Insulation is material that is applied within attics, wall voids, crawl spaces, and more to resist the flow of heat, preventing extreme temperatures in the home during the summer and winter and improving your home’s overall energy efficiency. Spray foam insulation is one of the most effective and versatile types of insulation for your home, and it comes in two distinct types: open-cell and closed-cell. But what type is right for you and your home?
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is a type of insulating material that can be applied to any surface, conforming to the shape of where it was applied and forming an airtight barrier that prevents air leaks. Air leaks can waste up to 40% of the energy used to heat and cool a single family home, leading to an increase in energy bills. The sealing barrier provided by spray foam insulation is more effective at heat resistance than other types of insulation, and due to its easy application, it can be applied to hard-to-reach surfaces, and it can be used to seal cracks and gaps around the home. The airtight barrier that spray foam creates will also prevent allergens and irritants like pollen from entering the home, resulting in cleaner air for you and your family. There are two main types of spray foam insulation: closed-cell spray foam and open-cell spray foam, each coming with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits of Open-Cell Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation contains “cells” of foam, and open-cell air foam doesn’t have closed off cells, instead having open cells with extra room inside each cell. Open-cell spray foam is softer and more flexible, allowing it to be applied in awkwardly-shaped areas. Open-cell spray foam also expands much more than closed cells, resulting in much lower costs as less material is used to insulate a wall void or an attic space. Because of its expanding power, open-cell spray foam virtually guarantees an entirely sealed air barrier for your home when applied properly. Open-cell spray foam is right for customers that want to spend less, need their insulation to fit in awkward places that are difficult to access, and want to create a fully air-tight barrier. However, customers looking for a higher r-value and insulation that is waterproof may want to look for closed-cell spray foam.
Benefits of Closed-Cell Spray Foam
Closed-cell spray foam insulation contains cells that are very densely packed, with no space inside the cells. This makes closed-cell insulation very rigid, which can improve the structural integrity of whatever building you apply it to. However, its rigidity makes the material less flexible, which will affect its ability to reach awkward-fitting spaces. Closed-cell spray foam however does offer one major advantage: it is completely vapor retardant and does not allow any water to pass through it into the house. Closed-cell insulation can prevent roof leaks and moisture problems, making it perfect for climates that face a lot of rain. Additionally, closed-cell spray foam has a much higher r-value, allowing it to resist heat even better than open-cell spray foam.
Cost of Spray Foam Insulation
The cost of spray foam insulation is variable, based on several factors including what type of insulation you need, where you need the insulation installed, how much insulation you need, etc. That’s why Summit Environmental Solutions offers FREE estimates, so we can come out and inspect your property before providing you with a customized quote for your insulation project.
Northern Virginia’s Best Insulation Company
When it comes to open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation, no one type is truly better than the other. It all depends on the needs of your home, but no matter what type of insulation you need, leave it to the experts at Summit Environmental Solutions. We offer the best insulation removal and replacement services in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, and the surrounding Northern Virginia areas. Contact our team today to get started with a FREE estimate at 703-520-5868!
