FAQs

What is the difference between open cell and closed cell spray foam?

Open-cell and closed-cell spray foam are the two varieties available to homeowners and they each have their own unique qualities. While open-cell is often cheaper, it has a lower insulation value per inch (R-3.7) compared to closed-cell (R-7.1). Open-cell spray foam has a less dense composition which allows it to be flexible. Open-cell foam provides an air impermeable barrier, has sound deadening characteristcs, is fungal resistant, and has good dimensional stability. Open-cell foam is also easier to modify after it’s been installed. If you find that you need to do any plumbing or electrical work after installation, you can easily modify open cell foam to accommodate your new projects. Closed-cell spray foam is much more dense, providing a higher insulation value and thus more bang for your buck. It has a higher R-value when compared to open cell spray foam, meaning that it has the ability to insulate better and keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This type of foam is not permeable to air, vapors, or water. Closed-cell foam is much more compact and durable than open-cell foam, and can actually act to increase the structural soundness of a building. This makes it ideal for structures like pole barns, making them more robust and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.

Is spray foam insulation environmentally safe? Do you offer different options?

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) blowing agents are both commonly used in the production of foam insulation. These substances are used to create the small bubbles that give foam its insulating properties. While HFCs and HFOs have some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two. HFCs are a type of synthetic chemical that is used as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. HFCs are not ozone-depleting, but they are potent greenhouse gases, with global warming potentials that can be thousands of times higher than carbon dioxide. In contrast, HFOs are a newer class of blowing agents that have a significantly lower global warming potential than HFCs. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option for use in foam insulation. HFOs also have the added advantage of being more energy-efficient than HFCs, which can lead to cost savings for manufacturers. Another key difference between HFCs and HFOs is their chemical composition. HFCs are made up of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms, while HFOs are composed of hydrogen, fluorine, olefin, and carbon atoms. This difference in composition affects the physical properties of the blowing agents, such as their boiling points and densities. Overall, while both HFCs and HFOs are used as blowing agents in foam insulation, HFOs have a lower global warming potential and are more energy-efficient than HFCs. This makes them a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for manufacturers.