Why Closed Cell Spray Foam Is the Gold Standard in Insulation

Closed cell spray foam doesn’t just fill gaps—it seals, strengthens, and protects.

Choosing the right insulation is one of the most important decisions in any construction or renovation project. It affects everything from energy efficiency and indoor comfort to the long-term durability of your building. With so many options available, it’s worth taking a closer look at one that continues to outperform the rest—closed cell spray foam.

At Insulate360, we’ve seen firsthand how this high-performance material transforms homes and buildings. Whether you’re aiming to reduce energy bills, eliminate drafts, or boost structural strength, here’s why closed cell spray foam should be at the top of your list.

1. True Continuity of Air and Vapour Barrier

One of the most powerful advantages of closed cell spray foam is its ability to serve as both an air and vapour barrier in one application. Unlike traditional insulation, which often requires additional layers of plastic or membrane to act as a vapour barrier, closed cell foam adheres directly to the substrate and expands into every crevice, crack, and cavity.

The result? A continuous, seamless barrier that dramatically reduces air leakage and prevents moisture infiltration. This airtight seal is one of the key reasons closed cell spray foam is so effective at improving building performance and energy efficiency.

2. Higher and More Reliable R-Value

R-Value is a measure of how well an insulation material resists heat flow—and in Canadian climates, every bit of R-value matters. Closed cell spray foam delivers a long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) of approximately R-5.5 to R-6 per inch, depending on the product. That’s significantly higher than most fiberglass batts, which typically deliver around R-3.5 per inch.

But what’s even more important is the consistency of this performance. Fiberglass insulation can lose up to 30% of its R-value after installation due to settling, compression, or thermal bridging—even when installed perfectly. Spray foam, on the other hand, maintains its thermal performance over time because it bonds directly to the surfaces and doesn’t shift, sag, or deteriorate under normal conditions.

3. Custom Fit to Every Cavity

No two walls, roofs, or crawlspaces are exactly the same, and insulation shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Closed cell spray foam is applied as a liquid and expands on contact, allowing it to conform perfectly to any shape, cavity, or contour. It fills the gaps behind pipes, around electrical boxes, and into every nook and cranny that traditional insulation can’t reach.

This tailored fit minimizes thermal bridging and prevents air from leaking through weak points, creating a more effective building envelope from top to bottom.

4. Eliminates the Risk of Condensation and Mold

Condensation inside wall cavities is one of the leading causes of mold and mildew growth in buildings. When warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface—like the interior side of poorly insulated exterior walls—water droplets can form, leading to rot and mold issues that are expensive and dangerous to remediate.

Because closed cell spray foam acts as both an air seal and vapour barrier, it significantly reduces the likelihood of air and moisture migration. When installed properly, it can effectively eliminate the conditions that lead to condensation, helping keep your home healthier and your building materials protected.

5. Improves Structural Strength

Spray foam does more than just insulate—it reinforces. Closed cell foam sets to a rigid, dense material that can add significant racking strength to walls, roofs, and other structural assemblies. In fact, studies show that it can improve a wall’s racking strength by up to 300%.

For homeowners, this means added durability and resilience during high winds or seismic activity. For commercial or industrial applications, it translates into greater longevity and integrity of the building envelope.

6. Energy Savings That Add Up

The airtight seal created by closed cell spray foam dramatically reduces heating and cooling loss. This translates directly into energy savings—lower utility bills and a reduced environmental footprint. Many homeowners and businesses see a return on investment within just a few years through reduced energy costs alone.

Combine this with rebates and incentive programs offered in many provinces for upgrading your insulation, and spray foam becomes not just a high-performance option, but a smart financial decision too.

Let’s Talk About Your Insulation Needs

Whether you’re building a new home, renovating an existing structure, or looking to make your property more energy-efficient, closed cell spray foam is a top-tier insulation choice that pays dividends for years to come.

At Insulate360, we specialize in high-performance insulation systems that are tailored to your specific needs. Our team is trained, certified, and experienced in applying closed cell spray foam the right way—ensuring you get all the benefits listed above, without compromise.

Planning an insulation project? We’d love to hear about it. Call us at 250-689-9818 or send us a message—we’ll get back to you right away.