what is the r value of open cell spray foam

Full Answer

What is the are value of 1 inch spray foam?

When first installed, the R-value of closed cell spray polyurethane foam is actually about 10 for a one-inch thickness. Industry experts suggest that other types of insulation, especially those that can absorb moisture and “mat down” can suffer huge and permanent (up to 50%) R-value loss over time. Can I spray foam myself?

What is the are value of spray insulation?

The R-value of spray foam insulation ranges from 3.5 to 7 per inch thickness. For open-cell spray foam the R-value is approximately 3.5 whereas for closed-cell spray foam it is 6. The thickness required for spray form insulation when insulating, for eg; an attic, depends on the R-value required for that place.

What is the are rating of spray foam insulation?

This is due to the closely packed, air-tight structure of this insulation material. The R-value of closed-cell spray foam is around 6.5 per inch of its thickness. Therefore, closed cell spray foam insulation needs to be 7 to 8 inches thick to achieve R49 insulation rating (49/6=7.537 inches).

Is spray foam insulation worth it?

Spray foam insulation is worth it because it can save you thousands of dollars in energy bills. The upfront cost of spray foam insulation is higher than blown-in, but spray foam is more effective. Spray foam insulation gets in every crevice behind your walls and fully insulates your home effectively.

What R-value is 2 inches of closed cell spray foam?

R-Value In 2 Inches Of Spray Foam The R-value ranges from R-3.5 to R-3.6 per inch. The filling of a 2×4 cavity yields about an R-13.

How thick should open cell spray foam insulation be?

Now generically speaking, we usually recommend open cell spray foam to be 6- to 10-inches on a roof deck or ceiling and 3-inches in the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4- to 5- inches on the ceiling and 2- to 3-inches in the walls.

What spray foam has the highest R-value?

closed-cell spray foam insulationWith an R-Value of up to R-6.8 per inch, closed-cell spray foam insulation is the highest R-value insulation material available, and its air-tight seal decreases air loss, moisture buildup, and termite damage.

What is the R-value of 6 inches of closed cell spray foam?

The R-value of closed-cell foam is R-6.5-7 per inch. Contractors often use it to insulate under slabs, ceilings, walls, and roofs. It performs better than other insulation types. It provides an excellent air barrier, resists moisture, and retards vapor.

Does open cell foam need a vapor barrier?

Keep in mind that while open cell spray foam can be used anywhere, it does not create a vapor barrier like closed cell spray foam does. Thus, any structure using open cell spray foam (whether it is in the north or the south), would need an additional vapor barrier to prevent condensation from forming.

Which is better open or closed cell foam insulation?

Closed cell foam has a higher R-value than open cell foam, usually about 6.0 per inch. But some closed cell foams, like Tiger Foam's E84 Closed Cell formula, have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. This higher rating makes closed cell foam better at keeping heat in or out of a structure.

How many square feet will a 55 gallon drum of spray foam cover?

½# Open Cell Spray Foam 55 gallon kits: 16,000-21,000 board feet coverage We also have Open Cell Spray foam insulation for your project.

What is the best spray foam for insulation?

Best Expanding FoamBest Overall: Loctite TITE FOAM Insulating Foam Sealant.Best Kit for Large Projects: Great Stuff Pro Gaps and Cracks.Best Kit for Pests: Great Stuff Pro Kit.Best for Crafts: Smooth-On Foam-iT! ... Best Fire Block: Fire Block Polyurethane Foam Sealant.Best Value: Big Gap Filler.More items...•

What insulation has the best R-value per inch?

Among insulation types, rigid foam panels have the highest R-value per inch.

Does doubling insulation Double R-value?

ABOUT INSULATION The thermal barrier of a home should consist of a continuous layer of insulation on all sides—including the lowest floor, the exterior walls, and the ceiling or roof. Doubling the thickness of insulation will double the insulation's R-value, cutting heat loss in half.

Does Great Stuff foam have an R-value?

GREAT STUFF Insulating Spray Foam Sealant: 1 Components, 12 oz Size, Aerosol Can, Cream, R-3.7 - 48WK16|00157906 - Grainger.

What is the R-value of 1 inch Styrofoam?

3.6 to 4.2 per inchExpanded Polystyrene. Also called Styrofoam insulation, this is the least expensive material. It provides R-values that range from 3.6 to 4.2 per inch.

What is the R-value of spray foam in a 2x6 wall?

In a typical 2×4 stud wall filled with low-density spray foam, the r-value will be R-13. Going to a 2×6 stud wall will bump up the R-value to R-20.

How thick can spray foam be applied?

The ASTM E84 tests for most spray polyurethane foams limit the maximum installed thickness of foams to 4 inches or less. The ASTM E84 tests for some SPF products limit installations to a maximum of only 2 inches.

How thick does my insulation need to be?

The higher the R-Value, the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

What is the R-value of 2 inch rigid insulation?

You can check this chart and see that a 2-inch ISO foam board has an R-value of R-11.6. If you have a rigid ISO foam board that is more than 9 inches thick, you can expect that the R-value of such board will be over R-50.

What is open cell foam?

Common Applications: Open cell foam is generally used above grade in walls and sometimes in attics. Some open cell foams have restrictions on the spray height (limited to 5-6″ maximum in a horizontal installation). Price: More than R13 fiberglass; less than closed cell foam.

How much insulation does spray foam have?

Open cell spray foams are between .5 and 1 lbs per cubic foot, and have an R value of 3.0 – 4.0 per inch of insulation. R values are additive, so you can multiple the number of inches of insulation thickness times the R value to arrive at a total insulation value.

How much insulation does 2 inches of foam provide?

Two inches of closed cell foam will provide R12 – R14 of insulation. Three inches will get you over R20, more than sufficient for exterior walls even the coldest climates in the United States.

What is the R value of a 2x4 stud?

A typical 2×4 stud filled with open cell spray foam will have an R value between 10.5 and 14. This R value is similar to that of R13 fiberglass batting; however, fiberglass generally does not provide as tight a seal as a foam product would, since it is unable to achieve as tight of a seal.

Is closed cell foam a vapor barrier?

Price: More than open cell foam; one of the most expensive insulation options. But, doesn’t require a separate vapor barrier.

Is closed cell spray foam good for basement insulation?

Last month we selected closed cell spray foam for the basement finishing project we’re working. Closed cell spray foam has the advantage of not requiring a vapor moisture barrier, and it also sports a very high R value, making it an ideal choice for insulating basements (and first and second floors alike).

What affects the R value of spray foam?

There are a couple of things that affect the R-Value of spray foam – the type of foam, the age of the foam, and how well it is resistant to moisture. The type of foam insulation affects the R-Value just in how they are made up. Open cell is a lighter material, so the R-Value is lower, while closed cell is thicker and denser so the R-Value is higher.

Why is the R value higher in open cell or closed cell?

This is because it takes longer for heat to transfer through the closed cell spray foam due to its denser composition. Now it’s time for an awesome cooking analogy.

What is R-Value?

R-Value is a measurement of an insulation material’s thermal resistance.

Why do you spray foam?

That’s because spray foam creates an air seal that stops air movement into and out of the home. So the air you pay to treat stays right where you want it and helps you maintain a constant temperature and comfortable house.

How does foam insulation work?

It works to help maintain a constant temperature, which in turn helps your air conditioner and furnace not run constantly. If you want to learn more about foam insulation, check out the Learning Center on our website.

How does R value work?

R-Value by itself only measures heat transfer by way of conduction, which is advantageous for fibrous materials. Let’s dive deeper into the air seal foam insulation creates and how that is a game-changer. It comes down to the way heat travels. Heat travels much faster through convection or air movement than by conduction.

What happens if you stack R value on top of R value?

As you can see here, if you try stacking R-Value on top of R-Value you're wasting money as it diminishes your return.

What is closed cell spray foam?

Closed-cell spray foam insulation refers to spray foam that is composed of cells that are completely encapsulated and tightly pressed together . Due in part to its extremely high density, closed-cell spray foam insulation has one of the highest R-values of any insulation material on the market. When installed correctly, it boasts an impressive R-value of around 6.5 – 7 per inch.

What is the R value of fiberglass batts?

To put that number into perspective, fiberglass batts only have an R-value of around 2.9 – 3.8 per inch , and loose cellulose has an R-value of 3.1 – 3.8. Due to its high R-value, closed-cell spray foam insulation is one of the most effective types of insulation that you can install in your home.

What Is R-Value and Why Is It Important?

So, why exactly is R-value so important when it comes to insulation? Well, R-value refers to how well an insulation material is able to resist the conductive flow of heat. As such, the R-value essentially indicates how effective a material is at insulating an area. The higher the R-value of an insulation material, the more effective it will be at preventing heat flow into and out of a space.

What to consider when choosing insulation material?

When choosing an insulation material, there are several factors to consider. For example, you may consider its average lifespan, the ease of installation, or whether it is resistant to flame or moisture. Perhaps the most important consideration, however, is the insulation’s R-value. If you’re interested in installing spray foam ...

Is spray foam insulation spongier than closed cell insulation?

Open-cell spray foam insulation is composed of cells that aren’t completely closed, making it spongier and less dense than its closed-cell counterpart. While open-cell spray foam does not have as impressive an R-value as closed-cell spray foam insulation, it is still an effective insulation material.

How do R values differ based on closed-cell spray foam insulation and open-cell spray foam insulation?

The cells in open-cell insulation are just that, open. This makes the foam softer and more flexible. Closed-cell is made up of cells that are pressed together, so air and moisture are unable to get in, making the foam more rigid and dense. The closed cells are also filled with exceptional insulating gases which enable even greater levels of thermal resistance. These gases stay trapped in the closed cells over the life of the foam.

What is the R value of 2 inches of spray foam insulation, versus the R value of 4 inches of insulation?

The overall R value of spray foam insulation is based on its thickness, so the R value, for example, of 4 inches of spray foam insulation is going to be twice as high as that of two inches, and so forth.

Spray foam insulation R-value

The R-value of spray foam insulation ranges from 3.5 to 7 per inch thickness. For open-cell spray foam the R-value is approximately 3.5 whereas for closed-cell spray foam it is 6.

Spray foam insulation thickness

The thickness required for spray form insulation when insulating, for eg; an attic, depends on the R-value required for that place. The required spray foam insulation thickness is calculated by dividing the desired R-value with the R-value of the insulation.

Comparing spray foam with other insulation materials

As it has already been established, spray foam is one of a kind in the insulation market. It provides an excellent air seal that retains heat energy within a structure. How well does it perform in competition with other popular insulation materials though? Let us find out.

What is the R-value of 4 inches of spray foam?

Typical installations are limited to a total thickness of 4 inches.” Since Comfort Foam 158 has an R-value of 6.2 per inch, the max- imum thickness of 4 inches yields an R-value of about 24.8.

What is the R-value of 3 spray foam?

Spray polyurethane foam has an average R-value of 6.5 per inch of thickness. If you install 3 inches of spray foam on a roof, it will gain an R-value of approximately 19.5 (6.5 x 3).

What is the R-value of spray foam?

Open-cell spray foam has an R-value of 3.7 per inch, while closed-cell spray foam delivers an R-value of up to 6.5 per inch. To achieve the R-value requirements of commercial buildings, spray foam insulation would be a more efficient and optimal choice compared to fiberglass.

What is the R-value of 1 inch of spray foam?

This microscopic difference between the two products results in a dramatic difference in performance. Closed cell spray foam has an R-value of R-7 per inch. In comparison, open-cell spray foam has an R-value of R-3.8 per inch. In addition, the materials have significantly different densities.

Is 2 inches of spray foam enough?

Generally speaking, we typically recommend 6 to 10 inches of open cell spray foam on a roof deck or ceiling and 3 inches in the walls. Closed cell spray foam should be 4 to 5 inches on the ceiling and 2 to 3 inches on the walls.

How thick is R30 insulation?

8¼” thick, R-30C EcoTouch® Thermal Batt insulation prevents moisture damage and contributes to long roof life by allowing a 1″ (2.54 cm) ventilation air space between the insulation and the roof terrace is provided. Easy Installation R-30C EcoTouch® Thermal Batt Insulation is easy to handle and install.

What is the R-value of STYROFOAM vs fiberglass?

Closed-cell spray foam has an R-value of approximately 6.5 per inch, while open-cell spray foam has an R-value of 3.5 per inch. The R-value of fiberglass is significantly lower at around 2.2 per inch. Additionally, fiberglass insulation loses its R-value over time, while spray foam insulation retains its effectiveness.

Is spray foam better than fiberglass insulation?

Spray foam insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass, making it a better insulator. Another difference between them is that spray foam is waterproof while fiberglass breaks under moisture. However, installing spray foam requires a professional while fiberglass is easy to install yourself.

What is the R-value of 4 inches of spray foam insulation?

Open cell spray foam insulation is R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch. This R value is normal for open cell spray foam. Closed cell spray foam insulation costs R-6 to R-7 per inch.

Does spray foam lose R-value?

In fact, when first installed, the R-value of the closed cell spray foam insulation is approximately 10 at an inch thick. Over time (typically around six months) it drops to 6.5, then stabilizes and maintains its R-value of 6.5, still far higher than any other insulation, for decades at..

Open-cell vs. closed-cell insulation foam: What are the differences?

Spray foam isn’t a one-product kind of material. There are various options for you to choose between. One type has advantages, while the other one has weaknesses and vice versa.

Types of spray foam insulation

Spray foam is a great insulating material that comes in various types. It can be used as a retrofit job, but it’s also great for new construction. When you’re adding additional insulation to that 1950s house, you know it’s a great investment when you choose it.

Low-density

Low density, open-cell insulation foam is the lightest of the 3 types we’ll get into. At 0.5 lbs per square foot, it’s not very heavy. It’s generally something you would put in unvented attics and interior wall cavities.

Medium-density

Medium density, closed-cell insulation foam is 4 times as heavy as low-density is. It weighs 2 lbs per cubic foot. With R-values starting at 5.7 per inch, you’re getting a material that is better suited for more demanding circumstances.

High-density

High-density is a closed-cell foam that’s 6 times as heavy as the low-density material. It weighs a startling 3 lbs per cubic foot, and you get R–values that start at 5.5 per inch.

Cons

Bacterial growth can happen because it’s unable to “breathe” excess moisture. Mold is a definite possibility. It can eat away at wood, leaving structural integrity vulnerable.

Closed-cell spray foam kits

There are various closed-cell spray foam kits out there. If you are determined to do it on your own, you must take the time to familiarize yourself with the trade.

Open Cell Foam Insulation Values – R3 – R4

See more on oneprojectcloser.com

Closed Cell Foam – R6 – R8

Check with A Spray Foam Installer – R Values Vary