Open/Closed Cell insulation
Benefits
Spray foam insulation acts as a single-material solution for thermal, air, vapor*1 and water* vapor transmission through the home’s building envelope, or enclosure. Think of the enclosure of the home as what a set of clothing is for the human body on a windy, damp winter day. A sweater (fibrous insulation) provides insulation (Rvalue) to retain body heat – but it does not stop wind (air movement) or control moisture. You would need a thin waterproof windbreaker (air barrier and vapor retarder) to block the wind as opposed to just wearing a sweater. Sray foam insulation is the only insulation inside stud walls that can provide R-value, air barrier and vapor barrier in a single product. As a thermal insulator, Spray foam is one of the Highest performing insulations available .
Which one do i choose?
Spray foam insulation comes in two basic types, and both can be used in any climate zone. All Spray foam insulation provides air sealing and insulation. Open-cell SPF is generally less costly than closed-cell foam because it does offer fewer performance characteristics. The higher R-value per inch of closed-cell foam may be more suitable in tight spaces and justify the investment. Closed-cell foam also provides vapor retarder and water-resistant performance needed in certain applications, as well as structural strengthening of the home.
Myths
MYTH #1: SPF is flammable.
False...Cured SPF and the chemicals used to make SPF are not flammable. They are considered ‘combustible’, which like many common building materials, including wood, means it requires a higher than normal temperature to ignite. And in some cases, spray foam can improve fire safety by blocking flame spread inside frame walls.
MYTH #2: SPF emits toxic chemicals.
False...Following proper installation and curing, SPF does not outgas toxic chemicals. The SPF can help prevent unwanted infiltration of pollutants, allergens, and moisture. Combined with proper mechanical ventilation, SPF can improve indoor air quality, Installers wear protective equipment mainly because of short-term chemical hazards during and within a few hours after application.
MYTH #3: SPF creates a home envelope that doesn’t allow a building to ‘breathe’.
True...which is good. SPF prevents the infiltration of unwanted moisture and exfiltration of conditioned air which, in turn, can reduce condensation that causes mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality, rot or corrosion of the home. A properly designed spray foam home will also include controlled ventilation to bring in small amounts of outside air to displace odors from normal homeowner activity while minimizing energy loss.