Senior editor martin holladay replies.
Closed cell or open cell attic.
The cells are pressed together so air and mositure are unable to get inside the foam.
Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0 4 to 0 5 lb cu.
In other words the cells are deliberatly left open.
The higher the density the foam the heavier or stronger it becomes.
Closed cell is denser better insulating.
Id go with closed cell.
To support traffic and loads better.
Open cell foam is full of cells that aren t completely encapsulated.
On may 26 2018.
Closed cell foam can also increase the racking strength of attic walls which.
A spray insulation is referred to open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles cells that make up the foam.
Open cell foam has an r value of about 3 5 to 3 7 per inch while closed cell foam has an r value of about 6 per inch.
Open cell is more susceptible to mold and mildew but its expanding so it can hermetically seal an area.
Seems like you wouldnt want to seal something susceptible to mold growth but maybe thats just me.
Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1 7 lb cu.
This makes the foam a softer more flexable material.
Most insulation contractors are recommending open because it s cheaper and also because if i go with closed cell and the roof leaks it will not penetrate the insulation and could remain stuck between the sheathing and the insulation and could rot the wood and or travel to a more hidden spot of the roof or attic causing worse problems that are harder to notice than if the roof leaked and water penetrated through the open cell which i would be able to see and fix if necessary.
It also will perform better below or above grade.
Closed cell foam has a higher r value per inch and is vapor impermeable.