Open Vs Closed Cell Attic Insulation

When applied on the interior open cell spray insulation provides performance advantages that differ from those of closed cell spray foam used on the exterior.

Open vs closed cell attic insulation.

The insulation is blown into the wall or attic one layer 1 at a time. The cells are pressed together so air and mositure are unable to get inside the foam. Insulating value and strength 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. Open cell foam is full of cells that aren t completely encapsulated.

Closed cell foam can also increase the racking. In other words the cells are deliberatly left open. Closed cell spray foam exterior applications. Closed cell foam is made up of cells that are as the name suggests completely closed.

Open cell is more susceptible to mold and mildew but its expanding so it can hermetically seal an area. When it comes to insulating a home whether that s a roof insulation or floor insulation it is ideal to use icynene open cell spray foam. Architectural firms can specify both the building envelope for a total performance option. This makes the foam a softer more flexable material.

Id go with closed cell. R value is a critical part when comparing spray foam to other types of insulation. A spray insulation is referred to open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles cells that make up the foam. 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.

Both icynene open cell and closed cell spray insulation are effective insulators with both working as barriers for air leakage.