Polyurethane spray foam insulation can reduce energy costs by 20%-40% with a minimum 2″ application. Increasing insulation thickness improves the R-value. Replacing traditional insulation with spray foam can double efficiency. For more on open and closed-cell foam, read our article.
what is spray foam?
Spray foam insulation constitutes a two-part liquid material designed to harden, insulate, and air-seal upon application. This material is typically stored in two 55-gallon drums, with one containing iso and the other resin (A and B side). These two liquids remain separate until dispensed at the job site by a qualified, licensed spray foam installer. Subsequently, the two liquids are conveyed through a heated hose to the spray gun, where they are amalgamated to form the foam. The foam rapidly expands to fill the cavity surface within seconds of application. The expansion ratio of the foam, ranging between 40 and 100 times its original size, is contingent upon the specific type of sprayed-in foam insulation employed, whether closed-cell or open-cell.
OPEN-CELL VS CLOSED-CELL SPRAY FOAM
Over the years, there have been remarkable advancements in product innovation, particularly in the realm of spray foam insulation. This type of insulation is widely used in residential and commercial construction. There are several varieties available, including open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, each serving specific purposes. Additionally, high-density spray insulation is employed as roofing foam in commercial and industrial construction settings.
Open-cell spray foam is a soft, low-density material that finds its application in interior spaces such as wall cavities, the underside of roof decks, attics, basement walls, and crawlspaces. Its unique open cell structure allows for moisture permeability, contributing to effective moisture management and bi-directional drying of the wall assembly.
In contrast, closed-cell spray insulation is a firm, medium-density material suitable for both exterior and interior applications. It possesses a higher R-value per inch, making it ideal for areas requiring the highest possible R-value to comply with building code requirements. Furthermore, its rigidity aids in rejecting bulk water, thus making it a reliable flood-resistant material.
BENEFITS OF OPEN-CELL SPRAY FOAM
As mentioned, open-cell foaming insulation is best suited for interior purposes, offering an array of advantages of traditional fibrous insulation substances. Benefits of open-cell foam insulation include:
- Allows for bi-directional drying
- Can provide long-term creep and seasonal movement
- Can be installed at a significantly more economical cost and target the same specified R-value.
- Is not considered a food source for mold
- Provides sound dampening qualities and is ideal for media rooms and studios.
- Lower installed cost, per square foot
Polyurethane spray foam insulation can lower energy costs by 20%-40% with a minimum 2″ application. Increasing the thickness improves the R-value, and doubling the thickness of spray foam insulation doubles the R-value. Replacing traditional insulation with spray foam can double the efficiency rating in the same amount of space.
BENEFITS OF CLOSED-CELL SPRAY FOAM
Open-cell foamed insulation offers numerous advantages over traditional insulation types, but closed-cell sprayed-in insulation provides even more benefits. Despite the higher cost, closed-cell sprayed insulation foam offers additional advantages, including:
- Ability to reject bulk water (closed-cell foam insulation is acknowledged as a flood-resistant component by FEMA.
- Can be applied at low temperatures (as low as 5°F)
- Adds wall racking strength as well as impact protection
- Higher R-value* per inch – more comfortable to accommodate high R-value* specifications in narrow spaces
- Lower vapor permeance (can be a Class II VDR)
- Higher bond as well as tensile strength
THE PROVEN LEADER IN THE SPRAY FOAM INDUSTRY
ArmorThane stands as a distinguished leader in the spray foam industry, catering to the needs of homeowners and contractors alike. Our advanced spray foam insulation serves to fortify walls and roofs, thereby prolonging the structural lifespan and providing resilience against inclement weather conditions and water-related harm. The industrial-grade ArmorFoam spray foam is adept at sealing foundations, pipelines, roofs, walls, and flooring, and is available for retail sales, accommodating projects of varying scales, from modest endeavors to large-scale industrial ventures. Our adept customer service team, boasting a robust track record and over three decades of industry experience, remains readily accessible to provide comprehensive guidance for project planning. Whether the objective is to curtail monthly energy expenditures or to meet the demands of clientele, ArmorFoam stands as an indispensable asset. Above all, our products deliver elevated performance and substantial value. Embracing the opportunity to become an authorized ArmorThane applicator will furnish you with the necessary tools to commence energy and cost savings.
CONTACT US NOW
Take the first step towards a low cost polyurea, polyurethane, or spray foam business opportunity and call us at 800.227.2905 or fill out our contact form below. Someone from our company will contact you to answer your questions and provide you more information.
