Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one, choosing the right insulation is crucial for maintaining comfort, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. Spray foam insulation is one of the most high-performing types of insulation available on the market today. Because it can both insulate and air seal your home, it offers many benefits, including:
- High R-Value & Energy Savings
- Long-Lasting Protection
- Promotes Healthy Indoor Air
When it comes to spray foam insulation, however, there are two options to choose from: open cell vs closed cell, and each one has advantages and disadvantages. At ARC Insulation, we install both throughout Chicagoland homes and our team of experts can help you determine whether open cell or closed cell spray foam insulation is the best choice for your home’s specific needs as a part of our comprehensive insulation services.
Open Cell vs Closed Cell Insulation
Spray foam is made up of bubbles, known as cells, that are created when polyurethane and isocyanate are mixed. These cells are what make the insulation resistant to heat and airflow when spray foam expands and hardens.
Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Open cell is the more cost-effective choice for spray foam, with partially enclosed cells that have space in between them. This gives it a high expansion rate and a final product that is more soft and malleable. Because of this, open cell spray foam insulation is a good option for:
- Areas that need soundproofing
- Hard to reach areas
- Interior walls
Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed cell spray foam contains tightly packed, fully enclosed cells that give it a dense and rigid structure. This makes it an effective insulation that can improve your home’s structure and create an air, vapor, and radiant barrier. This is why closed cell spray foam is a good choice for:
- Attics & roof decks
- Basements & crawl spaces
- Exterior walls
- Area that need proper moisture or vapor barriers
Should You DIY Spray Foam Insulation?
Installing spray foam insulation can be tricky without experience and mistakes are often costly to fix. Poorly installed spray foam also won’t reach its full performance potential and can even cause permanent damage to your home—including off-gassing.
The team at ARC Insulation provides Chicagoland homeowners with reliable and professional spray foam insulation installation. Our technicians regularly undergo training to provide the top-quality work we’ve built a reputation for.
ARC Insulation: Your Chicagoland Spray Foam Experts
We start every insulation job with an in-home assessment so our experienced technicians can get to know your home and your insulation goals. From there, we’ll make a personalized recommendation that will solve your comfort issues and lower your utility bills at the source. We’ve been in business for over 31 years and take a building science, whole-home approach to every job to ensure the best results.
Get a free spray foam insulation quote today. Call 815-293-1250 or contact us online for more information.
