Closed cell
Denser and rigid once cured. It reaches a high R-value per inch, resists liquid water and adds stiffness, which makes it the usual choice for crawlspaces, rim joists, basement walls and anywhere moisture is a concern.
Material type
Spray Foam Insulation in Elgin, IL & Kane County
Expanding foam that seals every gap and stops air and moisture where other materials cannot.
What it is
About spray foam insulation
Spray foam is applied as a liquid and expands in place, so it fills the awkward gaps that batts and loose-fill leave behind: around rim joists, plumbing penetrations, wiring, and the odd-shaped bays that every older Kane County home has somewhere.
That expansion is what makes it different. Instead of only slowing heat, spray foam also seals the air leaks that carry heat, humidity and outside air through a building. In most homes those leaks are doing more damage to the energy bill than the missing R-value is.
Open cell
Lighter and softer, with more expansion per pound. It fills deep wall and ceiling cavities economically and absorbs sound well, which makes it a good fit for interior walls, ceilings and vaulted roof lines.
When it is the right call
Choose spray foam when air sealing matters as much as insulation: unvented attics, crawlspaces, band joists, garages and additions, or anywhere a previous insulation job never fixed the draft.
Process
What to expect
The same order every time, so you know what is happening in your house and when.
- 01
Assessment
We look at the space, check what is already there, and confirm whether open or closed cell is the right product for that assembly.
- 02
Removal, if needed
Old, wet or fallen insulation comes out first. Foam sprayed over failed material traps the problem instead of fixing it.
- 03
Prep and protection
Floors and finished surfaces are covered, ventilation is set up, and anything that must stay clear of foam is masked off.
- 04
Application
The foam is sprayed in controlled passes to the specified thickness, then given time to cure.
- 05
Trim and cleanup
Any overspray is trimmed back flush, the site is cleaned, and we walk the job with you before we leave.
Benefits
Why it is worth doing
- Air sealing and insulation in a single step
- The highest R-value per inch of the four materials we install
- Closed cell resists liquid water and helps control moisture
- Adds rigidity to the assembly it is sprayed into
- Does not sag, settle or slump over time
Where it goes
Areas of the building
- Attic
- Basement
- Ceiling
- Crawlspace
- Exterior wall
- Foundation wall
- Garage
- Roof
FAQ
Questions we get asked
What is the difference between open cell and closed cell spray foam?
Closed cell is denser, gives a higher R-value per inch and resists liquid water, so it is used in crawlspaces, rim joists and basement walls. Open cell is lighter, expands further and absorbs sound better, which suits deep wall and ceiling cavities.
Do you have to remove the old insulation before spraying foam?
Usually yes. Foam bonds to the surface it is sprayed onto, so old fiberglass, wet material or anything that has fallen out of place comes out first. We remove it as part of the job.
Is spray foam the right choice for a crawlspace?
It is one of the most common uses for it. Closed cell foam on crawlspace walls and rim joists, paired with encapsulation, controls both heat loss and the ground moisture that ruins fiberglass in that space.
Other services
What else we do
Where we work
Spray Foam Insulation near you
We install across Kane County and the towns around it. Solar Spray Foam Insulation Inc. is based in Elgin.
Get a free estimate on spray foam insulation
Send us the details of the space and we will come back with a written price. Free estimates, and we typically reply within about ten minutes.