Spray Wall Foam

Building Form

Frequently Asked Questions About Sprayed Polyurethane Wall Foam Insulation

There are common questions that are frequently brought up when the subject of the sprayed polyurethane wall foam insulation is discussed. Below are listed some of these questions and the facts about spray wall foam.

Open Cell Wall

Q: Is there more than one type of wall foam insulation?

A: Yes! There are two main types of sprayed polyurethane wall foam insulation. Closed cell wall foam, which has a density of approximately 2.0 lbs./cf., has a closed cell content of approximately 90% and a thermal R-Value of 6.7 per inch. At an application thickness of 1 1/2", closed cell wall foam is certified to be an air barrier. Open cell wall foam has a density of approximately 0.5 lbs./cf. and an open cell content of approximately 60%. The thermal R-Value of open cell foam is 3.6 per inch.

Q: Which foam is better for my home, closed cell or open cell?

A: Both open cell and closed cell wall foams are ideal for installation in most homes. Closed cell wall foam provides superior insulation value over open cell wall foam, and can also be utilized as an air barrier. Open cell wall foam provides approximately half of the insulation value of closed cell, but can also provide some sound attenuation in the home, which closed cell wall foam, will not. Open cell wall foam generally is not recommended for use in high humidity climate areas and applications.

Q: What about mold and mildew in walls with spray wall foam?

A: Both open and closed cell wall foams are highly resistant to mold growth in walls due to the reduction in air movement within the wall. Additionally neither open or closed cell wall foams provide any nutritional value and are not considered as a food source for mold.

Q: Are there any issues with wall foam and building codes and fire ratings?

A: Most open and closed cell wall foams meet local building code and fire rating requirements. In most cases spray wall foam insulation must be covered with a 15minute thermal barrier, which can be achieved with either drywall or specialty ignition or thermal barrier coatings.

Q: Can I install spray wall foam myself?

A: The equipment required for mixing and applying two component spray wall foam is expensive and highly technical. Although some manufacturers promote "pre-packaged" foam systems for use by homeowners, the installation of spray wall foam should be done by a licensed, certified professional.

Q: Is spray wall foam more expensive than fiberglass insulation?

A: The initial cost of installing spray wall foam insulation is greater than that of installing fiberglass insulation. However, due to the higher insulating values of spray wall foam, your overall return on your insulation installation investment will be much higher based on your energy savings.

Q: How can I find a local contractor for my wall foam project?

A: If you are ready to take the next step and have spray polyurethane wall foam installed in your home or if you would like the name of a local contractor, click on the link below and submit the details of your project.

Homeowner Form