Types of Spray Foam

When you have determined to have spray foam insulation installed, you may not know that there are two main types of spray foam offered, open spray foam and closed spray foam. You’ll have to make another decision about your insulation, and that is whether you will have open or closed spray foam installed. It’s impossible to make this decision if you don’t know anything about the two options. We will tell you what we believe you need to know to make a well-informed decision. However, if there are additional questions or concerns that we haven’t addressed, feel free to call any of our associates to discuss further.
 
Spray Foam Composition
Open-cell foam is lightweight and pliable, which makes it easy to use. However, closed-cell foam can be somewhat challenging to work with because of its density and rigidness. Whenever new wiring has to be installed, putting it through open-cell spray foam is a lot easier because it is more pliable than closed-cell foam insulation. The composition of the two types of spray foam insulation makes it easier to choose which type you would like to have installed.
 
Spray Foam Moisture Permeability
Most open-cell foam is moisture permeable, depending on the brand. Closed-cell foam is mostly moisture impermeable. You are likely assuming that the impermeable option is best, however, in our experience, the open-cell spray foam is better. Why? It is because it helps with leak detection. When open-cell spray foam gets wet, it becomes discolored. When we are checking for leaks, it's easy to detect when there is open-cell spray foam insulation. Closed-cell spray foam insulation will hide the leak. It doesn't reveal itself until the water is visible due to building up. This means that by the time the leak is discovered, damages have already occurred.
 
How Much Does It Expand
Open-cell spray foam will expand to various levels. It offers high expansion rates, in some cases up to 10 0 times more than closed-cell spray foam. This is what makes it ideal for homes where there may be a lot of holes and cracks in your floors, walls, and joints. Unfortunately, closed-cell spray foam doesn't have as much expansion properties. It is for this reason that many homeowners will go with the open-cell spray foam rather than the closed-cell spray foam insulation. However, you don't have to do what others do, find out the facts, and make the choice that is best for you.
 
Which One Is Best
The only person who can determine which type is best is you. Everyone has different needs and reasons why they make the choices that they make. Since both types of spray foam applications have their pros and cons, it’s up to you to decide which one is best suited to your needs. Even though open-cell spray foam is chosen more often than closed-cell spray foam, it doesn’t make it any better. They are both offer good insulation properties. However, the best one is the one that is best for you.