Insulation

Hello all- I'm sorry for the long intervals between posts but between teaching, building, and getting my masters, things are falling through the cracks.  :)

The plumber and electrician are in and working they both say that around the end of the week they should be finished.  That brings us to inspection then insulation.

Right now, I am torn between two different systems: a closed cell-hybrid or open cell system.

Closed-Cell                                                                                 Open-Cell



Highest insulating "R-Value" per inch (> 6.0)                          Good insulation value (R = 3.5)


Low vapor permeability (low perm)                                    Higher vapor permeability, but controlled


Air barrier                                                                                Air barrier at full wall thickness


Increases wall strength


(is a WRB – "Water Resistive Barrier")


Medium density (1.75 – 2.25 lbs./ft3)                                 Low density (0.4 – 1.2 lbs./ft3)


Absorbs sound, especially bass tones                         Best sound absorption in normal frequency ranges


                                                                                                         Economical yield

In either case, I am going to get very good insulation. In the closed cell hybrid system, 2 inches of closed cell foam is sprayed to create an air/water barrier with excellent insulating value (R-value).  Then fiberglass rolls (bats) are placed over the foam to increase the R-value. 

The open cell system simply fills the whole wall cavity with the open cell foam.  Each system has advantages and disadvantages.  They are both about the same in price and R-value.  I am not sure which system I will use. 

Thanks for reading.