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How Do I Know If Open-Cell Or Closed-Cell Spray Foam Is Best For My Attic?

You already know that spray foam is the way to go for attic insulation. Now, your next big decision will be choosing between open-cell and closed-cell varieties for the best results. Don’t make your pick without having all of the details! Foam Bear Tampa is here to help you decide whether open-cell or closed-cell spray foam is best for your attic. When you’re ready to get started, ask us for a free quote on your next installation!

Is There a Clear Difference Between Open-Cell and Closed-Cell Foam?

Many people believe that spray foam is spray foam, and the type you get makes little difference. However, there’s a reason why this amazing compound is classified into open-cell and closed-cell categories:

  • Open-cell spray foam has a greater expansion rate at the cost of its density. It’s more porous, but this consistency also has its advantages like noise and moisture absorption.
  • Closed-cell spray foam doesn’t expand as much but offers a higher density which is useful for repelling water. This type of insulation also has a higher R-value.

Both types of spray foam have the potential to offer effective attic insulation for Florida homes, especially during the height of summer. Because of this, recommendations are typically made based on personal preferences which we’ll go over next.

Choosing the Right Spray Foam For Your Attic

There are plenty of similarities between open-cell and closed-cell foam, but they also each have their pros and cons. The easiest way to tell which type of insulation is best for your attic is to ask yourself what you’re wanting to prioritize and use that as your baseline. Take a look at these examples:

Consider the Lifespan of Each

Although closed-cell foam technically lasts longer than open-cell foam because of its density, spray foam in general tends to outlive most traditional materials like fiberglass and cellulose. So as far as life expectancy goes, you most likely won’t have an issue with either choice especially when you take measures to ensure that your spray foam lasts longer.

Closed-Cell Foam Offers Durability and Security

If the goal is to strengthen your home’s structure with reinforcement from your insulation, then the density of closed-cell foam is what you’re after. This method is a surefire way to add thickness to your attic ceiling and roofing for added security.

Open-Cell Foam Has Greater Reach

For attic spaces that suffer from drafts and exposed openings that are difficult to close up because they’re in hard-to-reach crevices, your best chance of sealing them up for good is by going with open-cell foam that can expand up to 3 inches.

Closed-Cell Foam Has a Higher R-Value

Is your attic transferring heat into your home? It may need insulation with a higher R-value. Between the two, closed-cell spray foam has a higher rating of R7 which easily surpasses all traditional insulation materials.

Read more > Here’s 4 Ways How Spray Foam Insulation Preserves R-Value

Pro Tip: Get An Expert’s Recommendation

While you have the final say in which type of spray foam you use for your attic, you will get the best experience by leaving the choice to a professional. When you hire a spray foam expert like the ones at Foam Bear, they will fully inspect your home to see what will best benefit your attic space.

Call Foam Bear Tampa For Premium Attic Insulation Near You

Does your attic need an insulation upgrade? Just leave it to Foam Bear Tampa! Give us a call today at (727) 580-1090 to ask for a free quote and to get started on your spray foam installation! We offer premium-grade spray foam products including both open-cell and closed-cell varieties to best suit your needs.