Open-cell spray foam insulation is a popular choice for attics and walls, as it helps create an energy efficient home. It has a core density of about 0.5 pounds per cubic foot, making it softer and more flexible than closed-cell foam insulation. Closed-cell foam has a much higher core density of 1.75 to 2.2 pounds per cubic foot, making it three to four times heavier than open-cell foam. The cellular structure of open-cell foam is not completely closed, making it permeable and allowing air and moisture to enter.
On the other hand, closed-cell foam has a tightly packed cellular structure that does not let water through and can reject large amounts of water. Both types of foam create an air barrier in your home, improving air quality inside. Open-cell spray foam tends to be less expensive than closed-cell spray foam in terms of material costs, but more material is needed to achieve a given R-value. When deciding what type of foam to use, it's important to consider the expansion, density and cellular structure of each type of spray foam.
Open-cell foam performs much better than closed-cell foam when it comes to dampening sound, and can be hydrophobic, meaning it will retain less than 5% of its weight in water. When choosing between open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation for your Florida home, it's important to consider the structure and composition of each type of foam. Open-cell foam is softer and more flexible, with tiny cells that are not completely closed, making the foam permeable and allowing air and moisture to enter. Closed-cell foam has a much higher core density due to its tightly packed cellular structure, making it three to four times heavier than open-cell foam.
It is better suited for buildings that need to be sprayed outside or are exposed to water, as it doesn't let water through and can reject large amounts of water. When selecting the right type of spray foam insulation for your Florida home, consider the structure and composition of each type of foam as well as the cost and performance benefits they offer. Open-cell spray foam is softer and more flexible with tiny cells that are not completely closed, while closed-cell spray foam has a much higher core density due to its tightly packed cellular structure. Open-cell spray foam tends to be less expensive but requires more material for a given R-value while closed-cell spray foam is better suited for buildings that need to be sprayed outside or are exposed to water.
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