Closed-cell spray foam insulation forms an air seal that prevents leaks, and compared to traditional insulation it provides a higher R-value, which can result in heating and cooling cost savings. Drafts are virtually eliminated so it’s easier to maintain a more uniform indoor temperature. Polyurethane spray foam insulation is the most efficient form of insulation commercially available. It adheres very strongly to any surface. Sprayfoam is applied at high temperature's. Within seconds of being sprayed it will cure to form a Rigid Foam. Once sprayed it expands by over thirty times giving a seamless covering. Because its spray applied and cures in seconds, it means that any thickness can be applied depending on requirements.
The lower the 'U' Value of a material the better the materials insulation properties are. The properties of spray foam are superior to other insulations. In other words it takes less thickness to achieve the same insulation values as a other materials. It is light weight and high in compressive strength. Sprayed Polyurethane Foam will strengthen the structure it is applied to without adding any significant weight.
In the case of tile underspray applications, spray foam will reach all nooks and crevices, expanding in between the timber of the roof frame and adhering strongly to the entire underside of the slates or tiles. This forms one continuous and seamless sheet of foam, that will strengthen, bond and highly insulate the roof.
North American Processings carries the GACO 173 and BASF Spraytite Closed Cell sprayfoam products. These materials are class 1 sprayfoams. GACO 173 has passed burn testing & received a Flame Spread Index of 25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 450 at 4" thick. BASF Spraytite has passed burn testing & received a Flame Spread Index of 25 and a Smoke Developed Index of 350 at 4" thick. Polyurethane Spray Foam with its high levels of insulation, & its light weight make it the material and application of choice for professionals in many industries.
The MSDS & Product Data information contained in the links above are provided by the material manufacturers. North American Processing does not guarantee the accuracy of the information supplied to us by the manufacturer.
Click on image to view report on closed cell spray foam in adverse weather conditions.
OPEN CELL FOAM VS CLOSED CELL FOAM
Polyurethane spray foam insulation is often categorized as either "open-cell" or "closed-cell". There are several major differences between the two types, leading to advantages and disadvantages for both, depending on the desired application requirements. In addition, polyurethane spray foam insulation is an extremely versatile material that is available in a variety of final physical properties and densities, so it is necessary for the end-user to have an understanding of these differences, and to choose the spray foam system that is best suited for the particular application requirements.
Open-cell foam is soft - like a cushion or the packaging material molded inside a plastic bag to fit a fragile object being shipped. The cell walls, or surfaces of the bubbles, are broken and air fills all of the spaces in the material. This makes the foam soft or weak, as if it were made of broken balloons or soft toy rubber balls. The insulation value of this foam is related to the insulation value of the calm air inside the matrix of broken cells. The densities of open-cell foams are around 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound per cubic foot. One of the advantages that these lower densities provide is a more economical yield, since foam density is directly related to yield (lower density = higher yield). Although the R-value of open-cell foams is slightly more than half that of closed-cell foams, usually around 3.5 per inch, these products can still provide excellent thermal insulating and air barrier properties. Open cell foam is more permeable to moisture vapor, with perm ratings of approximately 10.0 per 4 – 5 inches thickness (up to 50 perms at one inch). However, the foam allows for a very controlled diffusion of moisture vapor whose consistency can be managed by the builder/architect. Open cell foams are incredibly effective as a sound barrier, having about twice the sound resistance in normal frequency ranges as closed-cell foam insulation.
Closed-cell foam has varying degrees of hardness, depending on its density. A normal, closed-cell foam insulation or flotation urethane is between 2 and 3 pounds per cubic foot. It is strong enough to walk on without major distortion. Most of the cells or bubbles in the foam are not broken; they resemble inflated balloons or soccer balls, piled together in a compact configuration. This makes it strong or rigid because the bubbles are strong enough to take a lot of pressure, like the inflated tires that hold up an automobile. The cells are full of a special gas, selected to make the insulation value of the foam as high as possible. Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is among the most efficient insulating materials commercially available, with Rvalues commonly around 6.0 per inch. Closed-cell foam incorporates an insulating gas that is retained within the cells (foam "blowing agent"), which leads to the highly efficient insulating properties of the material. In the U.S., insulation is measured in "R-Value" (R= resistance to heat flow), and closed-cell spray foam insulation has among the highest R-Values of any commercially available insulation. In addition, the closed-cell nature of this foam provides for a highly effective air barrier, low moisture vapor permeability (often referred to as the "Perm" rating), and excellent resistance to water . Years of research and commercial experience has shown that the 1.75 – 2.25 lb./ft3 density range provides the optimum insulating and strength characteristics for most building applications. Also, studies show that wall racking strength can by doubled or tripled when closed cell foam is applied.
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The advantages of the closed-cell foam compared to open-cell foam include its strength which reduces rack & sheer stress, highest R-value, and greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. The disadvantage of the closed-cell foam is that it is denser, requiring more material, and therefore, more expense. The choice of spray foam should be based on the requirements for the other characteristics - strength, vapor control, available space, etc.
Both types of foam are commonly used in building applications. Some are inappropriate in specific applications. For example, you typically would not use open-cell foam below grade or on buildings on or near bodies of water especially in the humid tropical climates where it could absorb water; this would negate its thermal performance because water is a poor insulator compared to air. Closed-cell foam would be a good choice where small framing sizes need the greatest R-value per inch possible. Basically, the choice depends on the conditions of each installation. We routinely select from a wide variety of foam systems with varying characteristics, depending on the particular requirements of each clients' project.
Your investment in polyurethane foam will reap long term returns in saved energy dollars, comfort, control of indoor air quality, health and safety for the life of your home. Because polyurethane foam is a closed cell insulation material delivering the highest R-value per inch, your heating and cooling equipment works more efficiently, uses less fuel and maintains consistent and uniform temperatures. It flows into cracks and joints, and around protrusions, like brick ties forming a continuous insulating barrier. The applied cost of Polyurethane Foam insulation is lower than separately applied insulation and sheet good materials. Labor cost are reduced since no extra steps are required to caulk or seal openings.
Polyurethane foam can help save money on equipment costs, too. With polyurethane foam insulation, you may be able to downsize your investment in the mechanical heating and cooling equipment you need. For example, in the polyurethane foam house, a 60,000 BTU furnace could provide the same indoor comfort level as a more costly 80,000 BTU unit. Polyurethane foam is a smart investment, right from the start. Polyurethane foam completely and efficiently insulates and seals around penetrations through the building framework, such as electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures. Polyurethane foam creates a protective thermal envelope around your living space. Polyurethane foam provides your home with a fully sealed, seamless barrier against wind and the intrusion of air and thermal driven moisture.
Up to 40% of a home’s energy loss can occur through the buildings envelope, not just through windows and doors. Slight imperfections in framing, changes in temperature and pressure within the home can create air movement within the stud cavity that will reduce the energy efficiency of fibrous or large open celled insulation systems. Along with air, moisture can enter the building cavity, condense and create structural as well as health concerns. 1.7-2 pound polyurethane foam will not permit the uncontrolled movement of air and moisture through your walls.
Don’t worry about durability. Polyurethane foam is approved by all three national building codes and will perform for the life of your building. Its exceptional thermal and structural characteristics will save you, and generations to come, from the problems associated with the high cost of energy.
Spray polyurethane effectively protects your living space from unwanted moisture build-up and condensation caused by warm moist air meeting cool dry air within the building envelope (stud cavities, attics). 1.7-2 pound polyurethane foam effectively seals your home against unwanted moisture. You can now use modern ventilation techniques to create the best, most habitable indoor living space - free of excess moisture and airborne pathogens – for a healthy, more comfortable home.
Unlike other home insulations, the spray-applied seamless sealing quality of polyurethane foam insulation system eliminates the air infiltration problem. Polyurethane foam seals the gaps and spaces right from the start, while your house is being built. Because spray foam insulation fills every little crack and crevice, vermin and bugs have a harder time getting into the home, saving on extermination bills. Plus, it's such a great adherent, it can stick to a floor and insulate from underneath. Most homes insulated with spray foam have a higher resale value, especially newer homes. There are environmental advantages as well; most notably, there aren't any fiberglass particles floating around in the air. Spray foam insulation also seems to last longer. It sticks to the walls and won't fall off like fiberglass. An extra bonus is that it doesn't cause itching when touched, unlike fiberglass foam, and it inhibits mold because it doesn't absorb water. While it's more expensive to install spray foam insulation than fiberglass, it pays for itself with the money saved on utility and repair bills. When it comes to deciding which insulation is best for the home, spray foam insulation is the hands-down winner.
