Open Cell Insulation R Value

Open cell foam has an r value of almost 5.

Open cell insulation r value.

The open cell structure of low density foam insulation means the r value is lower than its closed cell counterpart. Open cell spray foams are between 5 and 1 lbs per cubic foot and have an r value of 3 0 4 0 per inch of insulation. As a project manager for a spray foam company for years i can tell you that we offer 0 5 lb. Nevertheless open cell spray foam does offer superior and consistent thermal insulation and air sealing properties.

If you want to install spray foam in a stud wall and price is no object then it would seem to make sense to specify closed cell spray foam right. Closed cell foam has a higher r value than open cell foam usually about 6 0 per inch. To understand why we need to start by understanding the trimmability of cured foam. In regards to closed cell sprayed in foam insulation r value can range between r 4 9 to r 7 1 per inch.

But some closed cell foams like tiger foam s e84 closed cell formula have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. Closed cell open cell spray foam r values. Closed cell spray foam insulation closed cell spray foam has a far better r value per inch than other less effective insulations like cellulose fiberglass or even open cell foam. A foams r value is its resistance to heat flow or in other words how well they insulate.

There isn t much difference in whole wall r value between a wall insulated with open cell spray foam and one insulated with closed cell spray foam. We even offer a 1 0 lb. R values are additive so you can multiple the number of inches of insulation thickness times the r value to arrive at a total insulation value. What really matters is the r value of the whole wall not just that of the insulation.

A typical 2 4 stud filled with open cell spray foam will have an r value. Open cell foam for less the same cost as you quoted the 0 5 lb. Both closed cell spray foam and open cell spray foam insulation can be used effectively in commercial building designs to allow the building to achieve energy efficiency and consistent performance. The r value is r 3 5 to r 3 6 per inch so filling a 2 4 cavity yields about an r 13.

Open cell spray foam has an r value of about r 3 7 per inch while closed cell spray foam has an r value that may be as high as r 6 5 per inch. When applied on the interior open cell spray insulation provides performance advantages that differ from those of closed cell spray foam used on the exterior.