Open Cell Foam Insulation And Moisture

Open cell spray foam will not wick water or contribute to capillary action.

Open cell foam insulation and moisture.

Both open and closed cell foam are efficient thermal insulators. Open cell s vapor permeability enhances an assembly s ability to dry out via diffusion should it become wet. In other words some water vapor can move through the foam under the right conditions. It s just a pathway.

Open cell foam is described as being somewhat moisture permeable. For example open cell foam might not perform optimally for thermal applications in moist or humid environments. It is important to be aware of the difference between open cell vs closed celled spray foam insulation cost uk. If the amount of water is extensive the shape may be affected but it will still dry completely and then any shape imperfections can be filled in easily.

Closed cell foam for heat insulation. Open cell spray foam insulation will still dry completely after getting wet. By contrast closed cell foam is said to be moisture impermeable or waterproof. It has a relatively high vapor permeance 3 perms at a thickness of 6 allowing water vapor to migrate to the roof decking at night and back into the attic air in the daytime.

Moisture from indoors can diffuse through the foam and find the cold roof sheathing where it accumulates and eventually rots the roof. Find out why icynene is the preferred choice of architects builders and homeowners. Moisture management with open cell spray foam insulation. Open cell spray foam insulation doesn t store the moisture.

Open cell foam is better in some situations than closed cell foam and vice versa. Importance of knowing the difference between open cell vs closed cell spray foam insulation. A wet sponge will not retain or deflect heat effectively as water is a poor insulator in comparison to air. The closed cell also acts as a vapor barrier so water and moisture will be less likely to get inside the home and the foam itself is unharmed by water damage.

Now lets get to it. Open cell spray foam insulation is risky in all climate zones we already know open cell spray foam is risky in cold climates. Open cell spray foam may absorb moisture if subjected to hydrostatic pressure but will allow moisture to drain through. Depending on the application and environmental factors however one type of foam might perform better than the other especially if the environment is moist.

Both papers basically came to the same conclusion. Icynene open cell and closed cell spray foam insulates and air seals in one step.