Scientists still discuss if those methods are efficient. Vapor Barriers & Retarders 0.1 1.0 10 Polyethylene Metal Foils Butyl Coatings Roof Membranes SPF (closed-cell) > 2” Kraft Paper Laminate Plywood Vinyl Coverings SPF (closed-cell) < 2” SPF (open-cell) > 2” Polystyrene Foam Acrylic/Silicone Coatings SPF (open-cell) < … Closed-cell foam has a much higher R-value than traditional insulation and can maximize R-value with limited thickness. Both types of foam are used in everyday products, but because of their structural differences, one type of foam may perform better than the other depending on the desired application. Fully-tested and field-proven. Vapor barrier needed: Yes. Because open-cell spray foam does not create a vapor barrier as it's installed, it is inappropriate for use in a crawl space environment. For example, closed-cell foam is from Class II and open-cell is from Class III. CLOSED-CELL SPRAY FOAM. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) may be applied to metal building exteriors or interiors. Thanks to its 90% closed-cell content, the WALLTITE ® system combines industry-leading air permeance ratings and a superior insulation R-value to make a significant contribution to building energy efficiency. Closed-cell foam is a vapor barrier Closed-cell foam has a much higher R-value than open-cell foam — about R-6.5 per inch — and it’s a vapor barrier as well as an air barrier. When applied to exterior surfaces, the SPF must be covered with an elastomeric coating for weather protection. Closed Cell Foam is a strong and rigid spray insulation solution containing small pockets of gas that makes it very difficult for hot air or cold air to pass through it. Closed-cell spray foam [CCSPF] has a lower expansion ratio of about 30:1 and results in a foam that is denser and more rigid than open cell. Spray foam insulation will adhere to most construction surfaces and expand to create an airtight building envelope. Two inches of closed cell foam will provide R12 – R14 of insulation. Closed Cell Foam – R6 – R8. The closed-cell foam has a cell structure that is completely closed. Most foam insulation, particularly if it is closed cell, qualifies as an air-barrier material. Closed cell spray foams are between 2 and 4 lbs. Just like for open cell foam, R-values are additive. Closed-cell medium-density foam insulation is suitable for use in both exterior and interior applications. HBS closed-cell spray foam insulation outperforms traditional insulation by providing an air, water and vapor barrier in a single component. If your aim is to learn about spray polyurethane foam insulation, you're on the right page. Open-cell spray foam can be cut fairly easily allowing for changes, such as adding an electrical box within a wall stud cavity, to occur more simply. ft., open-cell foam or 2.0 lb./cu. Closed-Cell vs. Open-Cell Foam. (One manufacturer, Demilec, says its Heatlok High Lift spray foam has an even higher R-value—R-7.5 per in.) Closed-cell foam insulation is much denser than the open cell and ranges in density from 1.7 lb./cu. The 2 lb/ft 3 high density foam is also referred to as “closed-cell” spray-applied foam and the 0.5 lb/ft3 low density foam is also referred to as “open-cell”. Cost: 38¢ per sq. ft. closed-cell foam. Open-cell spray foam insulation effectively blocks heat transfer with a tested thermal performance of approximately 0.66 to 0.72 (m2•K)/W (R-3.7 to R-4 per in). Due to the fact that open cell spray foam is not a vapor barrier it is best used in low humidity parts of the country or with home that has a separate vapor barrier installed. Meanwhile, 2.0 lb per cubic foot medium density closed cell spray foam such as Icynene’s MD-C-200, offers a higher R-value* of 6.75 per inch (as compared to open cell’s 3.7 per inch), impact resistance, and a hard, rigid texture which increases the wall racking strength. With adequate depth, open-cell can act as a good air barrier but it cannot act as a vapor barrier. However, if you are determined to build an unvented roof, then I think that closed-cell foam insulation is a better choice. and are highly permeable to water vapor. It has a higher insulating value than open cell foam and creates a resistant barrier against water, vapor and the elements. They sport an R value of 6.0-8.0 per inch of insulation, about double their open cell foam counterparts. Closed Cell Spray Foam. The ICC-ES report for Insulstar spray foam from NCFI (ESR-1615, issued February 1, 2005) lists a maximum thickness of only 2 inches: “Insulstar Spray Foam Insulation is a spray-applied, semi-rigid, cellular polyurethane foam plastic insulation having a maximum thickness of 2 inches and a nominal density of 2.0 pcf.” Usually Open cell can be up to 60% cheaper than closed cell. ft. F. High-Density Polyurethane Spray Foam. Spray foam insulation adheres to most surfaces and expands to create a seamless, airtight building envelope. While not flammable, it must be protected with drywall or plaster to stop offgassing during a fire. Closed-cell spray-applied polyurethane foam insulation is an air barrier material that can have an initial pass thickness of 5 inches. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home. Icynene and similar open-cell foams have an R-Value of about 3.6/in. Porous plastic foam is on the cutting edge of insulation for heat, vapor, noise, and other elements.The two major variants of porous plastic foams are open and closed cell foams. The rigid, closed-cell structure makes it impermeable to water. Open-cell spray foam has a low density, which makes it vapor permeable. Closed-cell’s obvious advantages compensate for its slightly higher price tag (20% to 30% for the same thickness). Many of them don’t agree that vapor barriers are so necessary even with open-cell foam insulation. Unlike open-cell foam, closed-cell foam rarely requires any trimming, with little or no jobsite waste. Must be professionally applied. Closed-cell foam is much denser, about 2 lb. Insulation. Spray foam insulation comes in two types, open-cell and closed-cell. between open and closed-cell SPF’s: the R-value for typical closed-cell foam is R-6 per inch; the material is rigid and far more difficult to compress; and at typically applied thickness ccSPF is defined as a vapor-retarder, essentially moisture-vapor impermeable. Closed-cell SPF is hydrophobic and will not absorb water. High density closed cell spray polyurethane foam is typically 2 lb/ft 3 whereas low-density open cell spray polyurethane foam is 0.5 lb/ft 3.. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls. One product…one application. It provides both a vapor and an air barrier, and offers an aged R-value of a whopping 6.5 per inch. Combined air barriers, vapor barriers, and moisture barriers can be provided in a single material–closed-cell spray polyurethane foam is perhaps the best example. At a thickness of 1.5”, many closed cell products can provide a moisture barrier to reject bulk water, and its these vapor permeability characteristics that make closed cell products perfect for insulating basement and crawl space walls. Closed-Cell spray foam is the preferred product used by professional insulators to instantaneously air seal cracks, form a vapor barrier, add structural strength, and efficiently insulate homes, garages, workshops, pole barns and large storage buildings. It is used in interior and exterior applications, both above and below-grade. Open-cell spray foam has an R-value of about R-3.7 per inch, while closed-cell spray foam has an R-value that may be as high as R-6.5 per inch. A 3-in.-thick layer of open-cell spray foam … Closed Cell Spray Foam is strong enough to walk on without to much distortion. Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation. 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. Closed-cell spray foam is a medium density, rigid polyurethane foam that provides an excellent air, vapor, and moisture barrier. Both open cell and closed cell foam insulation are used to stop the air flow and provide resistance to heat flow but there are few major differences between the two types, leading to advantages and disadvantages over the other. HBS closed-cell spray foam insulation outperforms traditional insulation by providing an air, water and vapor barrier in a single component. But if foam is open-cell, that barrier must be applied. Spray Foam … There are 2 main types of spray foam insulation: Closed-Cell foam or Open-Cell foam. Whatever the project, and regardless of scope, Spray Polyurethane Foammust be installed with a professional touch. Drainage plain. You’ll find it used for ceilings, walls, and roofs. ft. and is a superb air barrier as well as a water vapour barrier. Air barrier. 1 lb spray foam is 50% closed cell structure with an r value of 4.9 per inch this foam is a mix between open and closed cell foam but is considered an open cell structure. ft. to 2.0 lb./cu. R-value per inch: 7 Vapor barrier. Spray foam, when applied to certain minimum thicknesses (about 1.5” for closed-cell foam and 3.5-5.5” for open-cell foam) will form an air-impermeable, air-barrier material. If you want to install spray foam in a stud wall, and price is no object, then it would seem to make sense to specify closed-cell spray foam, right? that open-cell spray foam provides. Keep in mind, of course, that this test determines the amount of air permeance that migrates through tested materials. When applied to interior surfaces, the SPF must be covered with a 15-minute thermal barrier for fire protection. Spray foam does it all, and more – it’s essentially a “built in” vapour barrier that does not absorb moisture and won’t allow mold to grow. When properly installed in a well-designed building envelope, SPF plays a key part in creating air barrier assemblies and systems. Good for: Masonry basement walls. ... Permeance ranges between 6 to 10 perms at 3" thickness. Class II vapor retarders have a moderate perm rating greater than 0.1 but less than or equal to 1.0, as found in kraft-paper-faced fiberglass batts or certain vapor-barrier-tested paints and closed-cell spray foam insulation. There are three classes of vapor barriers. The “cell” designation relates to vapor control. CLOSED-CELL INSULATION Exterior and Interior Application. Vapor Retarder. Closed-cell polyurethane foam has an R-value of R-6 to R-7 per inch., and is a very effective vapor retarder. per cubic foot. There are also vapor-permeable air barriers, and there are water-resistive barriers that aren’t air barriers. 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