Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell: How Do I Choose?
You looked through the research and have seen the reviews when it comes to insulating your home. Based on your results, you have come to the conclusion that spray foam insulation is your best bet. That was the tough decision, right? Wrong. Now you must choose which is the best type of spray foam for your home?
As we've mentioned in the past, spray foam insulation not only protects your home from moisture and lasts for a long period of time, but it can lower the costs of your energy bill. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. Both are great for insulating homes, but each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one should you choose? Let Marvel Industrial Coatings help you out.
Open-cell spray foam insulation is most commonly used in the construction industry. It's heavier than closed-cell insulation and more flexible, which helps fight against air seeping in and out of your home. So, let's say you have an older home that was worn down over time. Drafts are a constant problem and you're always turning up the heat. Not to mention the insects, such as mosquitos and wasps, that seem to mysteriously appear in the summertime. In this situation, choosing open-cell insulation is your best plan of action.
Open-cell spray foam is also resistant to mildew and mold. That is great news for those who may have some type of respiratory issue. This type of spray foam can also create a sound barrier.
But, there are some disadvantages to using open-cell insulation. For instance, open-cell is more permeable than closed-cell. This means the insulation will absorb and release moisture more freely than closed-cell. However, this can cause condensation to form behind exterior walls in the winter, which may cause moisture damage to your home. If your home is in hot and humid coastal region, this is more likely to happen.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is much more rigid than open-cell, which makes it a great solution for roofs, ceilings, and inside walls. It's also weather resistant, which means you won't have to worry about moisture being trapped in your home. So, if you live in a coastal area that’s prone to severe weather, closed-cell insulation would work the best. If you live in an area that experiences cold weather often, you won't have to wait for a warm day to install it. Closed-cell spray foam works extremely well in colder temperatures.
Unfortunately, we have to mention the pitfalls of using closed-cell spray foam insulation. Since it's more rigid, it takes much more 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, much drier.
Are you still not sure on which one you should choose? Contact a Marvel representative so they can help determine which type of insulation is best for your home. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and will point you in the right direction.
As we've mentioned in the past, spray foam insulation not only protects your home from moisture and lasts for a long period of time, but it can lower the costs of your energy bill. There are two types of spray foam insulation: open-cell and closed-cell. Both are great for insulating homes, but each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one should you choose? Let Marvel Industrial Coatings help you out.
Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open-cell spray foam insulation is most commonly used in the construction industry. It's heavier than closed-cell insulation and more flexible, which helps fight against air seeping in and out of your home. So, let's say you have an older home that was worn down over time. Drafts are a constant problem and you're always turning up the heat. Not to mention the insects, such as mosquitos and wasps, that seem to mysteriously appear in the summertime. In this situation, choosing open-cell insulation is your best plan of action.
Open-cell spray foam is also resistant to mildew and mold. That is great news for those who may have some type of respiratory issue. This type of spray foam can also create a sound barrier.
But, there are some disadvantages to using open-cell insulation. For instance, open-cell is more permeable than closed-cell. This means the insulation will absorb and release moisture more freely than closed-cell. However, this can cause condensation to form behind exterior walls in the winter, which may cause moisture damage to your home. If your home is in hot and humid coastal region, this is more likely to happen.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is much more rigid than open-cell, which makes it a great solution for roofs, ceilings, and inside walls. It's also weather resistant, which means you won't have to worry about moisture being trapped in your home. So, if you live in a coastal area that’s prone to severe weather, closed-cell insulation would work the best. If you live in an area that experiences cold weather often, you won't have to wait for a warm day to install it. Closed-cell spray foam works extremely well in colder temperatures.
Unfortunately, we have to mention the pitfalls of using closed-cell spray foam insulation. Since it's more rigid, it takes much more 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, much drier.
The Choice is Yours
Are you still not sure on which one you should choose? Contact a Marvel representative so they can help determine which type of insulation is best for your home. Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and will point you in the right direction.