Spray Foam Insulation: Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam Insulation

Did you know that there are 2 main types of spray foam insulation?  Choosing the right one could make a significant difference to the cost of your insulation as well as to how well it insulates your home, office, or industrial building.

So, before you make this home changing choice, let’s look at our quick guide to the 2 types of spray foam insulation.

The 2 Types of Spray Foam Insulation

There are two main spray foam insulation types: open cell and closed cell. Both come as liquids that, when mixed, create an expanding foam.  The cells that make up each type of foam have distinct characteristics. The 2 types are:

Open Cell Foam

Open cell foam is a good option for areas that are challenging to reach, which makes it a great choice in less accessible or irregularly shaped areas. Sound reduction properties also a benefit in areas which experience high levels of traffic or aircraft noise.   In Australia, there is generally no difference in price for applying open or closed cell foam.

Open cell foam is a good choice ibn these situations:

• This spray foam is more flexible than closed cell spray foam insulation, so it’s best in areas if movement is expected or settling is required.
• It’s easier to use in awkward shapes, like hard-to-reach spaces around pipes or near wiring.
• Its soundproofing properties are slightly better than closed cell foam.

Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam does a more comprehensive job of creating a thermal break to optimise insulation benefits, than open cell foam. It’s a more rigid material, enhancing support for the structure, and doing a better job of keeping any water out.  Closed cell can be applied minimally so it does not allow rodents to burrow in it, nor does it take up excessive space.

Closed cell spray foam insulation is denser and has a slightly higher R-value. It’s popular in residential applications such as in basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls (when applied in construction). It’s also a popular choice in commercial and industrial construction.  In its finished form, it can also have a neater appearance.

Here’s why we recommend people choose closed cell spray foam insulation:

• It has a higher R-value per inch than open cell spray foam insulation, which provides better thermal resistance
• This insulation adds structural strength to a building, making it suitable for use in load-bearing walls and other areas where added strength is valuable.
• It’s highly effective in areas where air leakage is a concern.
• Closed cell is resistant to moisture and should help prevent mould growth in areas like crawl spaces and basements
• It’s more durable than open cell spray foam insulation and is more robust high-traffic areas
• It can be applied at a minimal thickness, which takes up less space and stops rodents making a home in it.

Learn more: Open Vs. Closed Cell Foam – A Must-Read Comparison Guide

Next Steps

Were you aware of the difference between the two types of spray foam insulation before reading this? And if not, then did this information help you make an informed choice when it comes to insulating your home, business, or industrial business?

That’s what we want here at Tates Coating Services. We want to help you make the best choice when it comes to insulation. After 30 years in the industry, and with experience ranging from Australian homeowners to some of the biggest companies in the country, we know that the right insulation can make all the difference to your comfort levels in every season, the energy efficiency of your building and help reduce your power bills.

So, if you’re struggling with your choice, then talk to one of our friendly staff members today.