Are you looking for the right insulation material for your business? If so, you’ve probably come across two types of insulating spray foam: open-cell and closed-cell foam. If you’re not familiar with spray foam, these two types might not seem so different, but choosing one or the other could completely change the outcome of a project. To clarify, here are some of the differences between open-cell and closed-cell foam.
Open-Cell Foam
Open-cell foam is a thermal insulating material with some unique properties. Open-cell foam contains cells that are deliberately left open, and it expands up to 120 times its initial size. This makes it ideal for tackling insulation projects in smaller spaces. You can use open-cell foam to squeeze into tight spaces and still provide a thick layer of insulation.
Closed-Cell Foam
Closed-cell foam uses cells that are completely closed or encapsulated. These cells are tightly packed together so that air, moisture, and other conditions can’t pass through. Because it prevents moisture buildup, it also protects against mold growth and humidity. Closed-cell foam is so tightly packed that it can even benefit the structural integrity of surfaces you apply it to.
Differences
Whether a foam’s cells are fully encapsulated or not gives them different benefits. For example, open-cell spray foam expands to cover a larger surface area than closed-cell foam, which is denser. This also means that you’ll need to invest in more closed-cell foam for a single project than you would for open-cell foam. Open-cell foam is softer and more flexible than closed-cell foam, which is one of the features that make it better for a wider variety of projects. However, closed-cell foam is worth the investment for its resistance to vapors, air, and other conditions that open-cell foam is not as protective against.
Overall, both open-cell and closed-cell spray foams have their benefits. The main differences between open-cell and closed-cell foam are their unique properties and how to best use them in an insulation project. If you are looking for spray foam or a commercial spray foam machine for your business, check out Spray Foam Systems, LLC for all your insulation needs.
