Closed and Open Cell Foam Insulation

Many people think that choosing a specific type of insulation is a headache – and understandably so. There’s spray foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, blown in insulation, and various other options to choose from. But even if you decide to go for one these, you might still have some decisions to make. Take spray foam insulation, there’s both open and closed cell insulation available. While these are both spray foam insulators, they differ in their composition, their utility, and their effectiveness in certain situations. At D&R Spray Foam Insulation, we offer both closed and open cell insulation services, meaning that we’re prepared for every eventuality. Our dedicated contractors – who have vast experience in this field – can offer advice and support to help you come to the ideal conclusion. Below you can find out further information on these brands of insulation, as well as reasons to choose our team. To schedule an appointment, reach out to our customer service representatives today.

What is Closed Cell Insulation?

Spray foam insulation is known as either open or closed cell insulation due to the nature of the cells (bubbles) that make up the foam. With closed cell insulation, the bubbles are completely closed. They’re pressed tightly together, making it impossible for air and moisture to infiltrate the foam. This leads to a strong, rigid, and stable structure, which differs considerably from open cell insulation. As R-values go, closed cell insulation is about as good as it gets.

Benefits of Closed Cell Insulation

If you’re searching for robust insulation in tight spaces, closed cell insulation is tough to match. Not only does it have an outstanding R-value, but the density and rigidity of the material actually adds to the structural integrity of structures as well. The closed cell foam is also a fairly effective vapor barrier, so you don’t need to worry about moisture infiltration in your property as well. All in all, you get a type of insulation that helps with temperature and moisture regulation, and even structural integrity – that’s hard to beat.

What is Open Cell Insulation?

Okay, so you know what closed cell insulation is, but what about open cell insulation? In contrast to closed cell, open cell insulation has bubbles that are not completely closed off, they’re deliberately left open. The result of this is a foam that is softer and more flexible. Open cell insulation has a lower R-value than closed cell insulation, though it’s still pretty impressive in this respect. The biggest difference between the two varieties of spray foam insulation is that open cell materials expand a lot more once applied. This has implications for how and when they should be used.

Benefits of Open Cell Insulation

While closed cell insulation is a more effective temperature regulator than open cell insulation, there are specific situations where open cell makes more sense. For one, the fact that open cell insulation expands by a greater degree means that it’s a better fit for hard-to-reach spots in your property. Additionally, open cell insulation can fill a space with only one application, making it more effective for soundproofing rooms too.