Open Cell Spray Foam

New Age Insulation with a Cost Savings Advantage

Open cell spray foam, which is often referred to as “low density” or “.5 lb foam” is a spray applied insulation that expands about 100x its liquid state when installed. With an aged thermal resistance rating of around R-3.7 per inch open cell foam is generally used in assemblies that are not space restricted but still benefit from the air sealing nature of a foamed-in-place insulation. Open cell foam is semi-rigid once cured and is generally installed to fill the entire wall cavity and shaved down after installation.

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Open Cell Spray Foam

CSI Codes

072119 - Foamed-In-Place Insulation
072119 - Open Cell Spray Foam

Render of open cell spray foam insulation applied on wall

01

Lower Upfront Cost

High Expansion Factor Saves on Material Cost
02

High Expansion for Void Fill

Fills every crack and void in wall providing complete seal
03

Air Barrier (when applied greater than 3.5")

Provides air sealing when applied at the proper thickness
04

Noise Reduction

Provides through wall sound reduction for noisy environments

United Spray in Action

Open cell spray foam is generally chosen for its air sealing nature and cost effectiveness. This product is more commonly found in residential construction due to its up-front cost savings versus closed cell, however it can be useful in the right commercial application as well. Open cell is always installed on the interior, conditioned side of a space as it does not repel water, it must be protected from the elements by a vapor barrier.

Open cell spray foam applied on external wall

Types of projects

Open Cell Spray Foam is very quickly becoming one of the most used types of insulation in the residential construction market. Spray foam creates a much more complete seal than traditional insulation like fiberglass and Cellulose and will not degrade over time.

Residential
Exterior Walls
Rim Joists

Attics
Apartment Buildings
Roof Decks

Open Cell Spray Foam Performance Overview

Thermal Performance

Open Cell Foam is much softer and more flexible than its closed cell counterpart due to its lower density. Although the density of Open Cell is only 1/4 that of closed cell the reduction in R-value is less than half which leads to overall cost savings. Open Cell generally provides R-3.7/inch to any assembly it is installed in.

Air Control

Open Cell Foam provides air sealing and can be used as an air barrier when installed at the proper thickness. During installation the material expands up to 100x its liquid volume and fills cracks and seams that would be difficult to access and seal with other products.

Technical Data

ASTM Standards

ASTM D 1662 Core Density
ASTM C 518 Thermal Conductivity
ASTM E 283 Air Leakage
ASTM E 84 Surface Burning Characteristics
ASTM E 96 Water Vapor Permeance
ASTM C 423 Noise Reduction
ASTM D 1621 Compressive Strength

2009 IBC Section 2603.4 Thermal Barrier

Due to its combustible nature, it is required that all Open Cell Polyurethane Foams be separated from the interior of a building by a thermal barrier.

Drywall generally functions as this barrier however in cases when foam remains exposed an Intumescent Coating must be installed