Open Cell Foam Insulation Vs Cellulose

Cellulose has the ability to absorb moisture and although it can dry out it still leaves possibility for mold formation.

Open cell foam insulation vs cellulose.

While the attic floor is a prime destination for fiberglass batts the inside of existing walls is not. 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. It reduces vibrations within a wall or ceiling to absorb sound and reduce echo feedback.

The r value for closed cell spray foam insulation is significantly higher. It has a smaller more compact cell structure. It s also not a good idea to try to install it yourself. Spray foam has an stc of 39 for open cell and 37 for closed cell.

R value is a indicator of an insulation product s ability to block heat energy transfer. It is a very good air barrier as well as a water vapor barrier. 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. Another product that gibson eschews is spray foam insulation.

Actually foam insulation doesn t have an appreciable higher r value than cellulose insulation. Department of energy recommends hiring a professional installer. Close cell polyurethane foam r 6 5 inch will provide up to r 52 does not allow moisture to flow potential moisture issues expensive. Closed cell vs cellulose in cape style home attic trying to maximze the comfort in my cape stlye.

Sound insulation open cell spray foam offers great sound insulation between walls. Walls would need to be opened up completely to install batts. 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 s not only a petroleum based product he explains but it also requires the use of blowing agents.

It is often used in roofing projects or other outdoor applications but can be used anywhere in the home. Cellulose insulation is composed of 75 85 recycled paper fiber with the remainder being made up of fire retardant matter. We should note that spray foam is typically more expensive but also more effective than cellulose. 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. As compared to spray foam insulation cellulose is cheaper and hence more economical for use in homes.