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.

Seems like you wouldnt want to seal something susceptible to mold growth but maybe thats just me. With the open cell below right vs. Closed cell below left issue there are two major factors to understand and consider. Id go with closed cell.

The first is the nature of the foam. Most open cell foam has a density of about 5 pounds per cubic foot. 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. Closed cell foam has a higher r value than open cell foam usually about 6 0 per inch.

A foams r value is its resistance to heat flow or in other words how well they insulate. 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. Let s not confuse open cell vs closed cell foam.

Open cell is more susceptible to mold and mildew but its expanding so it can hermetically seal an area. Closed cell foam is much denser than open cell foam. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu. Roofing applications typically use a 2 8 to 3 0 lb cu.

Closed cell is denser better insulating. Chemical manufacturer s claim if a roof leaks water will migrate through the foam structure therefore not trapping the water. Open cell foam has tiny cells which are not completely closed. The open cells are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs.

Open cell foam is just that open cell. They are broken and air fills all of the open space inside the material. Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which.