Spray Foam Insulation: Features & Benefits Comparison
The information below was developed to aid specifiers in choosing spray-applied polyurethane foam systems. The information provided herein, based on current customs and practices of the trade, is offered in good faith and believed to be accurate, but is made WITHOUT WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO FITNESS, MERCHANTABILITY, OR ANY OTHER MATTER. LAPOLLA INDUSTRIES, INC., DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING OUT OF ITS USE. Lapolla and/or a qualified contractor should be consulted for specific information. Nominal values which may be provided herein are believed to be representative, but are not to be used as specifications nor assumed to be identical to finished products.
Spray Polyurethane Foam
FEATURES | BENEFITS |
---|---|
Spray Applied | • Seals cracks and crevices • Insulates hard to reach areas • Quick and easy installation by a Qualified Applicator • Self-adhered seamless layer of insulation • Conforms to any architectural design |
Minimizes Air Infiltration/ Exfiltration | • Keeps conditioned air where it should be – inside the building • Helps eliminate drafts and provides for comfortable interiors |
Excellent Adhesion | • Adheres to most building materials • No fasteners required |
Lightweight | • A high degree of strength-to-weight ratio • Adds little weight to ceiling or roof areas |
Safe | • Meets Class 1 building requirements • No off-gassing after fully cured |
Open-Cell Foam
FEATURES | BENEFITS |
---|---|
High Insulation Value | • Performs in hot as well as cold temperatures |
Rigid | • Will not settle or shrink |
Moisture Resistant | • Helps protect against mold and mildew |
Closed-Cell Foam
FEATURES | BENEFITS |
---|---|
High Insulation Value | • High R-Value allows more insulation in less space (2” x 4”s instead of 2” x 6”s) – cost savings in stud size reduction • Performs in hot as well as cold temperatures |
Rigid | • Will not settle or shrink • Adds structural strength |
Moisture Resistant | • Inhibits moisture driven elements due to its closed-cell structure • Helps protect against mold and mildew |
2000-4G Closed-Cell Foam
FEATURES | BENEFITS |
---|---|
Low GWP | • Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1 • Equal to CO2 |
Low ODP | • Ozone Depletion Potential of ZERO |
Improved Performance Characteristics | • Better R-Value of up to 10% • Improved Yield |
Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Insulation Comparison
Properties1 | FL-400 Open-Cell SPF | FL-500 Open-Cell SPF | FL-2000 Closed-Cell SPF | FL-2000-4G Closed-Cell SPF |
---|---|---|---|---|
Density (ASTM D-1622) | 0.4 pcf | 0.4 - 0.6 pcf | 1.8 - 2.2 pcf | 1.8 - 2.2 pcf |
Blowing Agent | Water/CO2 only | Water/CO2 only | Water/CO2 and 245fa | Water/CO2 and Solstice |
Aged R-Value (ASTM C-518) | 3.5/inch | 3.7/inch | 6.3/inch | 6.8/inch |
Open Cells (ASTM D-2856) | > 96% | > 94% | - | - |
Closed Cells (ASTM D-6226) | - | - | > 90% | > 90% |
Compressive Strength\ (ASTM D-1621) | ≥ 5 lb/in² | ≥ 5 lb/in² | 20 lb/in² Structural² | 20 lb/in² Structural² |
Air Permeance² (ASTM E-2178, E-283) | < 0.02 L/s-m² ✔ Air Barrier at 3½” Thickness | < 0.02 L/s-m² ✔ Air Barrier at 3½” Thickness | < 0.2 L/s-m² ✔ Air Barrier at 2” Thickness | < 0.2 L/s-m² ✔ Air Barrier at 1” Thickness |
Surface Burn Characteristic³ (ASTM E-84) | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 1 |
Water Vapor Permeance² (ASTM E-96) | 32 perms at 1 inch | 22 perms at 1 inch | < 1 perm at 1.5 inches ✔ Vapor Retarder | < 1 perm at 1.5 inches ✔ Vapor Retarder |
Water Absorption (ASTM D-2841) | No Direct Water Contact Allowed | No Direct Water Contact Allowed | < 2% ✔ Resistant to Flood Damage4 | < 2.36% ✔ Resistant to Flood Damage4 |
2As designated by the International Code Council in Acceptance Criteria AC377
3Flammability ratings do not represent actual performance in a fire situation. Class 2 is required in most residential applications. Class 1 is required in commercial buildings and some residential applications.
4Classified as “Acceptable Flood Resistant Material” by FEMA, Tech Bulletin 29-3. Fiberglass batt and blanket insulation are classified “Unacceptable”.
Spray Foam Vs. Fiberglass Vs. Cellulose
SPRAY FOAM INSULATION | FIBERGLASS INSULATION | CELLULOSE INSULATION | |
---|---|---|---|
HOW IT WORKS | Spray polyurethane foam acts as a barrier between the home and outside, creating a seal that can conform to any architectural design. | Traps air inside tiny glass fibers that contain small bubbles of air, which slows the transfer of heat. | Made of shredded newspaper and a fire retardant chemical (borate), the paper is broken down into cellular fibers. |
DOES IT SEAL AIR INSIDE YOUR HOME? | Yes | No | No |
INSTALLATION METHOD | Sprayed by a certified spray foam applicator, spray foam can adapt to any structural design. | Folded, wrapped and cut to place in walls. Slanted and/or high ceilings and outlets can lengthen installation time. | Cellulose insulation is blown into walls. The material requires small amounts of water and glue to keep it in place. |
R-VALUE | 6-6.6 per inch | 2.2 per inch; loses up to R-Value 50% if it becomes damp | 3.5-3.8 per inch |
PERFORMANCE IN COLD/HOT | Excellent thermal properties and a sealant for your home that keeps warm and conditioned air in your home year round. | Doesn’t hold in heat well. Loses 40% of insulating capacity when outside temperatures are below 20° F. | Doesn’t stop air leakage by sealing. Weather will cause wind and air pressure to enter through the small holes in the insulation. |
ENERGY EFFICIENCY | Most efficient. | Less efficient. | Less efficient for your keeping your home insulated, even though it’s made from recycled newspaper. |
HEALTH HAZARDS | Polyurethane spray foam insulation consists of diisocyanate, which isn’t scientifically detectable after 1 hour of when the foam ins applied. Installing spray foam requires a professional certification and proper equipment to install it. | Fiberglass can be installed by anyone. Due to its long process for insulating around electrical outlets and windows, often insulation isn’t completed properly. Leaky ducts can pull loose fiberglass insulation and spread its particles throughout your home. Its small particles can be inhaled and cause serious respiratory conditions. The resin that bonds fiberglass can also emit small amounts of toxic fumes. | Not sealing your home means dirt and moisture can cause mold, mildew and bacteria to grow. Blown cellulose insulation is prone to create dust that is then blown through cracks in the walls and creates a health hazard. |