Understanding R-Values for Spray Foam Insulation

When choosing an insulation material, there are several factors to consider. For example, you may consider its average lifespan, the ease of installation, or whether it is resistant to flame or moisture. Perhaps the most important consideration, however, is the insulation’s R-value. If you’re interested in installing spray foam insulation in your home, consult this short guide on understanding R-values for spray foam insulation.

What Is R-Value and Why Is It Important?

So, why exactly is R-value so important when it comes to insulation? Well, R-value refers to how well an insulation material is able to resist the conductive flow of heat. As such, the R-value essentially indicates how effective a material is at insulating an area. The higher the R-value of an insulation material, the more effective it will be at preventing heat flow into and out of a space.

Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation R-Value

Closed-cell spray foam insulation refers to spray foam that is composed of cells that are completely encapsulated and tightly pressed together. Due in part to its extremely high density, closed-cell spray foam insulation has one of the highest R-values of any insulation material on the market. When installed correctly, it boasts an impressive R-value of around 6.5 – 7 per inch.

To put that number into perspective, fiberglass batts only have an R-value of around 2.9 – 3.8 per inch, and loose cellulose has an R-value of 3.1 – 3.8. Due to its high R-value, closed-cell spray foam insulation is one of the most effective types of insulation that you can install in your home. 

Open-Cell Spray Foam Insulation R-Value

The other type of spray foam insulation is open-cell spray foam. Open-cell spray foam insulation is composed of cells that aren’t completely closed, making it spongier and less dense than its closed-cell counterpart.

While open-cell spray foam does not have as impressive an R-value as closed-cell spray foam insulation, it is still an effective insulation material. With an R-value of around 3.8 per inch, open-cell spray foam’s insulation capabilities are similar to other popular materials, such as fiberglass batts or loose cellulose insulation. 

Paragon Protection is the most trusted spray foam insulation contractor in McHenry and the greater Chicago area. To install closed-cell or open-cell spray foam in your home or commercial building, contact us today.