Closed Cell Foam Vs Open Cell Foam Attic

Open cell tends to be roughly 0 5 lb cu.

Closed cell foam vs open cell foam attic.

Most open cell foam has a density of about 5 pounds per cubic foot. This makes the foam weaker or softer feeling than closed cell foam. Closed cell spray foam insulation acts as an air barrier at any thickness due to its solid properties. It is either open cell foam where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed.

To ascertain foam density one cubic foot cu. In density whereas closed cell ranges from 1 7 to 3 0 lb cu. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu. They are broken and air fills all of the open space inside the material.

Ft of foam material is weighed. Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which. It s expanding properties ensure that it covers every little crack and hole but even with that ability it still needs to be installed correctly. A foams r value is its resistance to heat flow or in other words how well they insulate.

Calculating spray foam costs. Roofing applications typically use a 2 8 to 3 0 lb cu. Open cell foam is weaker or softer feeling than closed cell foam but a much better sound barrier than closed cell due to the open nature of the cells. Open cell spray foam insulation needs to be at full thickness before it can act as an air barrier.

Closed cell foam has a higher r value than open cell foam usually about 6 0 per inch. Open cell foam has an r value of about 3 5 to 3 7 per inch while closed cell foam has an r value of about 6 per inch. Many builders in cold climates use closed cell spray foam instead because of its lower water vapor permeability which means it doesn t need the extra step of installing a vapor retarder. To support traffic and loads better.

Closed cell foam is roughly four times as dense as open cell for insulation applications. Closed cell foam differs in that all of its tiny foam cells are closed and packed together. The insulation is blown into the wall or attic one layer 1 at a time. But open cell spray foam with a vapor retarder can work too.

Closed cell foam can be over three times that with a density of 1 75 pounds per cubic foot or more. Open cell has an r value of 3 7 and closed cell has an r value of 6 5 based per inch of installed spray foam. If you need an air barrier as part of your installation closed cell is a better choice. Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1 7 lb cu.