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Icynene®, one of my ten favorite green building products, is an open-cell spray foam insulation. It basically provides a barrier to prevent drafts, condensation, and outdoor allergens from penetrating the building envelope. From personal experience, this is an amazing product. [Note: This article was written on September 14, 2007, and was believed to be accurate at the time of writing.]
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It is expensive compared to the other insulations. A couple of years ago, I paid $1.40 for a board foot (northeast prices). A board foot is a 1 foot by 1 foot by 1 inch thick square. For my area, it is recommended that there is 6 inches of depth in each cavity wall. (Each board foot is equal to R 3.6) However, in my opinion this insulation is a superior product to fiberglass or other insulations because of the air barrier. Why open-cell versus closed-cell? Closed-cell is denser and therefore more expensive. However, it has a higher R value than an open-celled insulation. We chose open-cell insulation because we were told the closed-cell insulation offgassed chemicals. This may or may not be true, but at the time we installed our insulation, I was frightened by the prospect. In addition, if there was a water leak, I would find it easier with an open-cell insulation because water can move through it unlike closed-cell. Some people prefer closed-cell because of its higher R value, and it provides a better air barrier.
Icynene has different applications depending on whether its use is for new construction, existing construction, or touch-ups. Icynene Insulation System® has two different formulas: sprayed and pour. “Icynene’s pour fill variation is an insulation and air barrier that injects the ... [product] into an older building to maximize energy efficiency while still preserving its original architectural details,” according to the makers of Icynene. If you have a small project or need a touch up, then Gold Seal 400 ® is the product you would use.
In addition, on their Web site, there is a chart comparing different insulations to Icynene in certain categories such as "damaged by water", "R value", and "harmful emissions produced" after installation is complete. (Remember, this chart is produced by Icynene, not a third party, so use it as a guide.)
Does it have a downside? Icynene® is a petroleum based product. You may or may not view this as a downside.
There are soy-based foam insulations, but I do not have any experience with these products. When we were looking at the different insulations, soy was getting negative publicity. (I heard it was shrinking inside the walls so the stated R value was diminished.) Was this a marketing effort by the other insulation companies? I don’t know. Does anyone have any experience with the soy-based insulations?
For additional reading about the varying type of insulations, Homepower.com has a nice article. See “Get Energy Smart Insulation Options” written in March 2006.
Regardless of which insulation you choose, the actual installation is key. If any insulation is installed improperly, it does not matter much what its stated R value is. Get recommendations from people who have used your intended installer. In addition, read the literature on the product you are intending on using to familiarize yourself with how it is supposed to be installed. An educated homeowner is a happy homeowner in the long run.
I would love feedback on open- versus closed-cell insulation, and the product you like best and why. Visit Green Talk.
(Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent those of The Healthy House Institute, LLC.)
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