Can you use SPF insulation for interior walls?
Can SPF be used for interior construction?
Many businesses may see Spray Polyurethane Foam insulation as an exterior-only product, but did you know you can use SPF insulation for your interior construction? Our R&A Contracting installation teams use SPF insulation in a wide variety of both interior and exterior construction purposes. It starts with knowing what type of SPF is best for your insulation needs.
Open-cell vs. Closed-cell
When it comes to SPF insulation, there are two standard forms of SPF: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell SPF occurs when the SPF spray cells collect small pockets of air (“open”) instead of gas in their expansion process. Open-cell SPF insulation weighs anywhere between 0.4-0.5 lb./cu. ft. Because of the air trapped in its composition, open-cell SPF tends to be much softer to the touch and not quite as strong as closed-cell SPF.
Closed-cell SPF insulation is formed with closed cells of gas inside the spray insulation. The closed-cell bonding is much more energy-efficient and insulates at approximately twice the capacity as open-cell SPF. The added bond of closed-cell SPF also means its significantly stronger and denser than open-cell SPF, ranging from 1.7-2.7 lb./cu. ft.
Closed-cell SPF in interior construction
When it comes to interior wall insulation, closed-cell SPF is the preferred form of spray foam insulation. Your building walls are the framework for your building construction, an integral part of its strength. Compressive force from the roof, shingles, gravity, and weather elements can create a significant weight load on your building walls.
By adding closed-cell SPF insulation inside your building walls, you can dramatically improve your building walls’ strength. The flexibility of spray foam application allows SPF to bond with studs and beams to form a cohesive strengthening factor. According to a recent study, closed-cell SPF can add over 75% racking strength to your interior wall construction. (NAHB Research) Increased strength against shearing force of wind and weather can give any owner peace of mind with SPF.
If you’re looking for a great energy investment that can strengthen your building or home, look no further than SPF insulation with R&A Contracting. We’re St. Louis’ experts on SPF insulation, both inside and outside. We have the experience and insight you need to get the best insulation solution available today.