When it comes to insulation, spray foam is one of the most popular and effective options available. It is a type of polyurethane foam that is sprayed onto surfaces to create an airtight seal. There are three main types of spray foam insulation: closed-cell, open-cell, and medium density. Each type has its own unique benefits and applications.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the most commonly used. It is denser and provides a better thermal barrier than open-cell spray foam. It has closed pockets, making it more effective against moisture and vapor. One inch of closed-cell spray foam provides up to R-6.5% of insulation, making it a great choice for outdoor applications and areas with high humidity levels.
Open-cell spray foam is lighter and less dense than closed-cell foam, making it more suitable for indoor applications with a higher risk of moisture. It also has a higher thermal conductivity, meaning it's less effective at preventing heat transfer. Open-cell foams expand more than closed-cell foam, meaning you can use the same amount of foam to cover a larger area. This makes it perfect for smaller application areas, such as narrow spaces and attics. Medium density spray foam is another type of closed-cell foam that has an even higher R-value than high density foam.
R-values for medium density foams start at 5.7 per inch, providing the most optimal resistance to heat flow. Medium density foam has a slightly smaller coverage range than high density foam, providing 2 pounds of foam per cubic foot. Low-density spray foam is an open-cell spray foam, meaning it doesn't have such a high R-value. Low-density foam has an initial R-value of 3.6 per inch. But what this insulating material lacks in R-value, it makes up for with other benefits.
It has a lower coverage of 0.5 pounds per cubic foot; however, open-cell foam expands more than closed-cell foam, meaning you can use the same amount of foam to cover a larger area. When starting out as a spray foam contractor, it's important to understand the types of spray foam insulation and when to use them. We hope this short guide has clarified the differences between these three main types of foam insulation. No matter what type of spray foam insulation you choose, the most important thing is to install it correctly. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the most common type used because it offers better protection against moisture and vapor and provides a higher R-value than open-cell insulation and other common types of insulation. Medium density spray foam has an even higher R-value than high density foam and is perfect for areas with limited space due to its ability to expand more than closed-cell foam. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation is 50% more effective for insulating buildings compared to traditional insulation products, according to the Department of Energy.
The cost of closed-cell spray foam is another factor when considering what spray foam insulation you want to use. When applied to a structure, the cellular structure of the closed-cell spray foam increases the structural rigidity of the building. This creates a layer of insulating foam that fills all the small nooks and crannies of the house structure, making it airtight. Spray foam comes in a pressurized container where a hose is connected with a spray nozzle or gun on the end, which will deploy the spray foam and cover all the surface you need. Spray foam insulation is important in the house to fill all types of air leaks around the house and reduce energy consumption. If you need mobile spray foam platforms and other equipment to start your business, feel free to check out our selection here at Spray Foam Systems.
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