Closed Cell Spray Foam

Spray foam has been one of the more “up and coming” insulation products within the past several years. There are open and closed cell spray foams. We only work with closed cell spray foam at Foam It Insulation. With the rising costs of energy and focus on health and environmental issues, architects and builders are recommending insulation materials that add significant performance value to construction projects. Spray foam is at the top of the recommended product list.

Spray foam is a two-part mixture that when sprayed creates an instant chemical reaction. There are two components, A and B. One is resin; the other is polyurethane that contains recycled content (such as recycled plastic bottles), bringing added value to the consumer and the environment. Closed-cell is comprised of tiny plastic closed cells filled with Enovate® 3000, a non-ozone depleting blowing agent which when installed, adheres tenaciously to framing members and substrates. As a component to a proper building envelope construction, Closed-cell spray foam provides exceptional performance in minimizing heat transfer, moisture gain, air leakage and improving racking strength.

So, what does “closed cell” really mean? It means that the majority of the cells are closed, meaning they don’t share walls with other cells. This means a higher plastic content and lowers off-gassing content when compared to open-cell foam. Closed-cell spray foam is stronger and more rigid which makes it harder and heavier than open-cell foam. Closed-cell foam is a great choice when a high R-value is needed in limited depth spaces, such as rim joists of a home. The recommended product applications for Closed Cell Spray Foam are as follows: Walls, floors, unvented crawl spaces, stone/masonry basement walls, cold storage units, unvented attics, vented crawl spaces, vented attics, ductwork, ceilings, piping, and foundations. 2 pounds of closed-cell spray foam per cubic foot has an R-value of 6.2 to 7 per installed inch, depending on thickness.

Small imperfections in the building envelope/shell (holes, cracks, gaps) not properly sealed will eventually lead to poor building performance or worse – moisture accumulation, allergen/pathogen growth, and very possibly structural failure. The solid nature and sealing capability of closed-cell spray foam inhibit moisture-driven elements. 2 inches of closed-cell spray polyurethane foam insulation will minimize air infiltration, exfiltration, convection, conduction, and control solar driven moisture into the building envelope. Let’s dive a bit more into the moisture permeability aspect. This is measured in ‘perms’ which is how much moisture can move through a material. 1 droplet of water has approximately 75 grains of moisture, therefore:
1 perm = 1 grain of water per 1 square foot of a material at 1 inch of atmospheric pressure. Let’s take a glance at the findings on perms.

4 inches of Fiberglass – 100 perms
2 inches of Open Cell Foam – 15 perms
2 inches of Closed Cell Foam – 1 perm

Did you know that each year, the average U.S. family spends about $1,900.00 on home utility bills? Each year, energy generated for a single home by fossil fuels puts more carbon monoxide into the air we breathe than two average cars. When properly installed, closed-cell spray foam can deliver energy savings of up to 45%.

Sealing and insulating the “envelope” or “shell” of your building structure – its outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors is often the most effective way to improve energy efficiency and comfort. An environmentally friendly structure is a great benefit to you and the environment. Decide to take an active role to minimize greenhouse gases by properly sealing your envelope. Doing so will help you reduce the number of fossil fuels that are needed to produce electricity, thereby reducing your overall carbon footprint.