Open-Cell Foam Beats Closed-Cell Foam

On me way 2 Retro expo to give a talk. I expect to talk a lot about use of expanding foam! This is useful reading:

When shopping for spray foam insulation, many builders and homeowners are uncertain whether to choose an open-cell product or a closed-cell product. In my opinion, the choice is clear: for above-grade residential applications, the best choice is usually open-cell foam. In most cases, open-cell foam will be more economical, more flexible, and more forgiving with moisture than closed-cell foam. Open-cell spray foam is often called “half-pound foam,” a reference to its usual density of 0.5 lb. per cubic foot. (The range of densities for open-cell foam actually extends from 0.5 up to 1.7 lb. per cubic foot.) Open-cell foam was first introduced to the market in 1986 by Icynene. At that time, all of the available spray foam products on the market were closed-cell foams. Since about 2003, however, many manufacturers have been marketing both open-cell and closed-cell foams. More v...

Full article: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green-buil...