Open Cell Foam Insulation Vs Cellulose

Department of energy recommends hiring a professional installer.

Open cell foam insulation vs cellulose.

It s not only a petroleum based product he explains but it also requires the use of blowing agents. The r value for open cell spray foam insulation is roughly equal to the r values for cellulose and fiberglass. It is a very good air barrier as well as a water vapor barrier. It s also not a good idea to try to install it yourself.

Sound insulation open cell spray foam offers great sound insulation between walls. Actually foam insulation doesn t have an appreciable higher r value than cellulose insulation. While the attic floor is a prime destination for fiberglass batts the inside of existing walls is not. Closed cell vs cellulose in cape style home attic trying to maximze the comfort in my cape stlye.

Another product that gibson eschews is spray foam insulation. Cellulose has the ability to absorb moisture and although it can dry out it still leaves possibility for mold formation. It has a smaller more compact cell structure. Spray foam insulation cellulose.

Walls would need to be opened up completely to install batts. Spray foam has an stc of 39 for open cell and 37 for closed cell. Cellulose for attic insulation if the hvac equipment and air ducts are in your attic it is better to install spray foam insulation specifically with open cell spray foam to protect the equipment and ducts. Both of these insulation products carry a 3 6 to 3 7 r value per inch.

Closed cell polyurethane spray foam insulation is a much more dense type of foam than open cell. Open cell polyurethane foam r 3 5 inch will provide r 28 but more efficient than cellulose allows moisture to flow minimizing moisture issues moderately expensive. Cellulose insulation is composed of 75 85 recycled paper fiber with the remainder being made up of fire retardant matter. Close cell polyurethane foam r 6 5 inch will provide up to r 52 does not allow moisture to flow potential moisture issues expensive.

It reduces vibrations within a wall or ceiling to absorb sound and reduce echo feedback. Foam does save money and does lower your energy bill he says but if the goal is to reduce the impact of climate change it s not helping at all related. It is often used in roofing projects or other outdoor applications but can be used anywhere in the home. The r value for closed cell spray foam insulation is significantly higher.

Unless you are doing a complete home renovation and already taking apart the walls upgrading wall insulation with fiberglass batts isn t practical. However if your attic doesn t have any hvac equipment or air ducts you should install cellulose installation.