Open-cell foam is soft - like a cushion. The cell walls, or surfaces of the bubbles, are broken and air fills all of the spaces in the material.
 
The insulation value of this foam is approximately R 3.6 for every inch applied.
The densities of open-cell foams are around 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound per cubic foot.

Closed-cell foam, Walltite®,  is hard because most of the cells or bubbles in the foam are not broken; they resemble inflated balloons or soccer balls, piled together in a compact configuration. This makes it strong or rigid because the bubbles are strong enough to take a lot of pressure.

Closed-cell foam has a density of 2 pounds per cubic foot. It is strong enough to walk on without major distortion.

The cells are full of a special gas, selected to make the insulation value of the foam as high as possible.

The advantages of the closed-cell foam compared to open-cell foam include its strength, higher R-value (approximately R 7.0 for every inch applied), and greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor.

The disadvantage of the closed-cell foam is that it is more dense, requiring more material, and therefore, more expense. Even though it has a better R-value, the cost per R is still higher than open-cell foam.

The choice of foam should be based on the conditions of each installation (R- value required, available space, etc).

Both types of foam are commonly used in most building applications.

Some are inappropriate in specific applications. For example, you typically would not use open-cell foam where it could absorb water; this would have a negative impact on its thermal performance because water is a poor insulator compared to air.

Closed-cell foam would be a good choice where small framing sizes need the greatest R-value per inch possible.

The choice depends on the conditions of each installation.

In winter, cold air seeps in and the warm air that you paid to heat escapes. You can feel it happening around your doors and windows. If you live in an older house, chances are as much as 50% of your heating and cooling bills can be attributed to air leakage.
Even in newer construction with standard insulation, you could be throwing away hundreds of dollars a year! That’s because conventional fiber insulation provides a poor barrier to air leakage — reducing the effective R-value and contributing to costly energy loss, moisture build-up, even the transfer of airborne pollutants and pollens into your home. Whereas foam insulation expands to fill every crack, virtually eliminating infiltration. Plus, it’s practically waterproof, effectively eliminating moisture problems! Proper air sealing and insulation stops drafts and maintains humidity levels in winter. In summertime it works to keep your home cool, dry and comfortable. All that while saving you money!

Frequently Asked Questions

Spray foam insulation is a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative for home and commercial insulation. It is made up of Polyurethane foam that is applied to the home or building to insulate walls, ceilings and everywhere else one would expect insulation.
As a result, it helps to keep the heat inside during the cold months and the hot air outside when it’s warm. Think of it as a thermal envelope. While regular insulation can be easily installed by the homeowner, spray foam insulation isn't a do-it-yourself project. Instead it requires a professional to install it properly.

Question 1—What is spray foam insulation?

Question 2—Why is spray foam insulation the better alternative?

Question 3—What is the Difference Between Open-cell and Closed-cell Polyurethane Foams?

To contact us:

Phone: 250 980-3700 (Kelowna)

Toll Free: 1 866 710-4777

E-mail: info@insulspray.ca

www.insulspray.ca

Insulspray Inc.

Mobile Spray Foam Insulation

Serving Southern BC