Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation | HomePro | Dr. Energy Saver by Frontier

Judy and Layne Gebers, owners of Frontier Basement Systems and Dr. Energy Saver by Frontier, both based out of Clarksville, TN, have been helping homeowners in Central Tennessee and Southwestern Kentucky fix wet and flooded basements; decaying, moldy crawl spaces; and structural foundation damage since 2002 -- and recently expanded to include energy conservation with the new Dr. Energy Saver division, to provide comprehensive home energy evaluations and several energy-saving services, including home insulation.

Judy and Layne have over 35 years of combined experience in the home building and remodeling industry, and are now using that knowledge to help answer homeowner's questions with this new HomePro Q&A video series.

In this video, Layne Gebers explain the differences between closed cell and open cell foam insulation, and what the best applications are for each type.

Open and closed cell spray foam both use two-part polyurethane foam that's machine-mixed on the jobsite during the application process. Closed cell is a 2 lb per cubic feet dense insulation material that is really hard to the touch once it is applied, building a hard shell around the insulated surface. Open cell foam is a ½ lb per cubic feet, light weight material that remains very spongy after application.

Both spray foam materials do an excellent job of expanding and getting into places where it would be really difficult to reach with other types of insulation.

Closed cell foam has a higher R-Value per inch than open cell, which means you can use a thinner layer of insulation to obtain great results. Closed cell also does a much better job of air sealing gaps and holes, offering moisture protection as well, and often acting as a vapor barrier.

According to Layne, open cell spray foam insulation is a great choice for new construction. For an existing home, especially in applications such as an attic or crawl space, closed cell spray foam insulation is the best choice.

To learn more about home insulation and other ways to save energy and have a more comfortable home, visit Dr. Energy Saver by Frontier's website or call to schedule a comprehensive home energy evaluation!