OPEN-CELL VS CLOSED-CELL: WHICH SHOULD I CHOOSE?
Choosing insulation for your home is an important decision to make. Therefore, you must do thorough research before investing. If you have stumbled upon this article, it means that you have decided to install spray foam in your home. Now you are confused about which type of insulation you should install. There are two kinds of spray foam insulation; open cell and close cell. In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between these two insulation. In addition, we will also tell you which one is going to work better in different situations. Spray Foam Insulation Maple Grove Minnesota
Differences between closed-cell spray foam insulation and open-cell spray foam insulation.
Let us start by explaining what spray foam insulation is. It is chemical-based insulation that is mixed on-site by insulation contractors and then sprayed onto the desired place. Foam insulation does not compress, sag, or settle over time due to its structure, making it an excellent choice for insulating your home. Both the types of spray foam insulation, open-cell, and closed-cell, can last for a very long time.
Open-cell spray foam insulation
Open-cell insulation has cells that are open (as the name suggests). This is because; the cells expand to the point of bursting before they settle and get firm. This is what makes the open-cell foam more flexible and much lighter in weight. Moreover, due to its great expansion, it can easily cover up and close all the tiny cracks and gaps in the walls or other parts of the house.
Moisture
Open-cell spray foam insulation is moisture-permeable. However, it is made up of a material where mold cannot grow. In addition, once it dries, the insulation will be as effective as it was before it got wet. Open-cell spray foam can retain anywhere from 5% to 70% of its weight in water. If you reside in an area where the humidity is continuously high, open-cell insulation may be less advantageous because it allows outside moisture into your home. You can have a vapor-retardant sprayed on the insulation to assist alleviate this issue
R-value
Open-cell spray foam insulation has a smaller R-value compared to closed-cell insulation. The R-value of open-cell spray insulation per inch is 3.5 to 3.8. The R-value of a material refers to its ability to resist heat flow. The bigger the R-value, the higher its insulation power will be.
Price
Open-cell spray foam insulation is more pocket-friendly than closed-cell insulation. This is because, as it gets bigger or expands more, a smaller amount of product is used. This is because despite being bigger, open-cell insulation is much less dense, and therefore, uses less product.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation
It has the name “closed-cell” spray foam insulation because the cells are packed tightly and closed. This is because the expansion of cells happens much slower and the foam settles before the cells burst open. The result is a very dense foam.
Moisture
The water vapors have a hard time going across this type of insulation due to its confined structure. This is because closed-cell spray foam insulation is moisture-impermeable insulation. Therefore, you do not have to worry about it getting moldy.
R-value
Closed-cell insulation has a much greater R-value compared to open-cell spray foam insulation. Normally it is over 6.0 per inch. Therefore, it has a greater insulation power compared to an open cell.
Price
As it is very dense, a lot of products are used in it. This is why it is higher in price compared to open-cell spray foam insulation.
Which one will suit your home better?
Spray foam insulation is a wonderful alternative for filling up cracks and spaces in general. It can also be installed without tearing down existing walls. Because open-cell spray foam has a lower R-value than closed-cell spray foam, it is not a very good option for regions with extreme temperatures.
Heat and humidity can readily pass through it. Because of its soft structure and flexibility to spread, open-cell is excellent for tiny, inaccessible places that cause air leaks. It also effectively muffles sound. Closed-cell spray foam has a greater R-value so it is better for regions with more severe temperatures.
If your home has air leaks, then you should have your local insulation contractors near Maple Grove MN at Century Insulation seal the air leaks in your home. Contact us today to learn more about our insulation and air-sealing services.