Types of Spray Foam
Closed Cell Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has it’s very own unique properties and particular applications. This type of spray foam has the highest thermal conductivity, meaning that heat will travel slowing through this type of spray foam. Not only is it one of the best insulators available , but due to its closed-cell structure it sets solid and firm, this adds another facet, the ability to add structural integrity to the area applied to be that a roof or wall.
The closed-cell spray foam’s structure also allows it to be a complete water barrier being able to deflect large amounts of water and can even help with a leaky roof. In addition to this, it can create a complete air seal making it the perfect choice if you wish to seal the envelope of your property.
Open Cell Insulation
The open-cell spray foam is a soft, breathable foam with its cell structure being 90% open. This is the spray foam type with the highest amount of expansion being able to expand from 1mm of liquid form to 100mm of foam insulation. This massive amount of expansion is what allows this type of foam to be applied in any shape; it will completely fill the space to create an airtight seal. This airtight seal is what separates spray foam other types of insulation.
Open-cell spray foam insulation is the type that we recommend installing in residential locations, only in certain circumstances such as if you want to add structural integrity to a roof would we recommend closed-cell. Open-cell is particularly useful in some spaces because of its breathable nature. This means that it will not suffocate your joists and rafters, but it will work with them accounting for seasonal shifting and allowing them to breathe all year round.
The other time we recommend open-cell insulation is when you would like not only to insulate but reduce noise because it is a soft spongy foam it has the highest acoustic values. It is particularly good at lowering sounds like the radio or TV.