Open Cell Foam Insulation Vs Cellulose

While the attic floor is a prime destination for fiberglass batts the inside of existing walls is not.

Open cell foam insulation vs 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. It has a smaller more compact cell structure. It s not only a petroleum based product he explains but it also requires the use of blowing agents.

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. Spray foam insulation cellulose. Cellulose has the ability to absorb moisture and although it can dry out it still leaves possibility for mold formation. 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. Actually foam insulation doesn t have an appreciable higher r value than cellulose insulation. Spray foam has an stc of 39 for open cell and 37 for closed cell. Close cell polyurethane foam r 6 5 inch will provide up to r 52 does not allow moisture to flow potential moisture issues expensive.

As compared to spray foam insulation cellulose is cheaper and hence more economical for use in homes. It is often used in roofing projects or other outdoor applications but can be used anywhere in the home. It is a very good air barrier as well as a water vapor barrier. Both of these insulation products carry a 3 6 to 3 7 r value per inch.

R value is a indicator of an insulation product s ability to block heat energy transfer. Closed cell polyurethane spray foam insulation is a much more dense type of foam than open cell. Walls would need to be opened up completely to install batts. We should note that spray foam is typically more expensive but also more effective than cellulose.

Unless you are doing a complete home renovation and already taking apart the walls upgrading wall insulation with fiberglass batts isn t practical. Sound insulation open cell spray foam offers great sound insulation between walls. Cellulose insulation is composed of 75 85 recycled paper fiber with the remainder being made up of fire retardant matter. The r value for open cell spray foam insulation is roughly equal to the r values for cellulose and fiberglass.

Another product that gibson eschews is spray foam insulation. Department of energy recommends hiring a professional installer.