Demilec (USA) LLC®, is an industry leading manufacturer of environmentally-friendly spray polyurethane foam insulation and coatings. Using world renowned technology and science, we have created a line of products that help you realize your dreams of an energy-efficient, quiet, and comfortable environment nearly free of dust and allergens. Demilec’s products are all made in the USA and have received numerous awards and certifications for their energy-efficiency as well as for their high renewable and recycled content including the esteemed GREENGUARD® and GREENGUARD® for Children and Schools Certifications. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, insulation contractor or architect, Demilec has services available to help make your choice of insulation simple.
When building a new home, insulation should be a primary consideration. The type and amount of insulation used will determine energy costs for years to come. As many of the leading fiberglass insulation manufacturers are turning to spray applied foam, it is a wise decision to take advantage of these products for superior benefits that will last. Show your customer that you are concerned with their heating and cooling costs as well as comfort and our planet. Give them the option to use spray applied foam for an energy efficient, healthy home.
OPEN CELL VS CLOSED CELL
What is the Difference between Open-cell and Closed-cell Polyurethane Foams? This may be one of the most important pages on the website if your interest is in spray foam insulation. When it comes time to actually put the foam product in your home or commercial building structure, you must identify whether you will use .05 lb./cu. ft., open cell foam, or 2.0 lb./cu. ft. closed cell foam. This makes a big difference in cost, application methods, and performance. With the open-cell vs. closed-cell issue, there are two major factors to understand and consider. The first is the nature of the foam. It is either open-cell foam, where the tiny cells of the foam are not completely closed. They are broken and air fills all of the "open" space inside the material. This makes the foam weaker or softer feeling than closed-cell foam. Closed-cell foam differs in that all of its tiny foam cells are closed and packed together. They are filled with a gas that helps the foam rise and expand and become a greater insulator. These cells can be formulated to obtain many characteristics, the most common being size and density.
Density is measured by weighing one solid cubic foot of foam material. Open cell foams typically weigh in at 0.4 to 0.5 lb./cu. ft. Closed cell foam for insulation applications range in density from 1.7 lb./cu. ft. to 2.0 lb./cu. ft. Roofing applications typically use a 2.8 to 3.0+ lb./cu. ft. to support traffic and loads better. The higher the density the foam, the heavier, or stronger it becomes. Some polyurethane foams are molded into decorative interior molding and painted or stained for a simulated wood effect. These "higher density" foams are typically in the 30 lb./cu. ft. to 40 lb./cu. ft. density range.
The advantages of closed-cell foam compared to open-cell foam include its strength, higher R-value, and its greater resistance to the leakage of air or water vapor. The choice of foam can also be based on the requirements for the other performance or application specific characteristics such as strength, vapor control, available space, etc. Open-cell SPF has an R-value around 3.5 per inch and typically uses water as the blowing agent. Closed-cell SPF has an R-value of around 6.0 per inch (aged R-value) and uses high R-value blowing agents.
Both types of foam are commonly used in most building applications and the choice for which to use can depend on many of the factors discussed above. Some foams are inappropriate in specific applications. For example, you typically would not use open-cell foam below grade or in flotation applications where it could absorb water; this would negate its thermal performance because water is a poor insulator compared to air. Closed-cell foam would be a good choice where small framing sizes need the greatest R-value per inch possible.
There is no better home insulating material that can seal your home from air and moisture intrusion, save on costly utility bills, strengthen your home, and protect your family’s health from dangerous mold, airborne pollutants, and allergens than Spray Foam insulation. Click here for further information: Spray Foam.com
BENEFITS OF SPRAY FOAM INSULATION:
Makes your home more comfortable Saves on energy costs Stops air and moisture infiltration Adds strength to the building structure It is permanent and will not sag Keeps dust and pollen out Reduces capacity requirements, maintenance and wear of HVAC equipment