Open Cell Foam Insulation Vs Cellulose

Spray foam has an stc of 39 for open cell and 37 for closed cell.

Open cell foam insulation vs cellulose.

While the attic floor is a prime destination for fiberglass batts the inside of existing walls is not. We should note that spray foam is typically more expensive but also more effective than cellulose. The r value for open cell spray foam insulation is roughly equal to the r values for cellulose and fiberglass. It is often used in roofing projects or other outdoor applications but can be used anywhere in the home.

Both of these insulation products carry a 3 6 to 3 7 r value per inch. Closed cell vs cellulose in cape style home attic trying to maximze the comfort in my cape stlye. Closed cell polyurethane spray foam insulation is a much more dense type of foam than open cell. It has a smaller more compact cell structure.

Close cell polyurethane foam r 6 5 inch will provide up to r 52 does not allow moisture to flow potential moisture issues expensive. Cellulose for attic insulation if the hvac equipment and air ducts are in your attic it is better to install spray foam insulation specifically with open cell spray foam to protect the equipment and ducts. Unless you are doing a complete home renovation and already taking apart the walls upgrading wall insulation with fiberglass batts isn t practical. Department of energy recommends hiring a professional installer.

It s also not a good idea to try to install it yourself. As compared to spray foam insulation cellulose is cheaper and hence more economical for use in homes. It is a very good air barrier as well as a water vapor barrier. Another product that gibson eschews is spray foam insulation.

Open cell polyurethane foam r 3 5 inch will provide r 28 but more efficient than cellulose allows moisture to flow minimizing moisture issues moderately expensive. R value is a indicator of an insulation product s ability to block heat energy transfer. It s not only a petroleum based product he explains but it also requires the use of blowing agents. Actually foam insulation doesn t have an appreciable higher r value than cellulose insulation.

Sound insulation open cell spray foam offers great sound insulation between walls. Spray foam insulation cellulose. The r value for closed cell spray foam insulation is significantly higher. It reduces vibrations within a wall or ceiling to absorb sound and reduce echo feedback.

Foam does save money and does lower your energy bill he says but if the goal is to reduce the impact of climate change it s not helping at all related. However if your attic doesn t have any hvac equipment or air ducts you should install cellulose installation.