. That way, your HVAC system remains more efficient as it does not have to contend with outdoor air seeping into the attic. Closed-cell foam has a higher air tightness rating compared to open-cell foam.

Its closely packed cells can create an impenetrable barrier that is superior to any other material out there. That means no drafts or air leakage through the attic area, causing your HVAC system to operate inefficiently.

Superb Strength And Tear Resistance

Of course, you want an insulation material that can last long without any signs of tear or wear. It's a considerable investment, and you don't want to have to replace it any time soon. In this regard, closed-cell foam is more robust than open-cell foam.

Its tightly packed cells can resist tears and punctures from nails and other sharp objects. This makes it an excellent choice for the attic, as you don't have to worry about rodents or other pests getting in.

Contact All Florida Insulation

At All Florida Insulation, we have extensive experience installing closed-cell foam insulation. As insulation masters with over ten years of experience, we guarantee superior installation services at competitive prices. Call us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) for all your insulation needs, or fill out our online contact form to request a free estimate. We work in Orlando, Windermere, Longwood, Winter Garden, Altamonte, and Gotha, as well as the surrounding areas.

Click to learn more about us.

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