Closed Cell Foam - Ideal for steel sheets and commercial applications ( open cell vs closed cell ?)
People not in the trade often get confused between open cell and closed cell foam and where they should be used. What's the difference is a question I'm often asked. Simply put open cell has an open (fractured) cell structure. Closed Cell on the other hand keeps most of its cells intact (99%) and these cells are gas filled. Gas filled means these cells will repel water molecules and other gas mixtures such as air and radon. We even have a closed cell foam that's certified as a radon barrier. Another difference is that closed cell is much denser and harder than open cell and can take a lot of beating . So for simplicity , lets say that you'd normally use open cell in attics , and stud walls partitions and ceilings as its fully breatheable (but please note in extreme cold climates like Canada , Russia etc , you wouldn't use open cell on exterior building envelopes , instead you'd use closed cell dues to its vapour barrier properties) and you'd use closed cell in sheds, farm buildings , sea cans, shipping containers , metal buildings and onto concrete. Why? Because of its cell structure closed cell is anti condensation, waterproof , a vapour barrier, sticks like crazy even on very cold and often damp surfaces and you don't have to spray very much of it to get great thermal performance . Also it looks better if you are leaving the foam exposed . Normally we can achieve a smooth ripple finish that can look pleasing to the eye. So if you are tired of your building 'raining down on you' then heres a system that can help -closed cell foam . Have a look at some of our projects and if you need any assistance just ping me an email or phone me.