Appropriate Depths of Foam Insulation

To determine the correct depth of the foam insulation you are considering you must first know what density of foam you are about to buy. There are many densities of foams. Typically they will fall into two categories. Closed cell foams and Open cell foams.

Closed cell foams were originally formulated for commercial and industrial applications. The most common jobs we would consider Closed cell foams for are:

Freezers, refrigerators, and top of roof decks (so you can walk on the foam after). Freezers will need 3 inches of Closed cell foam. Refrigerators/Coolers, and the top of flat roof decks will need 2 inches of Closed cell foam. But remember, if you use Closed cell foam on top of a building where it will have direct sunlight, it will need to be covered with a rubberized bright white Elastomeric paint. This paint will protect the foam from the harmful UV rays from the Sun.

Open cell foams are used indoors in homes and businesses and the proper depths will depend on what you are trying to accomplish indoors. Some of the areas we would use Open cell foams for are:

Under Roof decks, inside the attic will need 4 to 5 inches to block most of the Sun’s radiant heat from entering the attic. Walls and Subfloors of homes and businesses will need 3 inches of Open cell foam to seal the cavities and block unwanted Hot/Cold moisture laden air from entering. When soundproofing between rooms 3 inches of Open cell is fine. However if you are trying to block DEEP Bass sounds from your Home Theater or Surround Sound System we strongly recommend at least 5 inches of Open cell foam. Open cell foams are great for soundproofing!

The bottom line when applying Open cell and Closed cell foams is this: You must use a veteran well trained sprayer to blend, heat and spray the foam or he will ruin the foam. Then the bad foam will not block the heat from the sun, it will not block the moisture from outside, and it will not be effective in stopping the unwanted annoying sounds from passing through your floors or walls.

For more information on appropriate depths of spray foam insulation, please call us today or click here for a free estimate on our services.