About this Video

• Video Title: Let's Learn Spray Foam Insulation Part 2 | Which product is right for you?
• Channel: Spray Jones
• Speakers: Mike
• Duration: 00:33:27

Introduction

This video, the second in a five-part series, focuses on choosing the right spray foam insulation product for specific applications. It primarily discusses closed-cell foam due to its versatility, then touches upon open-cell foam.

Key Takeaways

• Closed-cell foam: Most versatile, used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Density (2, 3, or 4 pounds per cubic foot) is determined by the manufacturer, not the installer. Common residential applications use 2-pound foam; roofing uses 3-pound; and structural applications use 4-pound or higher. Optimal application thickness is typically 2-3 inches for most situations.

• Open-cell foam: Best suited for applications where a vapor barrier isn't required (certain climates). Advantages include speed of application, ease of filling irregular cavities, and excellent sound attenuation. It's a less expensive option than closed-cell foam.

• Applications of closed-cell foam: Metal buildings, post-frame structures, traditional framing (new construction and retrofits), under slab insulation, basements, exterior walls, low-slope/vaulted roofs, bonus rooms over garages, backs of stairs.

• Applications of open-cell foam: New construction in climates without vapor barrier requirements, floor systems with obstructions, sound insulation in multi-family dwellings, deep cavities, and obstructed areas where closed-cell application is difficult.

• Choosing between closed-cell and open-cell: Closed-cell is preferred in cold or humid climates, for applications requiring a vapor barrier, and for structural support. Open-cell is a good choice where speed and filling irregular spaces are priorities and a vapor barrier isn't needed.

The video details numerous applications for both closed-cell and open-cell spray foam insulation, emphasizing that the best choice depends heavily on the specific project and climate.

Closed-Cell Foam: This is presented as the more versatile and often preferred option, especially in colder or more humid climates. Its uses include:

• Metal Buildings & Post-Frame Structures: Closed-cell's structural integrity makes it ideal for these applications, preventing compression issues common with other insulation types.
• Traditional Framing (New & Retrofits): It provides air and vapor sealing, plus added structural support in homes and small commercial buildings.
• Under Slab Insulation: Creates a seamless, moisture-resistant layer over the ground, preventing frost heave and air leakage.
• Basements (Cinder Block, Brick, Stone): Effectively seals and insulates, preventing moisture problems and improving warmth.
• Exterior Walls: Can be applied to the exterior of existing walls during retrofits or new construction.
• Low-Slope/Vaulted Roofs: A game-changer for these roof types, eliminating the need for ventilation gaps.
• Bonus Rooms Over Garages: Creates a superior thermal barrier in these often-challenging spaces.
• Backs of Stairs: Adds structural strength and reduces squeaking.
• Cold Climates: Its superior R-value and moisture resistance make it ideal for extremely cold regions.
• High-Humidity Climates: Its water-resistant properties protect against moisture damage in humid areas.

Open-Cell Foam: This is presented as a more economical option, best suited for certain conditions:

• Climates Without Vapor Barriers: In regions with less extreme temperature swings and humidity, where a vapor barrier isn't code-required, open-cell foam is a cost-effective alternative.
• Floor Systems with Obstructions: Its ability to expand and fill irregular spaces makes it ideal for areas with pipes, ducts, or other obstacles.
• Sound Attenuation: Open-cell foam is highlighted as being exceptionally effective in reducing sound transmission between floors and walls.
• Deep Cavities and Obstructed Areas: Where closed-cell application might be difficult or impractical, open-cell's ability to fill deep and irregular spaces makes it a better option.

The speaker stresses that choosing between closed-cell and open-cell is a matter of balancing cost, climate conditions, and specific application requirements. He frequently emphasizes that closed-cell is often the more robust and versatile solution, particularly in challenging or demanding situations.

The video strongly advocates for closed-cell spray foam insulation in numerous applications, emphasizing its versatility and superior performance in various situations. Here's a breakdown based on the transcript:

Superior Performance Characteristics:

• High R-Value/Insulation: Closed-cell foam provides excellent thermal resistance, leading to significant energy savings. The video implies a higher R-value per inch compared to open-cell.
• Air & Vapor Barrier: It acts as a complete air and moisture barrier, preventing drafts, condensation, and moisture intrusion. This is repeatedly emphasized as a crucial benefit.
• Structural Strength: The video highlights its ability to add structural support to walls and other building components. This is particularly beneficial in metal buildings and post-frame structures.
• Moisture Resistance: Its dense structure is impervious to water, making it ideal for damp or humid environments and applications like under-slab insulation. This characteristic is repeatedly contrasted with open-cell foam's higher permeability.
• Pest Control: Its airtight nature effectively prevents pests from entering the building envelope.

Specific Applications:

• Metal Buildings: The speaker strongly recommends closed-cell foam for pre-engineered metal buildings, citing its resistance to compression and the prevention of insulation damage.
• Post-Frame Structures: Ideal for converting these structures into insulated, heated spaces while enhancing their structural integrity.
• Traditional Framing (New Construction & Retrofits): Used extensively in both new builds and renovations of houses and small commercial spaces. The all-in-one air and vapor barrier feature is a key selling point.
• Under-Slab Insulation: A significant portion of the video is dedicated to this application, showcasing closed-cell foam's ability to create a uniform, moisture-resistant layer beneath concrete slabs. The benefits include reduced frost heave and improved energy efficiency.
• Basements: Ideal for insulating cinder block, brick, and stone basements, addressing moisture and thermal bridging issues that can lead to mold and condensation.
• Exterior Walls (Retrofits & New Construction): A suitable choice for both new construction and the retrofitting of existing exterior walls, often involving removing existing siding or brick to apply the foam.
• Low-Slope & Vaulted Roofs: A major focus, the speaker discusses using closed-cell foam in non-vented roofing systems, creating an airtight and insulated roof assembly.
• Bonus Rooms Over Garages: Recommended for creating comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces above garages.
• Backs of Stairs: While a smaller application, the added structural reinforcement and sound dampening are highlighted as key advantages.
• Cold & Humid Climates: The speaker explicitly advocates for closed-cell foam in extremely cold or humid areas due to its superior moisture resistance and thermal performance.

Considerations:

• Cost: The higher cost of closed-cell foam compared to open-cell is acknowledged.
• Application Complexity: While highly effective, achieving optimal results with closed-cell foam requires proper application techniques and may be more challenging in complex or constrained spaces.

In summary, the video presents closed-cell spray foam as a premium insulation solution for a wide range of applications, emphasizing its high performance in thermal efficiency, air sealing, moisture resistance, and structural support, even if it comes at a higher cost.