If you haven’t insulated your home or business you can benefit a lot from spray foam insulation in terms of cooling and heating, noise reduction, and many more that we will know more about in this article.

Where It’s Best To Apply Spray Foam Insulation

Properly installed, spray foam insulation helps ensure the airtightness of your home, and even serves as a vapour barrier in the case of closed-cell foams with less cost than the majority of other insulation methods. Here are some spaces that you will need to isolate:

1. Attics, crawl spaces, or basements: Spray foam is the ideal solution for small spaces that do not allow the installation of panels or large rolls of insulation.
2. Floors. Spray foam insulation makes it possible to effectively coat the ducts and pipes, for example when installing underfloor heating and above all to reduce your energy costs.
3. Walls. Requiring no joints or fittings, spray foam can be deposited on the surface in a uniform layer of about 10 cm and will provide thermal insulation and airflow of your walls.
4. Roofs. Spray foam eliminates thermal bridges and also has the advantage of being perfectly waterproof. It does not settle or peel off over time and envelops all areas of the roof, even the most difficult to access.

Where in your home you want to insulate and what function you seek will determine whether you choose open or closed-cell foam. For example, an open-cell foam will be more suitable for walls to allow the evacuation of water vapour. A professional insulation contractor will be able to direct you to the type of foam recommended according to your needs.

How Much Spray Foam Insulation Do You Need?

The amount of spray foam insulation that an area requires varies from home to home. Homes that are located in extreme weather fluctuations require thicker insulation with a higher R-Value.

Spray Foam Costs vs. Fiberglass, Batt & Cellulose

Spray Foam Insulation Cost:

• $2,360 on average
• R-Value of 6-7 per inch closed cell and 3.5-3.6 per inch open cell
• Highest R-Value insulator
• In addition to insulation provides air sealing

Blown in Insulation Cost:

• $1,440 on average
• R-Value of 3.1-3.4 per inch fiberglass and 3.2-3.7 per inch cellulose
• Some materials offer recycled content

Fiberglass Batts Cost:

• $300 to $600 on average
• R-Value of 2.9-3.8 per inch 
• Quick and easy to install
• Up to 30% can improve energy efficiency

Rock Wool Cost:

• On average to install it can cost $1,000
• R-Value of 3.0-3.3 per inch
• Has fire resistance and sound deadening
• Quick and easy to install

Closed Cell Vs Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation Cost

Cost of Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Adversely, the closed cell spray foam’s density is 2lb per cubic foot. Its R-Value is R6.5 per inch. It is used on walls, ceilings, roofs, and under tabs. This type of insulation costs more than the open cell, but the high price is justified by its quality. Spray foam insulation cost varies between $1.55 to $8 per square foot, depending on which part of your home needs to be insulated. When applied as should, this spray foam gives better results than any other method of insulation that is available in the market today. Having a look at the air exchange, this method gives an excellent insulation barrier. It is also really effective for repelling moisture from the inner walls of your house. Closed cell spray foam increases the ceiling’s strength, roof, or wall structure with glue like tenacity.

Spray Foam Insulation Cost Per Square Foot

The cost of spray foam insulation is also calculated per board, such that, open cell spray foam costs vary from $0.44 to $3.00 per square foot, and the closed cell spray foam cost varies from $1.25 to $1.65. The average spray foam insulation cost per professional installation is $2,021 for the majority of insulation companies in Toronto. This amount depends on whether the structure that is being insulated is newly constructed or renovated. To conclude, finished homes are not very suitable for insulation. However, they make excellent candidates for weatherization or an energy audit.

Cost of Materials by Size In Square Feet

Cost of Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation

Open Cell spray foam’s density is half an lb per cubic foot and an R-value of R3.5 to R3.6 per inch. The R-value, also known as the thermal resistance, is determined by the foam density of the spray such that the higher the foam’s density, the higher the R-value. R-value’s role in the insulation process is to show the resistance of the material to the heat flow. It is really important for this value to be high because this results in a greater resistance too. Open Cell foam spray has a lower density compared to that of its counterpart, the closed cell spray foam and it is not resistant to vapor. When used in attics and cool temperatures, it is advisable for the spray to be applied together with vapor retarder paint. The cost of the R6 foam varies between $2 to $7 per square foot.

DIY Spray foam insulation cost

You can choose to install foam insulation by yourself using kits from brands of your choice. The average price of covering about 200 square foot with a foam insulation kit varies between $300 to $600, which is about two or three kits used. When you buy these kits, you will find a foam made up of two types of liquids referred to as Icynene, which are firstly heated and then pushed through a gun on the can. The installation cost might seem minimal when you decide to do it by yourself but if you are not experienced in installing spray foam, you may find it difficult to evenly spread the foam over a surface.

Failing to cover some spots or leaving some holes may lead to cold air getting into the structure. You can safely proceed with the insulation project if you intend to deal with small projects only such as foam insulation in a narrow space. Other large projects such as the attic, basement, or garage should be left to a certified insulation company that can provide the proper equipment and has a respectful background. They will properly price the entire insulation project, whereas you on the other hand could incorrectly calculate the cost of the insulation project and end up losing more money in the process.

Measuring the thermal resistance (R-Value)

During the process of spray foam insulation or any other type of insulation, the R Value should necessarily be the basic part of your decision. However, it is also important to note that the loss or gain of heat can occur in many different ways, and as a result, measuring insulation through the R-Value alone is not always the right way.

Polyurethane foam spray does not necessarily guarantee prevention of all methods of heat transfer from taking place. Alternatively, you may want to consider radiation, heat conduction, air infiltration, convection, and intrusion alongside the amount of moisture accumulation. All six of these mechanisms are the key factors of the effectiveness of the insulation.

Spray foam insulation cost difference for existing and new homes

There is a huge price difference when it comes to insulating a new home and insulating a relatively older home in Toronto. Insulating a recently constructed house is usually much easier because the insulating company can work effectively and make sure that the insulation is designed for optimum protection against heat transfer and sound, whereas installing spray foam insulation on an older home, specifically those that contain existing insulation may cost more and require more time to install, which also increases the cost. Energy audits and weatherization are the most recommended alternatives for these kinds of homes.

Contact Eco Spray Insulation today for a free no obligation cost estimate on your next spray foam insulation project. Or simply get a quote over the phone at  (416) 860-6664.

FAQs about Spray Foam Insulation Cost in Toronto

Q: How much does it cost to insulate a 1,500 square foot house with spray foam in Toronto?

To cover 1,500 square feet with one inch of closed-cell spray foam insulation cost approximately $1,500 to $2,250. To this total are added the labor costs and thickness. The above value may also change depending on the number of walls in a house.

Q: How much to spray a 30×50 metal building with closed cell foam?

To cover the walls of a 30×50 metal building with one inch of closed-cell foam may cost approximately $1,600 to $2,400. And if you hire a professional for this work you should expect to pay more in labor costs.

Q: How expensive is spray foam insulation? 

Expanding foam insulation runs from $0.44 to $1.50 per board foot, open-cell is less expensive, and closed-cell spray foam insulation costs more. In comparison to fiberglass, spray foam insulation is more expensive.

Q: Is spray foam insulation worth the cost? 

For too many homeowners, spray foam insulation is worth the cost because it protects against moisture, air seal is energy efficient, and also can add structural integrity to your house.

Q: What is the R-Value of 2 inches of spray foam? 

Depending on the type of insulation material the R-Value of 2 inches of spray foam runs from 7 to 13. Closed-cell has a higher R-Value than open-cell foam.

Q: Where do we apply spray foam insulation?

Spray foam insulation is applicable on roofs, walls, and on surfaces with contours and in corners with the aim of creating a tight air ceiling barrier. The two most used types of spray foams are made of polyurethane and are referred to as open cell and closed cell spray foam.

Q: Can I save money by choosing to insulate my property with spray foam?

When it comes to prices and costs, every investment in your house or property will certainly cost you a specific amount of money. Regardless, not each of these investments presents you with a chance to save money. Saving yourself money that is spent on bills is actually possible with the use of spray foam insulation. These are some of the costs that should really be considered as future investments, especially for Toronto residents. Spray foam insulation costs depend on what type of spray foam is used and the amount that is applied. You can choose between insulating your whole house or just a part of it.

Spray foam insulation is considered the best alternative to fiberglass insulation during construction or construction plans. The type of foam used in this insulation method is flexible and expandable and is easy to spray on existing wall cavities during construction or on roofs.

Q: Does spray foam shrink over time?

Similar to foam board insulation, spray foam will shrink and expand over time responding to different temperatures. However, this is a normal thing to happen and it does not mean that your insulation will break down.

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What’s the Difference Between Open Cell and Closed Cell Foam Insulation?

Open and closed cell foam are two different types of spray foam insulation. They have different strengths and weaknesses, and one is not necessarily better than the other. It comes down to understanding the benefits of open cell vs closed cell foam and choosing the type that fits your needs.

Let’s see the differences between open and closed cell foams.

The Cells

A spray insulation is referred to as an open cell or closed cell because of the difference between the small bubbles (cells) that make up the foam.

Open cell foam is full of cells that aren’t completely encapsulated. In other words, the cells are deliberately left open. This makes the foam a softer, more flexible material. Those tiny cells which are not completely closed are filled with air and this affects the way the foam feels and performs. With our equipment and skills, you will be pleased and won’t regret that you chose us.

Closed cell foam is made up of cells that are, as the name suggests, completely closed. The cells are pressed together, so air and moisture are unable to get inside the foam. Because of this, closed cell foam is much more rigid and stable than open cell foam. Closed cell foam has cells that are sealed off so air doesn’t get inside the structure at all.

Density

Closed cell foam is much denser than open cell foam. Most open cell foam has a density of about .5 pounds per cubic foot. Closed cell foam can be over three times that, with a density of  1.75 pounds per cubic foot or more. The major difference between the two foam options is that closed cell foam tends to be harder or firmer while open cell foam is softer or less firm.

The quality and prices that Eco Spray offers are the best in the market so you will have the best insulation for your home.

R-Value

A foams R-value is its resistance to heat flow or, in other words, how well they insulate.

Closed cell foam has a higher R-value than open cell foam, usually about 6.0 per inch. But some closed cell foams, like Tiger Foam’s E84 Closed Cell formula, have even higher ratings that go up to almost 7 per inch. This higher rating makes closed cell foam better at keeping the heat in or out of a structure.

Open cell foams have an R-value of around 3.5 per inch. This is significantly lower than closed cell foams, which can limit open cell insulations usefulness in extreme temperature conditions.

Expansion

This is one of the most important differences from an application standpoint. Closed cell foam is designed to expand to about 1″ of thickness when sprayed. With each inch offering an r-value of 7, multiple applications can be applied to achieve higher total r-values. Open cell foam is designed to expand to 3″ of thickness, meaning only one application is possible in most standard walls.

Uses

There are several applications for foam with one or other type of cell structures being more ideal. Since a closed cell is incapable of holding water to make a cushion heavier and harder to dry out, it is often used in outdoor cushions. Closed cells are also used for various purposes where a sturdier structure is needed such as packaging and shipping needs, protection barriers, and more. This type of foam can be used in construction as building insulation since it creates a nice barrier to trap heat and air conditioning inside a building to reduce utility costs. It can also be used for certain electrical and automotive applications as long as it stays clear of heat.

Open cell foam is softer and springier, this foam type offers superior comfort and support for a range of applications. With the superior comfort it offers, it is no wonder open cell is used in all manner of sofas, chairs, loveseats, and mattresses. Available in varying levels of firmness and density, open cell foam can be super soft or firmer for more support. It can be used in support aids, pillows, pet beds, and much more. Our team will provide the proper installation of this product.

Durability factor

While closed cell foam is generally stronger and longer lasting than open cell foam, both options offer lasting durability. Closed cell is tougher since it provides improved rigidity. It is also tougher in terms of rips or tears whereas open cell foam is more vulnerable to surface damage. Our experts know what’s the best for your building and while installing the product, you can be sure about the strength of the structure.

Application methods

Closed-cell foams sprayed to a certain depth create their own vapor barriers; open-cell foams typically require vapor barriers in the tradition of fiberglass and other batt-type insulations. In general, closed-cell foams require an open stud bay for their application and are thus not particularly suited to retrofit unless existing walls are first removed. Certain slowly-expanding, open-cell foams are available for through-the-wall filling of existing wall cavities.

The components are often routed through heaters before being mixed and dispensed at high pressure to partly or completely fill the spaces between studs, joists, and rafters. Such two-part systems include the “A” part – usually a combination of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polymeric MDI – and the “B” part, usually, a blend of polyols, catalysts, blowing agents, flame retardants, and surfactants. 

Many people think that the cell structure of the foam is related to thickness variations. However, both open and closed cell foam is available in varying degrees of thickness. The thickness needed will depend on the application. While both types of foam structures can be used in varying thicknesses, open cell foam can lose the springy nature of the material when used in options too thick, and closed cells can be less sturdy in thinner cuts as opposed to thicker ones.

When choosing between the two, the types of applications, as well as the desired results, will be the main determining factor in which type is more suitable. Both options are known to offer the lasting endurance and high levels of performance expected of this versatile material.

Benefits of Closed/Open Cell Foam?

At this point, you might be still trying to decipher which type of foam insulation is right for your project. Here’s a quick summary of open cell vs closed cell foam strengths and the best applications for each:

Benefits of Closed Cell Foam

Closed cell foam is the best choice for robust insulating where space is an issue, as it can achieve 2x the R-Value of  open cells inside a standard wall. Its rigid nature also adds to the structural integrity of the building and E84 fire rated versions are available. The closed cell also acts as a vapor barrier, so water and moisture will be less likely to get inside the home, and the foam itself is unharmed by water damage.

Benefits of Open Cell Foam

One of the biggest benefits of open cell foam is that it expands so much after it has been applied, meaning it can insulate hard to reach nooks and crannies in a home. These types of areas can be hard to insulate with closed cell foam. Open cell foam is excellent for soundproofing where a single application can completely fill the area between studs.

Open cell foam is also much more affordable than closed cell foam, however this foam won’t insulate a house as well as closed cell foam, so it’s not ideal for locations with extreme weather temperatures.

Installing spray-on foams involves the use of chemical resins and blowing agents necessitating the need for personal protective equipment. Building codes generally require a thermal and/or ignition barrier between the foam and occupied spaces and there are a variety of flame-resistant foams available. Burning foam can release many toxic vapors.

The foam will surround everything in the wall cavity including pipes, wires, junction boxes, etc. Care must be taken during installation to be sure that the foam does not enter electrical spaces or coat surfaces where it is unwanted. Foam can make later electrical and plumbing repairs difficult.

If you still have doubts about what kind of spray foam you should use for your home, just give us a call and we will give you the best choice. Eco Spray Insulation will provide you quality service, professional experts and you will be pleased for every single penny that you invested.