Open-cell spray foam is renowned for its capacity to absorb and retain water, and has a lower R-value per inch than closed-cell foam. The R value of open-cell spray foam ranges from 5 to R-3.6 per inch, so filling a 2 × 4 cavity results in approximately an R-13. However, the R-value of the entire wall is what really matters, not just that of the insulation. There is not much difference in the R-value of the entire wall between a wall insulated with open-cell spray foam and one insulated with closed-cell spray foam.The disparity in the R-value per inch between open-cell spray foam and closed-cell spray foam is due to the way they are manufactured. Plus, the foam insulation used by RetroFoam of Michigan does not break down or degrade over time.
To create an air seal, you need a minimum of 3 inches of open cell or 2 inches of closed cell. If continuous rigid insulation with a high R-value is installed on the outer face of the cladding (for example, rigid foam or mineral wool), the entire R-value of the insulation contributes to the R-value of the entire wall (except, of course, in areas occupied by windows and doors).Open-cell spray foam has an R-value of approximately R-3.7 per inch, while closed-cell spray foam has an R-value that can be as high as R-6.5 per inch. Any material other than foam will help eliminate dust mites, degrade, penetrate the air supply, and cost tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the building. Fibreglass and cellulose only serve to prevent conduction, while spray foam prevents conduction and convection, that is, the movement of air. To avoid having to trim the closed-cell foam into a 2 × 4 inch wall, the installer typically stops at a maximum depth of approximately 3 inches.
There are a couple of factors that influence the R-value of spray foam: the type of foam, its age, and its moisture resistance. When it comes to comparing foam insulation with materials such as fiberglass and cellulose, an air seal is a big turning point. Closed-cell spray foam is impervious to moisture, so water cannot pass through it and, therefore, its R value is not affected. Heat takes longer to transfer through sprayed closed-cell foam due to its denser composition. As part of the Michigan RetroFoam family, Amanda uses her experience as a journalist to write content that helps inform homeowners about the advantages of foam insulation.When it comes to understanding what kind of insulation you need for your home or business, it's important to understand how different types of insulation compare in terms of their R values.
Open cell and closed cell spray foam, for example, have different R values per inch. The higher the R value per inch, the better insulated your home or business will be. Additionally, when considering which type of insulation to use for your walls or ceilings, it's important to consider how much space you have available for installation as well as how much insulation you need for your particular climate. In conclusion, when considering what type of insulation you need for your walls or ceilings, it's important to consider both the type and amount needed for your particular climate as well as how much space you have available for installation. Open cell spray foam, with an R value ranging from 5 to 3.6 per inch, can fill a 2 × 4 cavity resulting in approximately an R13 rating; however, when considering what type of insulation you need for your walls or ceilings it's important to consider both the type and amount needed for your particular climate as well as how much space you have available for installation.
