Q: What is the difference between open cell and closed cell foam?

Open cell foam: Open cell foam is a low density foam (0.5 pound per cubic foot) Soft like a sponge and easily damaged Offers no structural integrity Low R-Value per inch (Generally 3.5 - 4 per inch) Can only create an air barrier when sprayed at correct thickness Offers no vapor or moisture protection Does not settle like loose fill insulation or batt insulation Closed cell foam: Closed cell foam is a high density foam (1.8 - 2.2 pounds per cubic foot) Very rigid and resists most impacts Can increase racking strength of walls and down force strength of roof High R-Value per inch (Generally 6.7 - 7.4 per inch) Can create an air barrier and vapor barrier when sprayed at correct thicknesses Closed cell foam (and rigid board foams) are the only products considered flood-damage resistant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Does not settle like loose fill insulation or batt insulation

Question 1

Is open cell or closed cell better for my project?

Accepted Answer

Depends on if spray foam is being used for insulation or sound dampening. Open cell foam is better for sound dampening and closed cell is better for insulating.

Question 2

What manufacturer does the contractor use?

Accepted Answer

There are many manufacturers of spray foam. Check with the contractor to make sure that manufacturer has done proper testing of their material.

Question 3

Does the manufacturer have evaluation reports?

Accepted Answer

Not all manufacturers have had testing done on their materials to prove it meets code requirements.

Question 4

What kind of warranty does the manufacturer have?

Accepted Answer

Most manufacturers have a limited lifetime warranty that only covers the material replacement if there is an issue from the factory. Issues from an improper install are not covered by the manufacturer warranty.

Question 5

Does the contractor have any type of warranty?

Accepted Answer

Most contractors have a warranty they offer that covers the quality of their work but not all do. Check with each contractor for what they cover.

Question 6

Has the contractor completed CPI training?

Accepted Answer

CPI training is an online course that covers the proper material handling and project hazards. Completion of this course is required by most manufacturers and distributors in order to purchase spray foam material from them.

Question 7

Has the contractor completed manufacturer certification training?

Accepted Answer

Most manufacturers offer a certification class that covers in depth of how to correctly install their material, maintain equipment, how to spot issues, and proper material handling.

Question 8

Does the contractor have proper insurance?

Accepted Answer

Contractors should have a general liability policy, auto policy, and equipment coverage policy. If a contractor does not have the proper insurance then your insurance company will have to cover any possible damage or come from your pocket to cover damages.

Question 9

What is the difference between open cell and closed cell foam?

Accepted Answer

Open cell foam:

Open cell foam is a low density foam (0.5 pound per cubic foot)
Soft like a sponge and easily damaged
Offers no structural integrity
Low R-Value per inch (Generally 3.5 - 4 per inch)
Can only create an air barrier when sprayed at correct thickness
Offers no vapor or moisture protection
Does not settle like loose fill insulation or batt insulation

Closed cell foam:

Closed cell foam is a high density foam (1.8 - 2.2 pounds per cubic foot)
Very rigid and resists most impacts
Can increase racking strength of walls and down force strength of roof
High R-Value per inch (Generally 6.7 - 7.4 per inch)
Can create an air barrier and vapor barrier when sprayed at correct thicknesses
Closed cell foam (and rigid board foams) are the only products considered flood-damage resistant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Does not settle like loose fill insulation or batt insulation

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