Closed Cell Foam Vs Open Cell Foam Attic

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 vs open cell foam attic. 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. Roofing applications typically use a 2 8 to 3 0 lb cu. They are broken and air fills all of the open space inside the material. Closed cell spray foam insulation acts as an air barrier at any thickness due to its solid properties.

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. Closed cell foam is roughly four times as dense as open cell for insulation applications. If you need an air barrier as part of your installation closed cell is a better choice. Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which.

To support traffic and loads better. It is either open cell foam where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed. But open cell spray foam with a vapor retarder can work too. Open cell spray foam insulation needs to be at full thickness before it can act as an air barrier.

Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1 7 lb cu. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu. Most open cell foam has a density of about 5 pounds per cubic foot. Closed cell foam is much denser than open cell foam.

Open cell tends to be roughly 0 5 lb cu. In density whereas closed cell ranges from 1 7 to 3 0 lb cu. 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.

Closed cell foam has a higher r value than open cell foam usually about 6 0 per inch. Closed cell foam can be over three times that with a density of 1 75 pounds per cubic foot or more. In density or even higher for certain applications. 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.

Ft of foam material is weighed. Open cell is not a water barrier it will hold moisture if exposed to the outside environment. 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. To ascertain foam density one cubic foot cu.