Spray foam insulation is an insulation that seals walls, floors, and ceilings against air movement. It is made up of polyurethane foam mixed with a special type of liquid chemical that seals off all cracks and holes in your home. The foam hardens and fills up all the crevices in your building structure providing a perfect barrier for insulation. Nowadays, more people are investing in spray foam insulation in their homes and offices. This is because when applied properly, it can lead to a reduction in energy bills, keep away pests and improve air quality.
Spray foam insulation closes all the voids in your walls, ceilings, and floors acting as a barrier against air infiltration. This means that no air can leak out of your property and no insects can enter either. Air sealing your premises also reduces energy bills because in this way your HVAC systems do not have to work continuously since no air can leak outside.
When it comes to spray foam insulation, there are two common types of spray foam insulation that are widely used in NYC homes.
Closed Cell Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam is made of high-density polyurethane foam. It acts as a perfect barrier against moisture due to its closed-cell structure. Closed-cell foam insulation has cells that are sealed off so that when foam expands no air gets inside the structure. Closed-cell foam insulation is more firm and is used where a sturdier structure is required such as during construction as building insulation.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation has a higher R-value as compared to open-cell spray foam insulation. It has an R-value between 5 and 7 inches. This means that it has a higher resistance to heat flow and can be used in buildings where thermal insulation is required.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is durable due to its closed-cell structure so it can be left exposed when required without danger of damage. It does not have a high expansion rate which makes it suitable for smaller spaces. Closed-cell insulation is mainly used to minimize air filtration, convection, conduction, and exfiltration and acts as a better moisture barrier compared to open-cell spray foam.
Open Cell Foam Insulation
Open-cell spray foam has less density as compared to closed-cell spray foam. It is reliable for floor assemblies, wall cavities, ceiling assemblies, residential seating, and attic applications. If you have space that needs a performance upgrade of spray foam insulation, open-cell spray foam is the best option.
Compared to closed-cell foam insulation, open-cell foam insulation is the more affordable option due to the fact that it is made up of lighter material. Its cell structure is spongy because the cells have air inside of them giving the foam a springy texture. This is why it has a lower R-value as compared to closed-cell insulation. Open-cell insulation retains water and dries it immediately so that there is no mold growth and mildew in your walls and ceilings. Open-cell spray foam insulation is also a good option if you want a quieter environment on your premises as it offers noise dampening.
Now that you know the differences between closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation, contact experts for spray foam insulation in NYC and choose the spray foam application which fits your needs best.
