SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IN NASHVILLE

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SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IN NASHVILLE

OPEN CELL AND CLOSED CELL – CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM

Open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation for the home are both effective solutions — one or the other may work better in different climates and parts of the home.

Both spray foam types:

Spray in as a liquid and expand to fill all gaps and holes

Form an air barrier to stop drafts and air leakage

Don't provide a food source for mold (check with your spray foam manufacturer)

Don't provide a food source for pests

Can be applied to irregular surfaces to create a perfect thermal boundary

Maintain form and thickness without the need to add insulation over time

Significantly reduce size and increase lifespan on heating & cooling

Here are some differences:

OPEN CELL

"Breathes" — it is vapor permeable and this can let your home dry out.

Moderate cost $$ per square foot versus fiberglass

Reduces sound transmission for privacy

Flexible – moves with your house to ensure there are no gaps in your insulation and no loss of air seal

Doesn’t absorb water; lets it drain down through the insulation (check with your spray foam manufacturer)

Good thermal insulation - R-3.7 per inch thickness

3 inch minimum thickness is needed to get an air barrier

Half-pound density is much softer than closed cell

Water-blown application doesn’t required blowing agent.

CLOSED CELL

Doesn’t “Breathe” – acts as a vapor retarder

Higher cost $$$ per square foot in most applications Excellent air & vapor barrier for use in exterior cavities

Great for use on crawlspace walls to eliminate moisture

Perfect for insulating heated concrete floor on metal deck

Stays rigid – helps wall strength; impact resistant

Doesn’t let water in (check with your spray foam manufacturer) – this is an advantage in flood zones

Great for flood prone areas Best option for metal buildings to conform to building structure and add structural strength

Half-pound density is much softer than closed cell

Great thermal insulation – R-6.8 per inch thickness

WHERE TO USE OPEN CELL OR CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM FOR YOUR HOME

Which climate zone are you located? Check the map at the bottom of the page.

COLD CLIMATES – ZONES 5 THRU 8 AND MARINE 4

ROOF, ATTIC, EXTERIOR WALLS, BONUS ROOMS:

Open cell (+vapor retarder on the warm side) is a lower-cost alternative where the wall is thick enough to reach your insulation requirements.

Closed cell may be preferred in very cold areas (zone 6 and above) because of its higher R-value. It doesn't require a vapor retarder.

BASEMENT:

Open cell is a lower-cost alternative for basements in cold climates

Closed cell is preferable in parts of your home that are vulnerable to flooding

HOT AND HUMID CLIMATES – ZONES 1 THRU 4

ROOF, ATTIC, EXTERIOR WALLS:

Open cell should be used in new homes and additions as it allows the new home to dry out, protecting against mold growth. It allows for the drying of the building envelope to the interior of the building. It's also generally a lower-cost alternative in retrofits.

BASEMENT AND FLOORING ABOVE UNCONDITIONED SPACES:

Open cell with a vapor retarder paint, or closed cell, can be used under raised floors to protect hardwood from cupping due to outdoor moisture. It is also effective for basements above the water table.

Closed cell is preferable in parts of your home that are vulnerable to flooding.

zones

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888-581-1783

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