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The Differences Between Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation and Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation in the domestic and commercial market. Its popularity is due in part to its many benefits, including its ability to seal even the smallest cracks and crevices in hard-to-reach places. Spray foam insulation is available in two main varieties: open cell and closed cell. Each formulation has its own unique set of benefits and features, so it’s important to choose the right type of spray foam insulation for your needs.

Which is better? Open Cell vs Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is a type of insulation that is sprayed onto a surface where it expands to form a thick, protective barrier. There are two main types of spray foam insulation: open cell and closed cell. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, making them each better suited to different applications. 

Closed cell spray foam is denser and more rigid than open cell spray foam, making it better at blocking out drafts and heat. However, it is also typically more expensive and more difficult to install because of its reduced flexibility. Open cell spray foam is less dense and more flexible than closed cell spray foam due to its vast expanding properties, making it better at absorbing sound and vibration. This can also make it more affordable and easier to install. So, which insulating spray foam is better? The answer, simply, is that it depends on your needs. 

Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Benefits

If you’re looking for insulation that will absorb sound and vibration, then open cell spray foam is the better choice. Open cell spray foam insulation is less dense than closed cell spray foam insulation. A low density equals a lower R-value, which means it’s not as effective at insulating your home. However, open cell spray foam insulation is much more flexible than closed cell spray foam insulation, making it ideal for use in hard-to-reach places. In addition, open cell spray foam insulation expands as it dries, filling in any gaps or cracks that may be present.

Reduces heat loss: open cell spray foam insulation acts as air barrier to reduce heat loss through roofs, walls, floors, and property structures.

Prevents drafts: open cell spray foam insulation fills gaps to prevent cold air and drafts entering a budling.

Improves air quality: open cell spray foam insulation helps reduce dust and allergens to improve the indoor air quality in your home or workplace.

Covers hard-to-reach areas: open cell spray foam insulation can expand to up to 100x its original size to fit tight, awkward, and hard-to-reach areas, resulting in an excellent coverage that is easier to apply.

Low density: our open cell spray foam insulations offer a light density solution that is soft and flexible, making it easy to work with and structurally sympathetic.

Sound insulation: open cell spray foam insulation has sound deadening qualities that help reduce noise and echoing in your property.

Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation Benefits

If you’re looking for insulation that will block out drafts and heat, then closed cell spray foam may be the better choice. Closed cell spray foam insulation is denser than open cell spray foam insulation, giving it a higher R-value, which in turn means that it is more effective at insulating a building. However, closed cell spray foam insulation is much more rigid than open cell spray foam insulation, making it difficult to work with in tight spaces. 

Water resistant: closed cell spray foam insulation repels leaking water to provide a waterproof layer to your building, perfect for use in areas prone to flooding or wind-driven rain.

Thermal properties: closed cell spray foam insulation has excellent thermal properties and a high U-value, creating a strong barrier to prevent air leaks and heat loss.

Rigid density: the bubble structure in closed cell spray foam insulation is more tightly compressed, resulting in more rigid insulation, expanding between approximately 25-30mm per applied layer.

Structural reinforcement: the high density of closed cell spray foam insulation means that it can be used to support the structural integrity of a building.

Choosing the right spray foam solution

Though open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation share many similarities, it is important that you choose the correct foam for your circumstance. Installing the incorrect foam insulation can cause timbers to rot and air leakage, giving you none of the benefits and the potential to create costly problems down the line.

Isothane offers a wide range of closed and open cell spray foam insulation systems, perfect for domestic, commercial, and industrial use. Our team of expert installers operate nationwide and are available to help you choose and apply the spray foam insulation best suited to your project. Contact us today for no-obligation advice or browse our range of insulating spray foams.

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    We can put you in contact with our nationwide network of approved installers to help turn your project into reality.