Construction & Contractors Blog
Are you wondering whether using open or closed spray foam insulation is the best choice for your home sealing needs? Here are three benefits of choosing the closed-cell variety.
It Is Denser and More Durable
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is more dense than open-cell insulation, which makes it more durable after it dries. The cells are held more tightly together, which makes it less easily destructible. While open-cell spray foam stays a bit soft when dry, closed-cell spray foam gets hard to the touch. You can even knock on it like you would on wood. Therefore, closed-cell spray foam insulation can hold up to wear and tear better than open-cell foam can. This means that you should have to apply it much less often in the coming years.
It Is More Suitable for Extreme Weather
Another thing closed-cell insulating foam is better at than open-cell is dealing with extreme weather. Closed-cell foam insulation does not expand and retract like open-cell foam does. When open-cell foam reacts while it is near freezing outside, it may not expand back to its original form when the weather gets warm again. If this happens, you will likely have to reapply the foam to provide your home with the protection it requires.
If the weather gets too hot and open-cell spray foam expands too much, you may be left with a mess that is unpleasant to look at. Luckily, you do not usually have to worry about these issues when using closed-cell spray foam insulation in locations where the weather gets extreme during the winter and/or the summer.
It Is Better at Repelling Moisture
Closed-cell insulation foam is also better at repelling moisture than open-cell insulation is. Open cell insulation offers plenty of room for moisture to seep in and stay there indefinitely. As the insulation gets moist, that moisture can seep into your home and cause water damage as well as molding. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is full of cells that are completely closed, as the name suggests, so they do not offer enough room for moisture to seep in and take hold.
You should be able to find closed-cell spray foam insulation anywhere basic open-cell insulation is sold, as well as online. A representative at the home improvement store in your local area should be able to answer any specific questions about closed-cell spray foam that are specific to your circumstances and needs.
Share2 February 2021
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
