Open Cell Foam Vs Closed Cell Foam In Attic

Closed cell foam has cells which are sealed off so air doesn t get inside the structure at all.

Open cell foam vs closed cell foam in attic.

Open cell foam is just that open cell. A foams r value is its resistance to heat flow or in other words how well they insulate. They are broken and air fills all of the open space inside the material. Chemical manufacturer s claim if a roof leaks water will migrate through the foam structure therefore not trapping the water.

The first is the nature of the foam. Open cell foam has tiny cells which are not completely closed. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu. Closed cell foam can be over three times that with a density of 1 75 pounds per cubic foot or more.

Closed cell foam is much denser than open cell foam. Closed cell below left issue there are two major factors to understand and consider. The open cells are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs. With the open cell below right vs.

Open cell is more susceptible to mold and mildew but its expanding so it can hermetically seal an area. Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which. The higher the density the foam the heavier or stronger it becomes. Id go with closed cell.

Closed cell is denser better insulating. To support traffic and loads better. It is either open cell foam where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed. Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1 7 lb cu.

Roofing applications typically use a 2 8 to 3 0 lb cu. Open cell foam has an r value of about 3 5 to 3 7 per inch while closed cell foam has an r value of about 6 per inch. Most open cell foam has a density of about 5 pounds per cubic foot.