When it comes to selecting insulation for your home, R-Value is an important factor to consider. Open-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 3.6 to 3.9 per inch, while closed-cell spray foam insulation has an R-value of 6.0 to 7.0 per inch. This makes closed-cell spray foam insulation a better choice for sealing tight spaces and other outdoor environments. R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance, which is used to compare different types of insulation materials.
Open-cell spray foam insulation is a low density material that is applied multiple times to interior walls and hard to reach areas in a home. It has an R-value of 3.6 to 3.9 per inch, which is lower than other types of insulation such as cellulose and fiberglass, which have an R-value of 3.5 to 3.7 per inch. Closed-cell spray foam insulation has a higher density and provides an R-value of 6.0 to 7.0 per inch. When first installed, the R-value of closed-cell spray foam insulation is actually about 10 for a thickness of one inch, making it ideal for sealing tight spaces and other outdoor environments due to its excellent thermal resistance. Some closed-cell spray foam manufacturers now offer products made with a more benign expanding agent, which can help reduce the environmental impact of the product. In conclusion, when selecting insulation for your home, it is important to understand the differences between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation in order to make an informed decision about which type of insulation is best for your needs.
