What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell foams?
Both open-cell and closed-cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. In climate zones 6-8 a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Closed-cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed-cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications. Open-cell foam should never be used for exterior applications. Open-cell foams are more cost effective per unit of R-value than closed-cell foams but do not provide the structural contribution to a building that closed-cell foams do. Please work with your local independent certified BioBased Insulation® installer to determine which product works best for your specific application. 5. What makes BioBased Insulation® so effective? BioBased Insulatio
Both open-cell and closed-cell foams stop the movement of air and slow down the transfer of heat. Open-cell foam products are generally not considered vapor retarders. In climate zones 6-8 a vapor retarder system may be required on the warm side of the insulation relative to the design of the wall or ceiling system. Open-cell foam should never be used for exterior applications. Open-cell foams are more cost effective per unit of R-value than closed-cell foams but do not provide the structural contribution to a building that closed-cell foams do. Closed-cell foams, on the other hand, have low vapor permeance due to their cell structure. These foams, depending on thickness, may be considered a vapor retarder but not a vapor barrier. Closed-cell foams also have a high compressive strength which allows them to be used for exterior applications. Please contact us to determine which product works best for your specific application.
