Are there different types of spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation can be categorized into two types: light density open-cell and medium density closed-cell. Both types have their own unique advantages and are the most commonly used variants of insulation in commercial buildings and homes.

What are the two main types of spray foam?

Types of Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF)
  • Two component open-cell foam (ocSPF)
  • Two component closed-cell foam (ccSPF)

Which is the best spray foam insulation?

Top 4 Best Spray Foam Insulation Kits
  • Froth-Pak 210.
  • DAP Touch N’ Seal 600.
  • Seal Spray 600.
  • DAP Touch N’ Seal 200.

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

Open cell foam is full of cells that aren’t completely encapsulated. In other words, the cells are deliberatly left open. This makes the foam a softer, more flexable material. Closed cell foam is made up of cells that are, as the name suggests, completely closed.

Where should you not use spray foam insulation?

When NOT to Use Spray Foam Insulation
  1. For areas that are too close to electrical boxes:
  2. For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:
  3. Open-cell spray foam on your roof:
  4. For closed-cavity spaces:
  5. If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:

What are the disadvantages of spray foam insulation?

On the downside, spray foam insulation comes at a price that is considerably more expensive than fiberglass. Often times, spray foam is triple the price of fiberglass and sometimes it can be more. Applying spray foam insulation is also something that is not advised to do by yourself unless it is a very small job.

Is 2 inches of closed cell foam enough?

Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls. This might come as a surprise to you, but honestly, this is all the spray foam it takes to get the biggest bang for your buck with the air seal and thermal resistance needed for certain areas of the home.

Is closed cell spray foam worth the money?

Closed-cell spray foam is the king of the insulations when it comes to both R-value per inch and cost. Nothing else comes close, really. Unlike its open-cell cousin, closed-cell spray foam is not vapor permeable and will not hold water. This makes it an excellent option in case of water intrusion.

Is closed cell foam more expensive than open cell foam?

Open-cell spray foam insulation is cheaper, expands more, and allows more air circulation than closed-cell spray foam. Closed-cell is more expensive, doesn’t expand as much, and seals well enough to act as a vapor barrier. It also has about twice the R-value of open-cell spray foam insulation.

Is all spray foam insulation the same?

Yes, there are two different types of spray foam, and they have two very different purposes. The differences have to do with the type of job that the foam will do once sprayed onto a surface.

Why do lenders not like spray foam insulation?

So why is it a problem for mortgage lenders? By sealing the roof space with this material, air circulation can be restricted to the roof and timbers. This can lead to condensation, which in turn can eventually lead to the rotting of the wooden roof supports.

Why is spray foam different colors?

Instead, the color represents the binding agent used by the insulation manufacturer. Think of the color as the manufacturer’s personalized stamp on their product.

How long does spray foam insulation last?

80 years to 100 years
Both types of spray foam insulation can last anywhere from 80 years to 100 years, with closed cell spray foam having a slight edge in terms of durability. For most families, this represents the lifetime of the house and then some!

Can mold grow behind spray foam insulation?

Foam building insulation, in both spray foam and foam board products, is resistant to mold growth but as we will explain here it is not absolutely mold-roof, and on occasion we do find mold growth on the surface of even closed-cell foam, in open-celled foam (rare), and on th surface of EPS and other foam insulating …

Does spray foam devalue your house?

SPF should never be used in older buildings

In fact, according to Heritage House, they have seen entire roofs rotted and unrecoverable after SPF has been used. They state that by using SPF in your roof, ‘…you will devalue your home by the amount that a new roof will cost, and more. ‘ And we agree.

Can you spray foam over mold?

The short answer is no but spraying foam insulation over mold isn’t a magic cure. Will spray foam kill mold? Yes, because spray foam creates an air seal and will starve that mold of its food source — moisture and oxygen — and will inhibit any future growth, it will also cause the mold to become dormant.

Should I spray foam my ceiling?

Insulating the attic rafters with spray foam creates a conditioned space where your attic is the same temperature as the rest of your home. This keeps the external weather and moisture outside of the attic space so you don’t have to worry about any moisture problems or air infiltration.

Can spray foam insulation be installed in existing walls?

Spray foam

The slow rise of injection foam allows it to fill even the tiniest holes and cracks. This makes it a great candidate for insulating existing walls — especially walls where you know there are air leaks, but also means it can leak out in unexpected areas. Preparation is key to a successful injection job.

Can I insulate over mold?

The simple answer is yes, you could technically spray foam insulation over mold.

Is 2 inches of spray foam enough?

Now generically speaking, we usually recommend open cell spray foam to be 6- to 10-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches in the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.

Can spray foam rot your roof?

Studies show that open-cell spray foam is risky in colder climates. Indoor moisture diffuses through the foam and comes in contact with the cold roof sheathing. The spray foam traps the moisture against the roof, which results in eventual decay.

Does spray foam insulation need to be vented?

There are different types of insulation and you want to choose what is right for your home. One of those is spray foam. Do you need attic ventilation with spray foam insulation? No, spray foam insulation is applied to the ceiling and creates an air-tight seal.

Do you need vapor barrier with spray insulation?

Closed-cell spray foam insulation, on the other hand, is completely moisture-resistant. Because it creates a moisture barrier on its own, there is no need to install a separate vapor barrier as long as a sufficient quantity of insulation has been implemented—typically around 1.5 inches thick.