OPEN CELL VS. CLOSED CELL FOAM INSULATION
This seems to be the big debate - bigger than the hype for debate amongst the multitude of Presidential candidates!! The best determination of which is best for your home is to do a pro/con list of the features and benefits. Let’s list the categories:
Closed Cell Foams Open Cell Foams
Density 2 lb. per cubic foot in place 1/2 lb. per cubic foot
Cell Structure >90% closed cell ~25% closed cell
Insulation value From 6.5 to 8 per inch About 4.5 to 5 per inch
R-19 walls would require 2-1/2 to 3 inch thickness of closed cell foam, and about 4 inches of open cell foam. How much space to you have that can be filled with insulation?
Moisture Aborption Less than 5% of the SURFACE Unpublished (hmmmmm)
Open cell foam can provide an air barrier, however, sprayed onto surfaces such as wood and gypsum wallboard that tend to draw in moisture raises the question - do you want a moisture absorbing product adhered to those surfaces?
Most 2 lb. foams, when dispensed in thicknesses just over 3 inches, will also act as a vapor barrier.
Many open cell foams can be dispensed into existing walls. It is very risky to try that with closed cell foams.
Call Mark or Debbie to “debate” this further. Given the facts, you can make the decision as to what type of foam insulation you want in your home.