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Spray foam is a one-of-a-kind insulation and sealing material. It is applied on-site so that it conforms to the surface. Applying spray foam insulation in commercial buildings in Spruce Grove results in a more constricted building envelope, which increases/enhances energy efficiency.
Spray foam insulation and insulating foam sealants are created by combining various liquid components. These liquids are usually mixed and applied on-site, and when mixed, they react speedily, expanding to form dense and hard foam. This foam is capable of insulating spaces and sealing gaps, and can act as moisture, air, and vapor barriers.
Spray foam is a versatile material that helps in sealing wall cavities, exterior walls, crawlspaces, attics, and insignificant gaps and cracks throughout a home. Spray foam products also reduce infiltration and movement of air throughout the home. This lowers energy consumption, limits the intrusion of allergens and pollutants, and increases the level of comfort in a home. Now you see the importance of spray foam insulation in a concrete garage in Spruce Grove.
Probably you’re thinking of which spray foam insulation type to use. This might be a very tricky decision. There are two types of insulation for use, but it is considered difficult to choose because, while both open cell and closed cell foam insulate a home, they do not do this in different ways. This article will compare open cell with closed cell foam and help you choose the best one for your project.
Open Cell vs Closed Cell Foam
Open cell foam and closed cell foam each have different strengths and weaknesses, and neither is necessarily superior to the other. It all comes down to understanding the advantages of both and selecting the best one. Here are some points of comparison:
Cells
The difference in the small bubbles (cells) that make up the foam is one of the major differences between open cell and closed cell.
Open cell foam contains cells that are not completely filled. To put it another way, the cells are intentionally left open. As a result, the foam becomes softer and more pliable.
Closed cell foam, on the other hand, comprises completely closed cells, as the name implies. Because the cells are pressed together, air and moisture cannot enter the foam. This means that closed cell foam is denser than open cell foam.
Density
Closed cell foam has a higher density than open cell foam. The density of most open cell foam is around .5 pounds per foot. Closed cell foam can be three times as dense, weighing 1.75 pounds per foot or more.
R-Value
The R-value of a foam is its resistance to high temperature or heat. In other words, it is how well it insulates. The R-value of closed cell foam is higher than that of open cell foam, typically around 6 per inch. However, some closed cell foams possess higher ratings, reaching nearly 7 per inch. Because of this higher rating, closed cell foam is better at keeping heat in or out of a structure.
The R-value of open cell foams is around 3.5 per inch. This is significantly lower than closed cell foams, which can limit the usefulness of open cell insulation applications in extreme weather conditions.
Expansion
This is one very crucial difference in terms of application. When applied, closed cell foam is calculated to expand to a thickness of about 1 inch. With an R-value of 7 for each inch, multiple applications can be used to achieve higher total R-values. However, Because open cell foam expands to a thickness of 3 inches, only one application is possible for standard walls.
Applications for both Cell Insulation Types
Closed Cell Foam
Because it can top R-values of open cell foam twice over inside a standard wall, closed cell foam is the best choice for insulating where space is limited. Its rigidity adds to a building’s structural integrity. The closed cell type also performs the job of a vapor barrier, reducing the likelihood of water and moisture entering the home, and the foam itself is unaffected by water even after a long time. Hence, for spray foam insulation around water pipes in Spruce Grove, closed cell is the best option.
Open Cell Foam
One of the most significant advantages of open cell foam is that it expands significantly after application, making it the best choice for getting to hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in a house. Open cell foam is also ideal for soundproofing because it can completely fill the space between studs when applied once.
Open cell foam is also less expensive than closed cell foam, but it does not insulate a home as well as closed cell foam, making it unsuitable for areas with extreme weather temperatures.
So, Which Type of Insulation Should I Use?
From all that has been said, you need to know the location of the house, why you want to insulate, and, of course, how much you are ready to spend on insulation as a whole. Need more assistance deciding between open cell and closed cell foam? Please contact us if you need more assistance with this. Cheers!
