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The two most common types of spray polyurethane foam (SPF), both of which we offer here at Habitat InsulFoam, are ½-lb and 2-lb foams.

After spraying, the generic ½-lb foam will weigh between 0.4 and 0.6 pounds per cubic foot after fully curing, while the 2-lb foam will weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds per cubic foot fully cured. The ½-lb spray foam is a low-density open-cell foam, while the 2-lb foam is known as a medium-density closed cell product. For comparison please refer to the basic table below.

	½ lb Foam	2 lb Foam
Cell Structure	open cell	closed cell
Density	low density	medium density
R-Values*	3.9 per inch	6 per inch
Expansion	130 times original volume	30 times original volume

Some of The Differences:

½-lb SPF is normally spray-applied to optimal thickness with one pass, while 2-lb SPF is sprayed in “lifts” of between 0.5 and 2 inches thick until it reaches the desired depth. Surplus foam can be easily trimmed using our specialty cutters, but trimming is often unnecessary (when spraying a five-inch depth in a 2X6 wall, for example).

In both cases the sealing characteristics of spray polyurethane foam are significant contributors in improving the energy efficiency of buildings by stopping leakage of air through the holes, gaps and cracks of the building envelopes. By virtue of the fact that the ½-lb SPF expands much more than the 2-lb SPF, the choice of which foam to use will partly depend upon how tight your building envelope is to begin with, alongside other factors. Either way both foams are first applied as a heated liquid, and expand in all directions to seal penetrations that would otherwise allow air ingress.

Both foams offer sound barrier qualities that can assist in reducing noise from outside, or between interior spaces. They are ideal for apartment or multi-unit buildings with more than one tenant, as well as houses on streets with busy traffic. The ½-lb lower density foam is considered to be more effective at higher frequencies (treble), while the 2-lb higher density foam is more effective at lower frequencies (bass). Neither foam is exceptionally effective at reducing high vibrational impact noises, such as 18-wheelers downshifting outside your house.

Water absorption, which is gauged as a percentage by volume, is rated at 18% in the ½-lb foam and 2.5% in the 2-lb foam. Again, this demonstrates the key differences between the lighter low-density open cell material and the medium-density closed cell foam, but it is also important to remember that these percentages do NOT mean that the 2-lb foam will automatically be the better foam for your application.

 Moisture permeance varies between the two types of foam. The higher the material’s permeance, the faster the water vapour can pass through. As such the lower density open cell ½-lb foam is more permeable than the 2-lb foam with between 6 and 10 perms for a 3-inch thickness of material, as compared to a permeance of less than 1 perm for the same 3-inch thickness of 2-lb spray foam. There are two basic types of moisture control within buildings, and the choice of which foam you use in your own application will partly depend upon which type of moisture control you’re dealing with. The “flow-through design” allows water vapour to pass through a building’s assembly without condensing, while the “vapour barrier design” limits the moisture entering the building assembly altogether. In Canada both foams still require a vapour barrier in most applications, but we can establish which foam will work for your individual situation when we visit your site.

R-Values are shown in the above table, but we feel strongly about the need for further clarification. Consider the R-value of a fibre insulation after it has been submersed in water and subjected to a strong coastal wind blowing through it. Or consider the fact that forced air furnace filters are often manufactured with fibre insulation. The key point is that conventional forms of insulation use R-values based on lab testing in ambient conditions, in absolute zero wind and zero moisture environments. They do not take into consideration a building’s resistance to air penetration, water, or vapour drive, and of course in the real world these are huge factors in the heat loss of a building. So when you see R-3.9 per inch of ½-lb foam, and R-6 per inch of 2-lb foam, be mindful of the fact that these values DO offer added resistance to air penetration, water and vapour drive.

Many consumers have asked us about the structural rigidity of our two types of SPF. The ½-lb foam is a semi-rigid, non-structural plastic, not unlike the stuff sprayed from a can around window and door jambs. The 2-lb foam by contrast is a rigid plastic with a greater compressive strength, which for example can be useful in holding together loosely assembled rock foundations, or lending strength to older, weaker buildings.

A Summary of the Benefits:

• Completely fills wall and joist cavities, stops air leakage through gaps and cracks.
• Reduces moisture intrusion and helps to control condensation.
• Excellent acoustical properties, greatly reduces sound transmission.
• Keeps out dust, pollen, rodents and insects.
• Superb for attic and basement applications, where insulating is often awkward and ineffective.
• Superb for garages, prevents cold air and fumes from entering buildings.
• Stops the spread of mold growth.
• Helps to prevent radon gas from entering buildings.
• Sprayfoam is permanent and will not sag.
• Adds strength to a building structure.
• Reduces capacity requirements, maintenance and wear on HVAC equipment.
• Insulates and seals where conventional insulation can’t.
• Endorsed by the National Building Code, and used by Canada’s top builders.