Does spray foam absorb water
In addition, because spray foam is not a “food” for mold, there is little danger of mold becoming a problem even if it gets wet. Open cell spray foam insulation will still dry completely after getting wet. When exposded to water, this roofing material remains dry because its foam cells are closed and impenetrable by water. SPF is a waterproof material that also has a high insulation value of R 6.25 per inch. In this regard, what type of foam is waterproof?Ĭlosed cell Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) lies at the heart of the Dura- Foam roof system. Examples include sealing around external piping and faucets, basement areas, and electrical and cable lines.īeside above, is window spray foam waterproof? For windows, doors and skylights, this minimal- expanding foam with a low pressure build forms a durable, airtight and water-resistant seal. It is not meant to be in constant direct contact with water but is suitable for outside locations where exposure to water is likely. This version of Great Stuff expanding foam also offers water resistance. However, only high-density closed cell foams are waterproof.įurthermore, is expanding foam waterproof? In contrast, closed cell foam is water-resistant. It is considered air impermeable at about 1.5” thick.Open cell foam is not waterproof or water-resistant.
#Does spray foam absorb water crack
Because open cell foam expands at about 100x its liquid state, every crack and crevice is filled creating a very airtight environment, and that’s really what you’re after in applying spray foam.Ĭlosed cell foam acts in a similar way, expanding roughly 40x its liquid state. It’s not all about R-value!Īt a minimum of 3.5”, most open cell foams are considered air impermeable. It’s important to keep in mind that the main benefit of all spray foam insulations is their air sealing property. We recommend a minimum of 2″ sprayed to crawl space foundation and basement walls for an R-value of 14. As mentioned earlier, closed cell is commonly used in basements and crawl spaces.
Fiberglass and open cell foam, on the other hand, will let that vapor pass. In closed cell applications, we’ll be spraying Icynene ProSeal with an R-value of 7.0 per inch. Closed cell foam does not absorb moisture, it will act as its own vapor barrier. If it’s framed on 2’圆’ studs you’ll have an R-20 in your walls. So, if your home or building is framed on 2’x4’ studs you’ll have an R-13 in your walls. Classic Max has an R-value of 3.7 per inch, and that’s pretty standard in the world of open cell products. R-ValueĪt Mullins Company, our open cell spray polyurethane foam of choice is Icynene Classic Max. It will completely lock out the damp, musty, humid smells most basements have to fight. If there’s a roof leak, water will pass through the foam, and you will quickly be able to find your problem.Īt a thickness of 1.5”, many closed cell products can provide a moisture barrier to reject bulk water, and its these vapor permeability characteristics that make closed cell products perfect for insulating basement and crawl space walls. So, if you’re considering spraying foam to the roof deck of your new or existing home, you want open cell. Open cell spray foam is not a moisture vapor barrier, and will allow moisture to pass. You’ll also see closed cell used in commercial and industrial projects, pole barns, metal buildings, and exterior applications. Generally speaking, open cell foam is better suited for residential applications- specifically above grade in exterior walls, roof lines, attic floors, and areas that need soundproofing.Ĭlosed cell spray foam is an incredible product below grade in your basement or crawl space because of its ability to block moisture (see below). After it has cured, closed cell foam is essentially a very hard plastic. foam are closed, and the texture is very firm and rigid. Can you guess how much one cubic foot of closed cell foam weighs? The tiny cells of medium density, 2 lb. We often compare the texture of open cell foam to a sponge or even angel food cake.Ĭlosed cell spray foam, on the other hand, is also called “medium density” or “2.0 lb.” foam. The microscopic cells within open cell foam are just that-open- which give it a soft, fluffy feeling. Open cell spray foam is also described as a “low density” or “0.5 lb.” foam, meaning if you cut a piece of open cell foam into one cubic foot (12”x12”x12”), that piece of foam would weigh approximately half of one pound. Spray foam insulation typically falls in one of two categories, “open cell” or “closed cell,” and each type is different in structure, where it should be applied, and performance. After recognizing a need for spray polyurethane foam insulation (SPF), one of the first questions prospective customers try to tackle is “what is the difference between open cell and closed cell foam insulation?”