Wall cavity filled with open-cell spray foam for energy efficiency

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Spray Foam: What’s Best for Your Northeast Texas Property?

July 24, 20253 min read

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At 903 Spray Foam, we specialize in providing top notch spray foam insulation solutions for homes and businesses. With years of industry experience and a customer first philosophy, we are committed to enhancing comfort and energy efficiency in every project. Serving Sumner, Paris, Honey Grove, and the greater Northeast Texas area, we focus on attic insulation, crawl space spray foam, and other energy efficient solutions. Whether you're improving home comfort or reducing energy costs, we treat each project with the utmost care and precision because we understand how important your space is. When selecting insulation for your property, it's essential to understand the difference between open cell and closed cell spray foam. Each type offers distinct advantages depending on your building’s structure, the local climate, and your budget. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision for your next project.

What Is Open-Cell Spray Foam?

Open cell spray foam is a lightweight, flexible insulation option. It expands to fill even the smallest cracks and gaps, making it ideal for:

  • Crawl spaces, basements, and attics

  • Metal buildings and barndominiums

  • Applications needing moisture protection

Key Features:

  • R-Value: ~R-3.8 per inch

  • Density: ~0.5 lb/ft³

  • Air Barrier: Effective at 3.75” thickness

  • Vapor Barrier: ❌ Not a vapor barrier

Open cell foam offers excellent sound dampening and is often more cost effective for large areas. However, it doesn't resist moisture like closed cell foam does, making it better suited for interior spaces.

Cost Differences: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

While open cell spray foam may have a lower upfront cost, it requires more thickness to achieve the same R-value as closed-cell foam. So depending on your goals whether it's budget savings or long-term performance one may suit your needs better.

Closed Cell Spray foam applied at the garage

Which Type Is Best for Homes in Sumner & Northeast Texas?

In Northeast Texas, we experience wide temperature swings, from cold winters to hot, humid summers. That’s why closed cell spray foam is often the better long-term investment especially in:

  • Attics or roofs

  • Crawl spaces prone to condensation

  • Metal structures

However, open cell foam can still be a great choice for interior walls or homes with smaller insulation needs where sound control is a priority.

Trust the Local Experts at 903 Spray Foam

Unlike national chains or out of town contractors, we understand the unique needs of Texas homeowners and builders. Whether you’re insulating a new build or retrofitting an older home, our team provides:

  • Honest, upfront quotes

  • Quick response times

  • High-performance materials

  • Clean, professional installations

Proudly serving Sumner, Paris, Honey Grove, Bonham, and surrounding communities.

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Ready to Insulate Smarter?

Choosing the right spray foam insulation is a big step toward improving comfort and lowering energy bills. Whether you're leaning toward open cell or closed cell, we’ll help you make the right call for your space.

Explore all our spray foam insulation services


Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference in R-value between open and closed cell foam?

Closed cell foam offers an R-value of about R7 per inch, while open cell foam provides around R 3.8 per inch. That means a closed cell performs better with less thickness.

Can I use open-cell foam in my attic?

Yes but in Texas climates, closed cell is often preferred in attics because it provides a vapor barrier and holds up better against humidity.

Is spray foam better than fiberglass or cellulose?

Yes. Spray foam expands to seal air leaks better than traditional insulation, improving both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

Does closed-cell spray foam add strength to a structure?

Yes! It adds rigidity to walls and roofs, making it ideal for metal buildings or structures in high wind areas.


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Peter Fehr is the owner and lead insulation expert at 903 Spray Foam, delivering high-performance open and closed cell spray foam solutions to homeowners and builders in Sumner, TX, and surrounding Northeast Texas areas. With years of hands-on experience, Peter specializes in energy-efficient installations, superior air sealing, and moisture control for attics, crawl spaces, and more. His dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovative insulation methods has earned 903 Spray Foam a trusted reputation for comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

Peter Fehr

Peter Fehr is the owner and lead insulation expert at 903 Spray Foam, delivering high-performance open and closed cell spray foam solutions to homeowners and builders in Sumner, TX, and surrounding Northeast Texas areas. With years of hands-on experience, Peter specializes in energy-efficient installations, superior air sealing, and moisture control for attics, crawl spaces, and more. His dedication to quality, customer satisfaction, and innovative insulation methods has earned 903 Spray Foam a trusted reputation for comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings.

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