Insight from Custom Home Builders in Texas: Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam

March 30, 2023

Did you know that approximately 90% of homes in the United States are under-insulated? This was discovered during a 2016 study by the Boston University School of Public Health. In Texas, specifically, it is common for homes to be poorly insulated, especially those built before the 1980s. It may even be the case that your home falls under that statistic of being under-insulated. If you are unsure about the current state of your insulation, consult with a licensed contractor or local building authority.

The minimum insulation your home must have depends on the state and local building codes. Various factors go into these codes, including building type and climate zone. When you decide to team up with a custom home builder in Texas, they will be highly knowledgeable about insulation requirements. Keep reading to discover the differences between two particular types of insulation—open cell and closed cell foam.

What is Open Cell Foam?

Open cell foam insulation is easy to work with. That is because it is lightweight and pliable, with more space between the cells than closed cell foam. Due to its very high expansion rate, open cell foam is a great way to get in the nooks and crannies of your home. It expands by almost 100 times its size once it has been applied. While this type of insulation is typically less expensive and can be used in a wider range of applications, it is important to note that it is often less effective. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, open cell foam is not ideal.

What is Closed Cell Foam?

As the opposite of open cell, closed cell foam insulation has no space in the cells. This type of insulation also has less shock absorption, meaning noise is not as reduced. However, custom home builders in Texas understand that a major benefit of closed cell foam is that its rigidity is capable of creating a solid, uniform structure. Unlike open cell, the airtight seal that comes from closed cell is 100% moisture impermeable. And given the fact that is longer-lasting and uses less material than open cell, it is a more eco-friendly alternative. Closed cell has even been proven to save up to 50% on energy costs!

Why Does Your House Need Insulation?

Insulation is known to be one of the most efficient ways to save energy. It reduces both your environmental impact and the strain on your HVAC system. But any custom home builder in Texas will tell you that insulation doesn’t just lower your heating and cooling costs by providing resistance to heat flow. Without proper insulation, your house could face health hazards. One serious problem is moisture buildup. This could lead to the growth of mold and mildew. When you have insulation, however, it prevents this buildup by creating a barrier that reduces the amount of warm, humid air entering your home.

Another thing to note is that insulation reduces noise transmission. It does this by absorbing sound waves so that they do not absorb through walls and floors. This means your home is a quieter, more peaceful place.

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How Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?

Spray foam insulation is created by mixing chemicals, which react very quickly. While open and closed cell foam work in different ways, they both come out in a pliable form and harden after a certain amount of time. This could be anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. A custom home builder in Texas may choose to spray the foam into small areas of your home’s interior walls. The goal is to provide optimal insulation capabilities by filling the smallest crevasses. Spray foam insulation prevents heat loss and gain, as well as provides a moisture barrier, by expanding to fill gaps and cracks.

What Does R-Value Mean?

R-value is a measure of a material’s ability to resist the transfer of heat (aka thermal resistance). The “R” stands for resistance. In the case of spray foam insulation, the R-value can vary depending on the manufacturer and the age of the product. That said, open cell foam commonly ranges from R-3.6 to R-3.9 per inch. Alternately, closed cell foam typically falls between R-6 to R-7 per inch.

What are Misconceptions About Spray Foam Insulation?

There are plenty of myths when it comes to spray foam insulation. You may have heard that closed cell foam insulation is the best option for your attic roof deck, for instance. However, it is actually the case that, no matter your climate zone, open cell foam is ideal. Should there be any leaks in your roof deck, the open cell will show you.

Another common misconception that custom home builders in Texas hear is that having more insulation is better. While increasing insulation can generally improve energy efficiency, there is a threshold where adding more insulation will not provide additional benefits. The optimal amount of insulation depends on which type the builder is using.

Is Insulation Foam Controversial?

Although insulation foam is a popular construction material because of its thermal and acoustic insulation properties, it does have an impact on the environment. This is because the foam is made from petrochemicals. These are non-renewable resources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Exposure to insulation foam also comes with concerns for human health. The chemicals have been found to cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, with some studies even linking them to worse health problems. With all of this in mind, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of implementing this insulation in your home.

There is no time like the present to start bringing the dreams of your future home into a reality. If you are searching for custom home builders in Texas, you have come to the right place. Bat City Builders specializes in new construction, and we value honesty in all of our client relationships. Your project is sure to be smooth sailing as we check off all of your boxes as a homeowner—including meeting insulation requirements. Get in touch with our team to have a conversation about your family’s needs.