Crawl Space Repair - Why we use Closed Cell Foam in Crawlspace Encapsulation

SPRAY FOAM INSUALTION 

OPEN CELL VERSUS CLOSED CELL

Being in the industry since 1974, we have seen time and time again how fiberglass insulation does not last in a crawlspace and can cause damage to a home. For this reason, we offer two forms of insulation; SilverGlo and Spray Foam, in this article we will dive into our spray foam option. Spray foam itself, comes in two different forms; open and closed cell foam. They have different strengths and weaknesses, thus are better suited for different jobs. Being in the waterproofing industry, closed cell foam is better suited to our needs. 

• THE CELLS: Spray insulation is referred to open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles (cells) that make up the foam.
  • Open Cell foam is full of cells that aren't completely encapsulated . In other words, the cells are deliberately left open and this makes the foam a softer, more flexible material
  • Closed Cell foam is made of cells that are completely closed. The cells are pressed together so air and moisture are unable to get inside the foam and it's much more rigid and stable

• DENSITY: Spray foam expands to fit the space it is applied, and based on how much it expands, the final product will end up with a different density. 

  • Open Cell foam has a density of about .5 lbs per cubic foot

  • Closed Cell foam is much denser than open cell foam, sitting at almost 3 times the density 

   

• R-VALUE: A foams R-value is its resistance to heat flow or, in other words how well they insulate.
  • Open Cell foam have an R-value of about 3.8 per inch, this allows more heat and cold through
  • Closed Cell foam has a higher R-value, sitting at about 7.0 per sq inch
• EXPANSION: This is one of the most important differences from an application standpoint.
  • Open cell is designed to expand 3" so only one application is possible to allow it time to full expand before it hardens
  • Closed cell is designed to expand about 1" thickness with each inch offering an R-value of 7, multiple applications can be applied to achieve higher values

CLOSED CELL INSULATION IN CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION

Closed cell foam is the best for robust insulation. Its rigid nature also lends to the structural integrity of the building and its E84 fire rating is a plus. Due to its density, it can also act as a vapor barrier, the foam itself is unharmed by water damage. These reasons make it the perfect foam for crawlspace encapsulation!

If you have any other questions about spray foam insulation feel free to contact us, or check out some of our other pages on the topic.

Diving into the Product: Closed-Cell Foam Insulation 

Why we Say Now to FiberGlass Insulation