Open & Closed Cell Foam Insulation

Count on us for open & closed cell foam insulation in Nacogdoches, TX

We offer both open and closed cell foam insulation. Both are great products with different benefits, and one is not better than the other. When trying to decide between open cell foam and closed cell foam you should consider a few things: where the home is located, extreme weather temperatures, insulation goals, and your budget.

We can help you choose between open or closed cell insulation depending on your needs.

Composition and Application

Composition and Application

Open cell and closed cell insulation differs because of the actual cells (or small bubbles) that make the foam. Open cell foam is made of cells that are left open, which creates a softer, more flexible insulation. Closed cell foam is the opposite as it is made with cells that are closed, very similar to pickup bed liner. This creates a more dense insulation that prevents air and moisture from getting in.

Closed cell foam has an average density of 2 lbs/cubic foot. Whereas open cell foam is typically much less dense, averaging about 0.5 lbs/cubic foot. Closed cell is typically not sprayed greater than 3" and open cell can be sprayed 8-10" if so desired.

One of the most notable differences in open cell and closed cell foam is in the application. When applied, closed cell foam expands to a thickness of about 1 inch, and open cell foam expands to about 3 inches. Because of this, when using closed cell foam, multiple applications could be required to fill an entire area. Whereas, only one application is usually needed with open cell foam. However, with each application of closed cell foam the overall r-value is increased.

Benefits of Open Cell Foam

Benefits of Open Cell Foam

One of the biggest benefits of open cell foam is its expansion after application, meaning it can insulate hard to reach areas in a home, which can be harder to insulate with closed cell foam. Open cell foam is a good option for soundproofing because a single application can completely fill the area between studs. Open cell foam is also a more affordable option.

Benefits of Closed Cell Foam


Closed cell foam is a great choice insulating an area where space is an issue, plus it can add twice the r-value inside your walls when compared to open cell foam. Its durable composition also adds to the structural integrity of your home. The closed cells act as a barrier, so water and moisture is less likely to get inside your home. Closed cell foam is ideal for homes in areas with extreme temperatures.

R-Value

Closed cell foam has a higher r-value than open cell foam. The r-value for closed cell foam is 6.9/inch. Open cell foam has an r-value of approximately 3.5/inch.

Closed cell foam is typically more efficient at keeping heat in or out of a home. Due to the lower r-value of open cell foam, its effectiveness may be limited in extreme temperatures.