CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

The highest R-value commercially available. Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam delivers R-6 to R-7 per inch while simultaneously creating an integrated air barrier and vapor barrier in one application. Adds structural reinforcement to wall cavities. The right choice for rim joists, crawl spaces, and any building assembly that needs comprehensive moisture management.

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MAXIMUM R-VALUE PLUS INTEGRATED AIR AND VAPOR BARRIER

For multi-family buildings, closed-cell foam excels in three specific applications: rim joists at the foundation perimeter (often the single largest air leak in any building), unconditioned crawl spaces and basement encapsulation, and complex roof assemblies with vaulted ceilings where space for insulation is limited and moisture control is critical. The higher upfront cost is offset by the elimination of separate air and vapor barriers and by the fact that you need fewer inches to achieve the same R-value as alternative materials.

— WHY CLOSED CELL

Closed-cell spray foam is the same two-component polyurethane chemistry as open-cell foam, formulated with a denser cell structure. Individual cells are sealed and isolated, which gives the material the highest R-value per inch of any commercially available insulation, the ability to act as an air barrier and vapor retarder, and dimensional rigidity that adds modest structural reinforcement to wall cavities.

CLOSED CELL SPRAY FOAM in Multifamily Buildings

✓ R-6 to R-7 per inch installed thermal performance, the highest available

✓ Integrated air barrier and vapor barrier in one application

✓ Adds structural rigidity to framed assemblies

✓ Moisture-resistant, ideal for below-grade and below-finished-floor applications

✓ Long service life with no settling, sagging, or degradation over time

✓ Best for rim joists, crawl spaces, exterior walls, vaulted ceilings

✓ Rebate eligible across applicable Illinois utility programs

— THE SCOPE

Applications

Where We Install Closed Cell Spray Foam

Closed cell foam earns its higher price tag in specific applications where its unique properties matter most: rim joists, below-grade spaces, and assemblies that need integrated moisture and air barriers.

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Rim Joists

The horizontal beam where the foundation meets the first floor. Often the single largest air leak in any building. Closed cell foam at 2 inches creates an integrated air barrier, vapor barrier, and high R-value insulation in one application.

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Crawl Spaces

Unconditioned crawl spaces are moisture-prone zones that can compromise the entire building above them. Closed cell foam encapsulation transforms a problematic space into part of the building's thermal envelope.

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Basement Walls

Below-grade walls face constant moisture pressure from surrounding soil. Closed cell foam applied directly to interior concrete or block walls insulates and seals against moisture intrusion simultaneously.

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Exterior Walls

When exterior walls are accessible during renovation, closed cell foam delivers higher R-value than batt insulation can fit in the same cavity depth. Particularly useful in tight retrofit situations where wall depth is constrained.

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Vaulted & Cathedral Ceilings

Complex roof assemblies with limited rafter depth. Closed cell foam achieves code-required R-value in shallower cavities than alternative materials, freeing up structural depth for ventilation channels and finishing.

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Moisture-Critical Assemblies

Any wall, ceiling, or floor cavity where moisture infiltration is a known risk: poolside walls, kitchen exhaust adjacencies, north-facing walls in heating-dominated climates. Closed cell foam blocks vapor migration as it insulates.

Compare Materials
How Closed Cell Foam Compares to Other Insulation Types

    
      
          Property
          Closed Cell Foam
          Open Cell Foam
          Cellulose
          Fiberglass Batt
        

      
          R-Value per Inch
          6.0 - 7.0
          3.5 - 3.8
          3.2 - 3.8
          2.2 - 2.7
        

          Air Sealing Ability
          Excellent
          Excellent
          Good
          Poor
        

          Vapor Barrier
          Built-In
          None
          None
          None
        

          Moisture Resistance
          Excellent
          Low
          Moderate
          Moderate
        

          Structural Rigidity
          Adds Strength
          None
          None
          None
        

          Typical Cost
          Highest
          Medium
          Low - Medium
          Lowest
        

          Best For
          Rim joists, crawl spaces, exterior walls, moisture-critical assemblies
          Interior walls, sound dampening
          Attics, walls, retrofits
          New construction
        

    
  