When it comes to choosing the right spray foam insulation for your home, especially in a region like Louisiana, the decision often comes down to open-cell vs closed-cell spray foam. Both types offer high-performance thermal resistance and air sealing, but they behave very differently once installed. At RM Laplace Insulation, we help homeowners across New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner understand the pros and cons so they can make informed decisions based on their home’s needs and local climate conditions.
Understanding Open‑Cell Spray Foam
Open-cell spray foam is a lightweight, flexible insulation made up of tiny foam cells that aren’t completely sealed. This structure allows air to fill the open spaces within the material, making it softer and more pliable. Open-cell foam is generally less expensive per square foot compared to its closed-cell counterpart, and it’s ideal for filling large spaces like attics, wall cavities, and ceilings.
One of the key advantages of open-cell foam is its sound dampening capability. If you’re trying to reduce noise transmission between rooms or from outside, this is a great solution. Additionally, open-cell foam expands significantly upon application—up to 100 times its size—allowing it to easily reach into small crevices and irregular framing.
That said, its lower R-value (around 3.5 to 4 per inch) means it may not be as effective in situations where maximum thermal resistance is needed. It also absorbs moisture, which is a concern in humid areas like New Orleans, unless paired with a proper vapor barrier.
What Makes Closed‑Cell Spray Foam Different
In contrast, closed-cell spray foam is much denser and made of completely encapsulated cells, giving it a rigid structure once cured. This denser makeup contributes to a higher R-value—typically around 6 to 7 per inch—making it one of the most thermally resistant insulation materials available today.
Because of its rigidity and density, closed-cell foam adds structural integrity to walls, ceilings, and roofs. It also serves as a vapor barrier, effectively blocking both air and moisture, which makes it highly suitable for crawl spaces, garages, and flood-prone areas. For Louisiana homeowners concerned about water intrusion or mold growth, closed-cell foam offers extra peace of mind.
The downside? It’s more expensive and requires more careful handling during installation. It also doesn’t offer the same soundproofing qualities as open-cell foam.
Which Spray Foam Insulation is Best for Louisiana Homes?
Louisiana’s subtropical climate—characterized by high humidity, heavy rainfall, and occasional flooding—makes moisture control and air sealing top priorities for homeowners. So how do you decide between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam?
- For attics, interior walls, and ceiling cavities where sound control and budget are top concerns, open-cell foam is a smart and cost-effective choice.
- For crawl spaces, exterior walls, metal buildings, or areas with high moisture exposure, closed-cell spray foam is the more resilient option. It’s especially valuable in flood-prone parts of New Orleans and Kenner, where water resistance and structural support are critical.
Often, a hybrid approach works best—using open-cell in living spaces and closed-cell in high-risk or moisture-prone zones. At RM Laplace Insulation, we regularly tailor solutions like this to suit the specific layout and vulnerabilities of each property.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Choosing between spray foam insulation types isn’t just a matter of product specs—it’s about understanding how each material performs over time in Louisiana’s demanding climate. That’s why working with an experienced, local team like ours makes a difference. We’ve installed insulation in everything from raised homes in Kenner to historic properties in downtown New Orleans. We know how to match the right material to the right space.
Plus, we offer blower door testing to ensure your home is properly sealed against air leaks—an essential step for achieving maximum energy efficiency with spray foam.
Ready to Upgrade Your Insulation?
If you’re debating between open-cell and closed-cell spray foam insulation, we’re here to help. At RM Laplace Insulation, we specialize in high-performance insulation in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner that’s customized to your home and your goals. Whether you’re looking to save on energy bills, improve comfort, or boost moisture protection, we’ll walk you through the options and make sure the job gets done right the first time.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get expert advice on the best spray foam solution for your home.