How Do Different Spray Foam Densities Work?

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How Do Different Spray Foam Densities Work?

3 January 2023
 Categories: , Blog


If you want to insulate a commercial building, then spray foam products are a good solution. While all products do much the same job—foams expand and set after spraying to create an insulative barrier in various spaces—not all foams are the same.

As you start to choose spray foams, you'll see that they have different densities. Typically, you can choose between low, medium, and high density products here.

What are the main differences between these densities? 

Low-Density Spray Foams: What to Know

Low-density spray foams have a more open structure than other foams. After spraying, these foams give you a light coverage that contains open cells. The hardened foam retains some flexibility and softness compared to higher density products.

This structure means that low-density foams are typically used in indoor environments where the foam gets some protection from the elements. If this kind of foam were to get too wet, then its cells would become waterlogged. The open-celled structure also reduces the amount of insulation a foam can provide.

However, low-density foams work well in some applications. For example, they cover basic insulation needs well. They perform better in environments with some moisture flow, such as in wall spaces. They also provide more acoustic dampening than foams with higher densities.

Medium-Density Spray Foams: What to Know

Medium-density spray foams set thicker and harder than low-density products. They don't have open cells. They provide average-high insulation values and are commonly used in residential settings or in locations that don't have advanced insulation needs.

Medium-density foams are typically stronger. They aren't as likely to crack or break as foams with a lower density. They also have more stickability. Their stronger and closed setting bonds tightly to a surface.

These foams can also be used in different places. They can deal with water and moisture more effectively because they aren't absorbent. However, they won't allow through flows of air or moisture.

High-Density Spray Foams: What to Know

High-density spray foams are the thickest and densest products you can use. These foams are often used in commercial spaces where you need extra insulation capabilities and additional strength.

For example, these foams work well in commercial roofing spaces. As well as insulative coverage, a high-density foam will add strength to the surfaces it coats. So, if you use it on a roof, the roof itself will become stronger and less prone to damage.

However, these products don't expand as much as other foams. So, you might need to use more foam to get the coverage you need. This increases your costs.

To get help choosing the right density foam for your insulation space and needs, contact commercial spray foam insulation contractors.

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air conditioning unit quitting during extreme temperatures

The temperature outside reaches 90 degrees and your air conditioning stops working. You continually go to the thermostat and bump the temperature a little lower with the hopes of miraculously fixing the problem. Once the temperature inside the house reaches 88 degrees, you finally conclude that there is something very wrong with the air conditioning system. So, what could the problem be? What can you do to fix it? My blog will provide you with several issues that could cause your air conditioning to stop working during the hottest days or months of the year so that you can begin making the repairs or call for help.

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