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Do You Need A Vapor Barrier Over Spray Foam Insulation?

If you’re just looking into spray foam insulation, you most likely have a lot of questions about this unfamiliar material. Today, the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando are here to address a common question that we encounter a lot which has to do with whether or not you need a vapor barrier over spray foam insulation. The answer isn’t so simple, but we’ll give you a full explanation so you can be smart about insulating your property.

What Is A Vapor Barrier?

You already know the basics of spray foam insulation. It’s an expansive material that fills in areas to provide ample insulation. But then, what’s a vapor barrier? The purpose of a vapor barrier is to offer an added layer of coating that gives spray foam extra protection against water and moisture. Now that you have a solid definition, you see that the concept is simple enough. It sounds like it can come in handy, but is it truly needed with spray foam insulation? That’s where things get a tad more complex, but we’re here to help you understand.

Deciding If Your Spray Foam Needs A Vapor Barrier

Air naturally carries water, and so any air that passes through insulation can transfer that moisture to the material that it penetrates. Based on that fact, it’s important to know the difference between closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation so you can determine when you should be using a vapor barrier.

Your Closed-Cell Foam May Not Need It

Closed-cell spray foam is so tightly packed (hence the name) that you don’t need to worry so much about air or water piercing through the surface. So then, it goes without saying that closed-cell spray foam insulation can operate without the need for extra protection from a vapor barrier.

Protection For Open-Cell Foam Is Situational

When it comes to open-cell spray foam, the need for a vapor barrier is situational. This type of spray foam isn’t as dense as its closed-cell counterpart and so it’s more likely that air and moisture will pass through. However, there are some open-cell spray foam products that are able to absorb and dry out moisture before they can cause any damage. Even still, a vapor barrier can help open-cell foam last longer by avoiding that occurrence in the first place. In some areas, vapor barriers are required anyway.

When In Doubt, Ask A Professional!

If you’re still confused about whether or not you need a vapor barrier for your spray foam insulation, you can’t go wrong with personally contacting a professional. Spray foam experts like the ones at Foam Bear Orlando can inspect your property and recommend the best type of spray foam while suggesting a vapor barrier if one is needed. That way, you can leave the guesswork out of it and enjoy an optimal living environment!

Call Foam Bear Orlando For Spray Foam Experts Near You

Contact the professionals at Foam Bear Orlando today at (727) 580-1090 for a free quote on our products and services! We know how to equip your property with the best spray foam insulation for you to bring you the best results.

Is Spray Foam The Best Insulation For The Exterior Walls Of My House?

When most people think about insulating their homes, they mainly think about their indoor insulation like in attics or crawl spaces. However, paying mind to your exterior walls can also help improve your quality of living at home. But what is the best insulation for the exterior walls of your house? Foam Bear Tampa is here to explain why you should go with spray foam insulation.

Why You Should Insulate Your Exterior Walls

Indoor insulation already does a great job of helping you maintain ideal temperatures within the home, so it can be difficult to see the need for exterior wall insulation. Despite that, homeowners who have taken the extra measure typically notice a significant difference because having the added protection helps block out high winds and rain. Intense winds can easily wear down a property, and any moisture that gets inside can lead to mold growth. Spray foam can easily combat these occurrences when installed correctly on your exterior walls.

Learn more > What Parts Of A Home Can You Insulate With Spray Foam?

Spray Foam: The Best Insulation For Exterior Walls

What qualities do you need for exterior wall insulation? As mentioned earlier, your insulation should be able to defend against high winds and moisture. Another benefit to good exterior insulation is adding soundproofing to your property which comes in handy in noisy neighborhoods. Spray foam effortlessly addresses all of these concerns which is why we will always recommend it as the best choice for exterior wall insulation.

Closed-Cell vs. Open-Cell For Exterior Wall Insulation

Now that you know spray foam is better for your exterior walls, the next choice you need to make is whether to go with closed-cell or open-cell spray foam. Yes, there is a huge difference between the two. But the good news is that either one can give you desirable benefits.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam For Exterior Insulation

Between the two, closed-cell spray foam is more dense since it’s composed of cells that are more packed together. This is usually the most recommended choice if the goal is to shield your home against wind. The thick compound is also capable of repelling water and keeping it from entering the home.

Open-Cell Spray Foam For Exterior Insulation

If you’d rather go with open-cell spray foam, you will still receive the benefit of having a mold-free home because it’s able to absorb and trap moisture to dry it out before it can evolve into a hazardous problem. Open-cell foam is also a cost-effective way to equip your home with an effective sound barrier.

Does Open-Cell Spray Foam Need A Vapor Barrier? Although open-cell spray foam is capable of absorbing moisture, it’s a common concern as to whether or not frequent exposure will cause it to deteriorate over time. For added protection and to help ensure the lifespan of your open-cell spray foam insulation, vapor barriers may be used to protect your insulation so it can continue to work at full capacity for a longer duration. Learn more about other ways to cover your spray foam.

Find Spray Foam Experts Near You!

If you’re looking to insulate your exterior walls in Tampa, Florida, call Foam Bear Tampa today at (727) 580-1090 for a free quote on expert spray foam installation! We carry top brands in both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam to protect your home against the elements. Ask us about the quality of our products and the services we provide!