Open Cell And Closed Cell Insulation

If an installer was to install the incorrect cell type foam it could cause the insulation to work ineffectively.

Open cell and closed cell insulation.

This makes the foam a softer more flexable material. The microscopic cells within open cell foam are just that open which give it a soft fluffy feeling. Summary closed cell foams are the most popular type of insulation used in remodeling and new construction applications. Open cell and closed cell foam insulation have very different expansion rates.

Open cell spray foam has a very high expansion rate sometimes as much as 100 times over. Closed cell foams use enovate also known as 245fa. It is important to be aware of the difference between open cell vs closed celled spray foam insulation cost uk. The porosity of the two materials is the biggest difference and most important issue.

Open cell spray foam insulation provides a lower r value per inch but is therefore typically more affordable than closed cell spray foam insulation. We often compare the texture of open cell foam to a sponge or even angel food cake. In other words the cells are deliberatly left open. 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.

Now lets get to it. 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. Closed cell foam insulation is non porous with all of the voids closed to each other which makes it difficult for water vapor and air to pass through it. A spray insulation is referred to open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles cells that make up the foam.

Closed cell spray foam on the other hand is also called medium density or 2 0 lb foam. This makes it an ideal option for homes because it gets in the nooks and crannies in attics crawl spaces open wall cavities and rim joists. Open cell foam is full of cells that aren t completely encapsulated. Open and closed cell foam insulation use a blowing agent to forms the cells within it.