The contractors we work with at Empire Foam Solutions rely on our products to help them get the job done efficiently and profitably. By offering a wide variety of polyurethane spray foam options along with our M-Power System, we provide a superior product, faster setup, installation, and quick clean up.
But before bidding on a spray foam job, it’s important to understand which type of foam is ideal for the project. The two principal types of foam are referred to as “open” and “closed.” Both types have their strengths and weaknesses and are better suited for certain jobs. Here’s a breakdown on the differences between open cell and closed cell foam:
Open Cell Foam
Open cell foam is made up of cells that aren’t completely encapsulated, which is why it’s referred to as open. This makes the foam soft and flexible so it expands significantly after application filling spots that could be difficult to reach with closed cell foam. Open cell foam works well for jobs such as soundproofing. While it’s less expensive than closed cell foam, it’s not as effective for insulation and not a good choice for locations that experience extreme temperatures.
Closed Cell Foam
Closed cell foam is comprised of completely closed cells. Because the cells are tightly compressed, they keep out air and moisture. It’s much more stable and rigid than open cell foam. Closed cell foam is the best choice for insulating where space is an issue and it can also increase structural integrity. Closed cells also create a vapor barrier, so water and moisture will be less likely to get inside a home, boat or other structure, and the foam itself is unharmed by water damage.
Spray Foam Insulation Terms You Need to Know
When considering which foam is the best options, you’ll see different terms and acronyms used to describe a particular brand of foam’s specifications. Here’s a quick overview of the ones you need to know:
Density
Most open cell foam has a density of about .5 pounds per cubic foot. Closed cell foam, which is much denser, can be over three times that with a density of 1.75 pounds per cubic foot or more.
R-value:
This represents a foam’s resistance to heat flow or how well it insulates. Closed cell foam usually has an R-value of about 6.0 per inch which is much higher than open cell which is generally around 3.5 per inch. The higher the R-value the better the foam is for insulating.
Expansion
For spray foam contractors, this is one of the key differences between open and closed cell foams when it comes to application. Most closed cell foam will expand to about 1-inch of thickness when it’s sprayed with an R-value of 7 per application. It can be applied in multiple layers to boost the R-value. Open cell foam will expand to 3-inches so only one application may be needed for many jobs.
Work With The Best Low Pressure Spray Foam Insulation Machine
For contractors, choosing the right type of foam for the job is important, but without a quality spray foam equipment the application can be sub-standard and time consuming.
Empire Foam Solutions manufactures a cutting-edge, two-component spray foam system. M-Power Pumps Line of Proportioners and Spray Guns. This spray foam system offers the latest heat transfer management technology and self-cleaning spray guns. For contractors, the low cost and easy maintenance benefit the bottom line.
The M-Power Spray Foam Machine :
Our M-Power Machine is a low-pressure spray foam system capable of spraying polyurethane foam while running on 110 volts. Easy portability of the MPF-20 or MPF-30 allows contractors to install spray foam in most applications that high pressure foam installers would pass over, yet the MPF-20/30 has enough power and output to handle full-scale jobs easily. It’s the perfect tool for contractors looking to boost profits and current spray foam installers who want to expand their services.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about which type of polyurethane spray foam will tackle a job, contact us at Empire Foam Solutions. We can even formulate a custom foam solution that will meet your needs. Once you’ve got the right foam, our M-Power System has the tools you need to make application effective and profitable.