How to Decide Which is the Best Spray Foam Insulation for Your Home
You've read the reviews. You looked through the research. And you finally decided. You're going to get spray foam insulation in your home. That great news and a wise decision. But now comes the difficult decision -- which is the best type of spray foam for your home?
As we've mentioned before, spray foam insulation not only protects your home from moisture and last for a long time, but can save you money on your energy bill. But there are two types of spray foam: open-cell and closed-cell. Both are great for insulating homes. But each has their own benefits and weaknesses. Which is right for your home? Let's see if we can figure it out.
We've explained the benefits of open-cell spray foam in a previous blog. This type of insulation is great for the construction industry. It's heavier than closed cell insulation and more flexible, which helps combat any air seepage. So let's say you have an older home and time has not been too kind. Drafts are a problem and you're always turning up the heat, which is never good for your wallet. Not to mention the insects that seem to magically appear in the summertime. In this situation, an open cell insulation is your best bet.
Open-cell spray foam also has the benefit of mold and mildew resistant, which is great for those who may have respiratory issues. It can also create a sound barrier...bye-bye traffic noises!
But there are some disadvantages to open-cell insulation. For instance, open-cell is more permeable than closed-cell. This means the insulation will absorb and release moisture vapor more freely than closed-cell. However, this can cause a condensation to form behind exterior sheathing in winter, which may cause some moisture damage to your home. This can especially happen to a home that's in a hot, humid coastal area that is subject to hurricanes or flooding.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is much more rigid than open-cell, which makes it great for roofs, ceilings, and in walls. It's also weather resistant, which means you won't have to worry about moisture in your home. So if you live in a hurricane friendly area, closed-cell foam insulation is your best bet. And if you live in an area that gets pretty cold, you won't have to wait for a warm day to install it -- closed-cell spray foam works well in the cold temperatures. And compared to open-cell, closed-cell has a much higher R-value, saving you a bunch money on energy costs.
Think of closed-cell spray foam as a glue -- you're using it to essentially glue your home together. By doing so, your R-value will increase and you become resistant to water.
Yet there can be some pitfalls when it comes to closed-cell. Since it's more rigid, it takes much, much more of the insulation to fill a structure as compared to open-cell. And since it's less permeable, the air quality in your home will be much drier.
Still not sure? Well, your best bet is to ask your Marvel Industrial Coatings representative which would be the best insulation for your home. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and point you in the right direction. Contact us today for more information.
As we've mentioned before, spray foam insulation not only protects your home from moisture and last for a long time, but can save you money on your energy bill. But there are two types of spray foam: open-cell and closed-cell. Both are great for insulating homes. But each has their own benefits and weaknesses. Which is right for your home? Let's see if we can figure it out.
Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
We've explained the benefits of open-cell spray foam in a previous blog. This type of insulation is great for the construction industry. It's heavier than closed cell insulation and more flexible, which helps combat any air seepage. So let's say you have an older home and time has not been too kind. Drafts are a problem and you're always turning up the heat, which is never good for your wallet. Not to mention the insects that seem to magically appear in the summertime. In this situation, an open cell insulation is your best bet.
Open-cell spray foam also has the benefit of mold and mildew resistant, which is great for those who may have respiratory issues. It can also create a sound barrier...bye-bye traffic noises!
But there are some disadvantages to open-cell insulation. For instance, open-cell is more permeable than closed-cell. This means the insulation will absorb and release moisture vapor more freely than closed-cell. However, this can cause a condensation to form behind exterior sheathing in winter, which may cause some moisture damage to your home. This can especially happen to a home that's in a hot, humid coastal area that is subject to hurricanes or flooding.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is much more rigid than open-cell, which makes it great for roofs, ceilings, and in walls. It's also weather resistant, which means you won't have to worry about moisture in your home. So if you live in a hurricane friendly area, closed-cell foam insulation is your best bet. And if you live in an area that gets pretty cold, you won't have to wait for a warm day to install it -- closed-cell spray foam works well in the cold temperatures. And compared to open-cell, closed-cell has a much higher R-value, saving you a bunch money on energy costs.
Think of closed-cell spray foam as a glue -- you're using it to essentially glue your home together. By doing so, your R-value will increase and you become resistant to water.
Yet there can be some pitfalls when it comes to closed-cell. Since it's more rigid, it takes much, much more of the insulation to fill a structure as compared to open-cell. And since it's less permeable, the air quality in your home will be much drier.
Open-Cell or Closed-Cell? The Choice is Yours
Still not sure? Well, your best bet is to ask your Marvel Industrial Coatings representative which would be the best insulation for your home. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and point you in the right direction. Contact us today for more information.