Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation comes in two main types: closed cell and open cell. They are quite different in nearly every way, but both very beneficial and effective as an insulation material. Understanding the differences between the two types is important to make an informed decision based on your insulation goals, as well as your particular home or commercial building.
 
Open cell spray foam expands greatly as it is installed, and will completely seal the area where installed. The R-value of open cell is lower than closed cell, and is approximately 3.6 per inch, and has a density of .5 lb per cubic foot. Because it is less dense than closed cell foam, open cell spray foam does not provide the improved structural strength when installed in the attic area. Open cell spray foam is also not water impermeable, so if you have a roof leak the water will leak through the spray foam. 
 
Open cell is less expensive per square foot installed, and is still an excellent insulation material for a homeowner, and a substantially better insulator than batt insulation or blown in cellulose. So it is a popular choice with many homeowners, as it provides a much improved insulation in your home, but is also more affordable than closed cell.
 
Closed cell spray foam insulation is more dense and provides a better R-value than open cell. The R-value of closed cell is 6.5 per inch, and the density of the foam is 2 lb per cubic foot. Closed cell is also a very popular choice for many homeowners and commercial building owners, although it is more expensive than open cell.
 
So in addition to offering a higher R-value, closed cell is very dense so it provides improved structural strength where it is installed, such as a roof deck, ceiling, or wall. This is an important feature for many people especially given the threat of hurricanes in our great state of Florida! Closed cell is also water impermeable, so it provides a vapor barrier where installed.

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Open Cell Spray Foam

R-value:  3.6 per inch
Foam Density:  .5 lb per cubic foot
Water impermeable:  No
Increased Structural Strength:  No
Can achieve higher R-value
Hydrophobic
Substantially lower cost

Closed Cell Spray Foam

R-value:  6.5 per inch
Foam Density:  2 lb per cubic foot
Lower vapor permeability (Class II VDR)
Increased Structural Strength:  Yes
Higher Tensile Strength
Higher Bond Strength
More expensive

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At All Florida Insulation, we install both open so in closed cell spray foam insulation, and have been serving homeowners and commercial building owners for more than a decade. If you are looking to improve the energy efficiency of your home for commercial building, we suggest scheduling a free consultation with one of our technical experts, who can review your options as well as provide you with the best solution for your unique goals and structure.
 
Call us today at 407-410-3626, or complete this form, to schedule your free consultation today. Take the first step to improving your structure's energy efficiency, reducing your monthly power bill, and becoming a better steward for our precious Mother Earth! We service all of Central Florida to include Orlando, Windermere, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Clermont, Apopka, Maitland, and all of the surrounding communities.

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