Thursday, August 25, 2011

Difference between Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation & Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation R-Values

What is Spray Foam Insulation and What is the Difference between Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation & Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation?
First off Spray Foam Insulation is a two part, polyurea resin and isocynanate, mixed product, and when these two chemicals come together, they mix thru a chemical reaction, and the end result is spray foam insulation, the ultimate home insulator. This unique method of making the insulation in place is what gives spray foam insulation its high ratings for R-Value, because it can seal gaps and cracks where traditional fiberglass insulation can not get. Both open cell spray foam insulation and closed cell spray foam insulation are produced the same way, and both have great qualities, however in different circumstances one may be a better choice than the other. That brings us to what is the difference between open cell spray foam insulation and closed cell spray foam insulation?

The main and most obvious difference between Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation and Closed Cell Insulation is the weight of the product. Open Cell Spray Foam Is a much lighter material than Closed Cell so it gives it the softer feel. Another reason for the softer feel is the cells inside the foam are left open, so air can enter and exit the cells, thus being call Open Cell. Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation is a more denser product and the cells inside of the foam are left closed, thus giving the name Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation and the Harder feeling to the foam. The major factors in considering what is best for your home is strength requirement or R-Value requirements, vapor control, above or below grade, and budget requirements.
What are the R-Value's for Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation and Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation?Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation has a much higher R-value than Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation given the density of the product. The drawback is it requires more product to do the same coverage area as Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation so the slight lose in R-Value doesn't usually constitute the extra cost of using Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation. R-Value stands for heat value per unit of area. Most spf products will give you R 6.0 or R 7.0, compared to traditional fiberglass which is R 3.5. The higher the rating, the better the performance, and as you can see spray foam insulation is double the R-value of traditional fiberglass insulation. Even if you don't understand R-Value, you will be able to see the energy savings on your power bills, as spray foam insulation will reduce energy consumption by 33% or more in your home or office. This is why spray foam insulation is one of the best energy saving home improvements you can make to your home or office in South Carolina or North Carolina.What are the Major Advantages to Spray Foam Insulation being installed in your home or office?
The major advantages of having spray foam insulation installed in your home or office in South Carolina and North Carolina are:

  • Spray Foam Insulation Saves you money and pays for itself in the course of 3-5 years usually, in energy saving.

  • Higher R-Value, no other insulation product on the market can beat spf's R-Value rating.

  • The tight seal spray foam insulation creates helps prevent moisture, air, and gas infilitration.

  • SPF helps reduce moisture and mold in the home or office.

  • Spray Foam Insulation will reduce and deaden, sound travel and noise.

  • Benefits Modern Building Science Techniques and Energy Efficient Green Building Standards.

  • Energy Efficient Homes are more valuable, and spray foam insulation also makes homes more sellable.

For more info visit: http://www.scroofingcontractors.com

Retro-Solutions Construction Company Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 706-951-0158 http://www.scroofingcontractors.com Energy Efficient Roofing Systems | Spray Foam Insulation | Wall Foam Insulation | Crawl Space Encapsulations | Solar Energy Powered Hot Water Heaters | Solar Energy | Energy Monitoring | Standing Seam Metal Roofs | Tile Roofs | Slate Roofs | Historic Home Retrofits |