Open Cell Foam Vs Closed Cell Foam In Attic

They are broken and air fills all of the open space inside the material.

Open cell foam vs closed cell foam in attic.

Closed cell foam has cells which are sealed off so air doesn t get inside the structure at all. Roofing applications typically use a 2 8 to 3 0 lb cu. Closed cell foam is much denser than open cell foam. Open cell is more susceptible to mold and mildew but its expanding so it can hermetically seal an area.

Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1 7 lb cu. Open cell foam is just that open cell. 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. Closed cell foam has a higher r value than open cell foam usually about 6 0 per inch.

Chemical manufacturer s claim if a roof leaks water will migrate through the foam structure therefore not trapping the water. A foams r value is its resistance to heat flow or in other words how well they insulate. With the open cell below right vs. The open cells are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs.

Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which. Seems like you wouldnt want to seal something susceptible to mold growth but maybe thats just me. To support traffic and loads better. Open cell foam has tiny cells which are not completely closed.

Closed cell is denser better insulating. Closed cell foam can be over three times that with a density of 1 75 pounds per cubic foot or more. Let s not confuse open cell vs closed cell foam. The higher the density the foam the heavier or stronger it becomes.

Closed cell below left issue there are two major factors to understand and consider. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu. It is either open cell foam where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed.