silverFoam

FAQ: What is the difference between open-cell and closed-cell f...

PUR foam comparison

Open or closed cells? Choose according to conditions

Put together the structure, mass, diffusion resistance and mechanical resistance, then check which direction suits your building element.

Open-cell foam Closed-cell foam

COMPARISON WITHOUT SIMPLIFICATION

Both products isolate, but work differently

Open-cell foam is not a weaker version of closed-cell foam, and closed-cell foam is not automatically better. Each corresponds to the other requirements of the bulkhead.

silverFoam Ag40 is light, flexible and has low diffusion resistance. silverFoam CC35 HFO is compact, stiff and has a high closed cell content. The choice depends on moisture, loads and the arrangement of all layers.

FIRST CONDITIONS

Four decision-making questions

01

Is the bulkhead dry?

Establish possible contact with water, soil and water vapour.

02

Is the design light?

Check the permissible load and operation of the components.

03

Will the layer be squeezed?

The seat requires different parameters than the slanting.

04

How will she be shielded?

Include fire, UV, damage, and subsequent layers.

DECISION TABLE

silverFoam Ag40 and silverFoam CC35 HFO – a point-by-point comparison

The declared values shall be confirmed each time in the current product documentation.

CharacteristicssilverFoam Ag40silverFoam CC35 HFO
Cell typeopenclosed – at least 90%
Appearance density7–10 kg/m³35 kg/m³
Type of layerlight and elasticcompact and rigid
Water vapour diffusion resistance μ≤ 5≥ 70
Compression strengthis not the main criterion of use≥ 150 kPa
Short-term saturation≤ 11 kg/m² at partial immersion≤ 0,2 kg/m²
Typical placesloft, wooden ceilings, skeletal wallsfoundations, floors, flat roofs, sheet metal
What to confirmPara-isolate, ventilation and water protectionground, UV, fire and mechanical protection
The summary shall not replace the design or technical assessment of the specific partition.

Two Leaders

Select Product Card

If you already know the conditions of the partition, go to the parameters and rules of the application of the appropriate system.

Open cell foam spray on the wooden attic

DRY, LIGHTWEIGHT BUILDING ELEMENT

Consider silverFoam Ag40

Direction for attics, wooden ceilings and frame walls when low weight, elasticity and low diffusion resistance are important.

  • the structure is not exposed to direct contact with water
  • The para-insulated and ventilation system is designed
  • not required to withstand the compressive layer
Spraying closed-cell foam onto a foundation wall

MOISTURE OR LOADS

Consider silverFoam CC35 HFO

Direction for foundations, floors, roofs and sheet metal when the project requires a compact layer, low water absorption and greater stiffness.

  • the substrate is dry, load-bearing and prepared
  • planned protection from UV and damage
  • The hydro-isolate system and shielding layers are separated

A Quick Choice by Place

The most common direction is not an automatic specification

The following tips help start the conversation. The contractor or designer still needs to assess the actual conditions.

01

Wooden attic

The most common silverFoam Ag40; confirm roof tightness, paro insulation and ventilation.

02

The foundation and the quilt

The most common silverFoam CC35 HFO; confirm hydro insulation, substrate humidity and mechanical protection.

03

Wooden ceiling

The most common silverFoam Ag40; specify thermal, acoustic and layering requirements.

04

Seat

The most common silverFoam CC35 HFO; check the loads, thickness and subsequent layers of the floor.

05

Roof or panel of the hall

Often silverFoam CC35 HFO; assess adhesion, condensation, dilation, UV and fire protection.

06

skeletal wall

Often silverFoam Ag40; confirm septum physics, air tightness, and shield layers.

BEFORE THE CONTRACT

How do we get to the right specifications?

Each step reduces the risk of using the correct product in the wrong place.

01

Collect Data

Photos, dimensions, design, existing layers and use.

02

Recognize Humidity

Water sources, ventilation, dew point and possibility of drying the partition.

03

Confirm Product

Full system name, up-to-date documents and compliance with the application.

04

Determination of thickness

The value resulting from the calculation and not the default number for each building.

05

Save Receive

Continuity, detail, thickness control and photos before cover.

QUESTIONS BEFORE THE SELECTION

Open-cell foam or closed-cell foam

FAQ

01

Which foam has better thermal insulation?

You should not choose a product based solely on a single parameter. The effect of the building element is determined by the declared lambda, designed thickness, layer continuity, details and application quality.

02

Does closed-cell foam always offer better protection from moisture?

It has a higher diffusion resistance and lower water absorption than open-cell foam, but it does not remove the source of moisture and does not replace complete waterproofing or ventilation.

03

Can open-cell foam be used in a bathroom?

The purpose of the room alone is not enough to make a decision. You need to analyze the layer arrangement, vapor tightness, ventilation and the risk of contact of the insulation with water.

04

Does higher density always mean better product?

No. Higher density is associated with different structure and mechanical properties, but also higher mass and different diffusion behavior. The product must correspond to the function of the building element.

05

How do you compare two contractors' offers?

Check the full product name, thickness, preparatory work, protective measures, details, application conditions, acceptance procedure and documentation. Prices can only be compared meaningfully when the scope is the same.

Do you need confirmation?

Product selection start by evaluating the partition

Send photos and basic investment data to a contractor operating in your region. You will receive a selection guide based on real conditions.