Is Spray Foam Waterproof?

If you are looking to getter better performance from your attic insulation, you may be considering putting spray foam insulation in place of your existing fiberglass batt insulation. Wondering is spray foam waterproof may also cross your mind. Especially if you have been having problems with roof leaks or other attic conditions which put large amounts of moisture into your attic air.

There are basically three types of insulation that people have sprayed onto the walls and ceilings of their attic. We will discuss each of these and their ability to repel water.

---

Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation

As far as the waterproof quality of spray foam goes, the answer is definitely no when it comes to this type of sprayed on foam insulation. It not only does a poor job of repelling moisture but it even has a tendency to absorb water. So, this is a poor insulation choice to be applied if you constantly experience wet attic conditions. For occasional attic wetness, it should be noted that open cell spray foam insulation will dry out after becoming wet or moist.

Low-Density Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

With low-density closed cell spray foam insulation, you will give yourself a little more protection against moisture than with open cell spray foam insulation but it’s not an insulation that is considered to be waterproof at all. Water will have a harder time penetrating through its smaller pore size but it can still get inside of it. This is even more true under extremely wet attic conditions such as those caused by a roof leak.

High-Density Polyurethane Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

When you are talking about is spray foam waterproof, polyurethane foam comes the closest to being able to answer that question with a yes. Water has a very difficult time penetrating its surface because of its denser nature and smaller foam pore size. That’s why this is often the spray foam of choice when it comes to construction and remodeling situations where the applied spray foam must be waterproof. It’s also widely used in commercial, agricultural and industrial applications for this same purpose.

Contact Us for High-Quality Spray Foam in Winter Park, FL

Although many would consider this type of spray foam insulation to be waterproof, it will also cost you a lot more to have it installed. That’s one of the main reasons that it’s not used exclusively as attic insulation. Some people do not want to pay the higher costs if they have attics that do not seem to be prone to having wet conditions. Along with its ability to repel water, high-density polyurethane closed cell spray foam also offers an excellent insulation R-value for those that have it in place.

For high-quality spray foam insulation in Winter Park, Orlando, Longwood, Deltona, and the surrounding areas, contact All Florida Insulation today! You may reach us at (407) 410-FOAM (3626) for a free estimate.

---