Open-cell spray foam is a suitable solution for noise dampening and energy insulation, which can save home and property owners money (and sometimes headaches) in the long run. Let’s dive into the details of open-cell spray foam so that you can keep your clients and team informed on the benefits of use, the process of installation, how it compares to closed-cell spray foam, and beyond.
A Look at Open-Cell Spray Foam
Open-cell spray foam is composed of cells that aren’t fully encapsulated, and this is done purposefully. Having open cells creates a softer, more flexible material. With this in mind, open-cell spray foam is also porous, which means that it is water resistant but isn’t waterproof. However, it is still known as a modern and energy-efficient way to keep homes and properties cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without ever having to adjust your thermostat.
Discover some of the benefits of using open-cell spray foam insulation:
- Expansion abilities – One of the main reasons people choose open-cell spray foam is because of its ability to expand after being applied. This means it can insulate nooks and crannies that are harder to reach, creating more effective insulation.
- Easy to apply – Since it expands so much, open-cell spray foam insulation is usually applied in one coat, making your job simple.
- Sound dampening properties – When you use open-cell spray foam to fill wall voids, the foam curbs resonance and prevents sound from entering or leaving the room or space.
- Reduces unwanted visitors – Bugs, other pests, and even troublesome allergens like pollen can squeeze through cracks and crevices in any property. Sealing spaces with open-cell spray foam can reduce the number of unwanted visitors you have in your home. Additionally, this foam does not contain anything that attracts mice or other creatures.
- Cost-efficient – Open-cell spray foam is less expensive than closed-cell spray foam because it is less dense, and it also covers more area. However, each of these types have respective benefits in terms of application and exposure to different elements.
What Is Open-Cell Spray Foam Made Out Of?
Open-cell spray foam is a combination of ISO and resin. These two substances are kept in separate drums until they are ready to be used. The drums are typically titled “A” and “B.” The “A” product is typically similar across manufacturers but the “B” container will usually hold a proprietary blend. Once the ISO and resin are sprayed from their respective containers onto their desired surface, they create the foam product.
The Process for Application
When installing open-cell spray foam, it is important to follow a process that will keep your team safe and your client happy. Adhering to the steps below will help do both:
- Identify spaces where a property owner might need spray foam, including attics, exposed walls, crawl spaces, pole barns, and concrete block walls
- Remove any old insulation in the area that is going to be insulated
- Move any furniture or other large items and cover them in plastic
- Consider adding plastic to any other areas of the space (surfaces, doorways, floors) to make sure the job is done cleanly
- Run a hose to the area and suit up with OSHA approved PPE
- Apply the open-cell spray foam insulation to the areas that need it and allow manufacture suggested curing time
- Remove all plastic and put back furniture (if instructed by the homeowners)
Understanding Whether Open-Cell Spray Foam or Closed-Cell Spray Foam Is Better Suited for an Application
Choosing the right spray foam for a project isn’t absolute, meaning that one isn’t necessarily better or worse than the other. Instead, look at the qualities and demands of the project. Then, identify the properties of each type of spray foam before installing either one.
Open-Cell Spray Foam
Open-cell spray foam is best used in interior projects, as it is less dense and requires less material to cover an area. The name suggests that the cells are open, providing an opportunity for other cells to lock in or the surrounding air to fill the gaps. It must be noted that open-cell spray foam insulation is not waterproof, so it is important to only use it in applications where moisture isn’t common. It also has a smaller R-value per inch than closed-cell foam, which determines the thermal resistance. However, it is still effective at insulating against hot and cold air.
Closed-Cell Spray Foam
In closed-cell spray foam, you will find tiny bubbles of gas that are suspended during application and curing. This trapped gas adds an extra layer of insulation, giving it a higher R-value than open-cell spray foam insulation. You can use closed-cell spray foam in both interior and exterior applications, and it also has the ability to increase the structural strength of surfaces being insulated.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the structure of the foam is denser than open-cell spray foam, which means that you will need more of it to cover the surface and be extra careful when filling any nooks and crannies.
Get Your Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation from SprayWorks Equipment
When it comes to choosing an open-cell spray foam manufacturer, be sure it’s SprayWorks Equipment. We have been a leading supplier of spray foam insulation and equipment for more than 50 years and would love to provide quality supplies for your next project.
Our team offers reliable and cost-effective polyurethane products to North America, all of which are designed with the customer in mind and engineered with exceptional performance capabilities. At our online store, you will find variations of our open-cell spray foam insulation that are great ways to seal out noise and keep your customer’s home warm or cool depending on the season.
You will also be able to choose from the following vendors:
- Green Insulation Technologies LLC
- Green Shield
- HandiFoam
- ICP
- SWD
- UPC
- Gaco Western
- Delta Urethane
- Wasser
Contact Us with Any Questions You Have Regarding Open-Cell Spray Foam
Now that you are well informed on the ins and outs of open-cell spray foam insulation, it is time to start your next project!
Contact us today to learn more about our products or start shopping today. We’re happy to help.
