The Difference Between Open Cell and Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

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Whether we’re talking about commercial applications or residential applications, when it comes to insulation, there are only a few things we need to make sure we understand before we going any further. It’s clear now that spray foam insulation is the best option for either of these applications, but even with spray foam there are two options that make a huge difference: open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation. When you hire a professional insulation contractor in Mississippi, they’ll know which goes where and why – but read on to find out for yourself why exactly that is. Open Cell vs Closed Cell Spray foam, as its name says, comes in the form of a spray. When applied, bubbles form because it’s nearly impossible to apply it evenly, without any kind of gas getting stuck in the material during the process. However, when it comes to open cell insulation foam, those bubbles are not all closed up and air fills through the cracks. Now, we all know air is a great insulator, as long as it doesn’t come in direct contact with other temperatures. So open cell insulation foam really does its job well, aside from a couple of applications where closed cell insulation foam should be used. The closed cell insulation foam uses a special gas to fill in the bubbles which are packed tightly together and closed off completely. This gives this type of foam a more rigid, denser property than its counterpart. Closed cell insulation foam blocks things like water vapor (humidity) from entering the location in which it is applied, but on the downside, it weighs more due to its density and is usually more expensive than open cell foam insulation. While your insulation contractors in Mississippi will know where open cell or closed cell insulation goes, it’s good that you have a general idea too. For example, closed cell insulation foam is usually used on the roof, where there’s direct contact with water and increased levels of humidity. Open cell insulation is better for the rest of the house because it doesn’t cost that much and it’s easily applied anywhere without having to drastically change the structure of your home.