Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Open cell spray foams are cheaper per unit of R-value than closed-cell foams but do not provide all the features that closed cell foams do:

Open cell foams are lower in R value (3.8 vs. 7.0), hydroscopic, and require an external vapor barrier (4 mil poly sheeting).  Open cell foams do however have tremendous sound attenuating properties (STC 38 in a 2x4 wall assembley) and make for a great air-seal. Open cell spray foam is however vastly superior in performance to fiberglass, and although more expensive, has a relatively fast pay-back period (ROI) over fiberglass.

Although open cell foam costs less than closed cell foam, it has a lower R-value per inch, so a thicker layer is required. If the framing members are deep enough to accommodate your required R-value, open-cell foam may end up costing less.

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Technical Information from Suppliers

SEALECTION® 500 Open Cell Insulation: http://www.demilecusa.com

Open Cell Foam Resources (PDFs)

International Code Council (ICC) report on Biobased 501 Open Cell Foam (pdf)