When you’re first learning the ropes as a spray foam contractor, remembering the types of spray foam insulation and when to use them can be difficult. However, you need to know their differences to use the right type for the job. Here’s a quick overview of the three main types of spray foam insulation, their differences, and the applications for each type.
High-Density Spray Foam
High-density spray foam is a type of closed-cell foam that has an excellent R-value and that provides some of the best insulation coverage. High-density foam provides about 3 pounds of coverage per cubic foot, and it has an R-value starting at 5.5 per inch. R-value is the measure of an insulation’s resistance to heat flow. Because high-density foam has a higher R-value, it has greater insulating potential.
Contractors use high-density foam when high R-values and coverage are required, such as in roofing applications and commercial buildings.
Medium-Density Spray Foam
Medium-density spray foam is another type of closed-cell foam that has an even higher R-value than high-density foam. R-values for medium-density foams start at 5.7 per inch, which provides the most optimal resistance to heat flow. Medium-density foam has a slightly smaller coverage range than high-density foam, providing 2 pounds of foam per cubic foot.
Due to its high R-value, medium-density foam is best for applications that require optimal heat resistance. Contractors may use it for projects that require continuous insulation, such as wall cavities and unvented attics.
Low-Density Spray Foam
Low-density spray foam is an open-cell spray foam, which means it doesn’t possess as high of an R-value. Low-density foam has a starting R-value of 3.6 per inch. But what this insulation material lacks in R-value, it makes up for in other benefits. It has a lower coverage of 0.5 pounds per cubic foot; however, open-cell foam expands more than closed-cell foam, meaning you can use the same amount of foam to cover a greater area. Open-cell foams expand to fill compact areas, meaning they’re perfect for smaller application areas such as crawl spaces and attics.
When you’re first starting out as a spray foam contractor, it’s important to understand the types of spray foam insulation and when to use them. Hopefully, this brief guide has illuminated the differences between these three main types of foam insulation. And if you need mobile spray foam rigs and other equipment to get your business started, feel free to check out our selection here at Spray Foam Systems.
