The primary purpose of insulation, such as cell spray foam insulation or its closed cell counterpart, is to regulate the temperature of a building. However, with high-quality, suitable insulation materials, it can also help maintain the good shape of the property by keeping it dry. This is the reason why water-resistant insulation is on the trend nowadays.
If you’re particularly interested in spray foam insulation type, you may have wondered, “is spray foam insulation waterproof?” Discover the answer to this question below.
Waterproofing Spray Foam
Insulation that lacks waterproof quality, like some open cell foam products, may lead to high moisture conditions of a property, affecting its energy efficiency. Water accumulation can result in sudden temperature shifts and less energy-saving efficiency. High moisture levels can lead to various humidity issues, accumulated condensation, or sometimes mold.
The water of itself can lead to the deterioration of the insulation material. As it seeps into the insulating substance, it fills up the designated space for air that was meant to offer better insulation for the properties.
Water is a better heat conductor than air, so it will let warm air get into or out of the properties more efficiently. Over time, the insulation material will be destroyed by water. So, in conclusion, it’s essential to make sure that you use waterproof insulation to accomplish dry and healthy building and better energy saving.
To answer the question of whether spray foam insulation is waterproof, it depends on the material type you use. As you may have known, there are two types of spray foam insulation: open and closed-celled types.
Read also: 5 Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation
The closed-cell spray foam does have waterproof quality, making it a more effective choice for spray foam roofing or as a significant layer of insulation against external temperature changes, while the open-celled type doesn’t.
Why? It is because close-celled spray foam possesses higher density characteristics, while the other tends to be more lightweight to allow more expansion.
Open-celled spray foam is more beneficial if you want to insulate nooks and crannies of a space or fill a larger room, but in terms of protection, it doesn’t perform as well as the closed-celled type. Close-celled spray foam has stronger resistance qualities to various elements, including water.
Best Waterproof Spray Foam
Here are three of the best-recommended spray foam installation products that feature waterproof quality, suitable for various intended applications, including SPF roofing systems :
- Great Stuff Smart Dispenser
This product allows more precise application and control as it features a drip-free straw dispenser. You can use the dispenser’s trigger to control the foam flow. It’s applicable on metal, wood, and masonry surfaces.
It is capable of filling up to 1-inch width gaps. You only need to wait for 15 minutes for the foam to dry up and 1 hour to trim it. You’ll need to wait 24 hours for the foam to be fully cured.
- DAP Touch ‘n Foam MaxFill
The next recommended waterproof spray foam product is resistant to rain, snow, and extreme temperature changes. However, it’s prone to discoloration due to not being UV-resistant.
This product has a straw applicator for more accessible and precise application. The drying and curing period is quite similar to the previous product.
- Red Devil Foam & Fill
Last but not least recommended spray foam insulation product in this list can create an airtight and waterproof barrier to help seal out moisture and humidity.
Read also: The Problems With Spray Foam Insulation in Attics
This spray foam applies to unpainted and painted surfaces of wood, fiberglass, concrete, aluminum, masonry, cinder blocks, and concrete material. The drying and curing time it takes are the same as the two other products mentioned.
Now that your question of whether spray foam insulation is waterproof has been answered, you can choose the best products available. You may use the recommended list above to help you find one.
