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Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell Spray Foam in Hot-Humid Climate

rockinroger | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Is open cell foam better than closed cell foam for insulating open cell under my raised house in Covington, LA, with 10″ floor joists?

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Kiley Jacques | | #1

    Hi Roger,

    I’m going to give your question a bump in hopes that experts will weigh in. I know they will have questions to help clarify your conditions in order to give an informed answer. While you wait, take a look at this article by Martin Holladay. It lays out some of the things you need to take into account when insulating floors with spray foam: Thermal Barriers and Ignition Barriers for Spray Foam.

  2. Expert Member
    CARL SEVILLE | | #2

    I would go with closed cell foam, as it will be much more resistant to vapor transfer than open cell. When the AC is on the floor will be cold, and open cell foam may allow vapor to condensate on the underside of the floor between it and the foam. Closed cell will tend to avoid that situation.

  3. Nola_Sweats | | #3

    I'm in New Orleans and I have closed cell under a raised wood-framed house. I was told that open cell under a house is not allowed, at least in New Orleans, for reasons having to do with the ability of water and/or water vapor to pass through it. I think it was a flood insurance requirement, but I'm not certain. Carl's also right that open-cell can allow water to condense on a cold subfloor in summertime.

  4. Expert Member
    KOHTA UENO | | #4

    Joe Lstiburek wrote a column about these assemblies--takeaway is that closed cell works quite nicely to keep the wood warm (avoiding condensation) and controlling vapor flow.

    BSI-009: New Light In Crawlspaces
    https://www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/bsi-009-new-light-in-crawlspaces

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