Closed-Cell and Open-Cell
Cold drafts along the foundation, walls that feel chilly to the touch, heating bills that climb every winter? Spray foam insulation solves these problems at the source by combining insulation, air barrier and vapor barrier in a single continuous application. 1 Clean Air provides certified installers, professional spray equipment and workmanship that meets current Canadian standards.
Spray polyurethane foam bonds directly to concrete, wood and steel to form a seamless monolithic barrier with no joints or gaps. It helps eliminate air leakage, which can account for a significant share of a home’s heat loss, protects against moisture and strengthens the building envelope. Every project follows the CAN/ULC-S705.2 installation standard, with solutions built for demanding Canadian winters.
Why choose spray foam insulation?
With an R-value of about 6 per inch for closed-cell foam, spray foam delivers excellent thermal performance per inch of thickness. Unlike batt insulation, it conforms to irregular surfaces, seals cracks and helps reduce thermal bridging. At 2 inches of thickness or more, it also functions as a built-in vapor barrier, eliminating an entire installation step.
It is also an insulation that lasts: the foam holds its shape well over time, maintains a stable R-value for decades and withstands the freeze-thaw cycles that can compress traditional insulation. A single application improves your comfort, your energy bills and the protection of your property’s structure all at once.
Our spray foam insulation services
Our services cover the full range of residential and commercial needs:
- Closed-cell spray foam (R-value of about 6 per inch)
- Open-cell foam for soundproofing and interior partitions
- Foundation wall and basement insulation
- Rim joist and floor-to-wall junction sealing
- Crawl space and garage insulation
- Cathedral ceilings and flat roofs
- Removal of existing insulation before application when needed
- Energy assessment and personalized recommendations
Entrusting your project to a certified team like 1 Clean Air means you never have to juggle multiple subcontractors or navigate gray areas of responsibility between trades. A single project manager oversees everything from the first visit to the final inspection, with complete documentation for available rebate programs.
Spray foam standards, certification and safety
We use only polyurethane foams certified to the CAN/ULC-S705.1 standard, applied by installers trained to the CAN/ULC-S705.2 installation standard. These products deliver superior adhesion, long-term dimensional stability and proven moisture resistance, even through harsh winter conditions.
A 24-hour ventilation period is recommended after application while the foam finishes curing. Once cured, it is inert, stable and produces no notable emissions. Our teams follow current safety protocols at every stage of the job.
Why Choose 1 Clean Air For Spray Foam Insulation?
Trained, certified spray foam installers
Compliance with CAN/ULC-S705.1 and S705.2 standards
Over 40 years of energy efficiency experience (since 1984)
Calibrated professional spray equipment
Certified, premium-grade products
Our reputation is built on technical rigor, transparent estimates and measurable results on your energy bills.
Closed-cell vs. open-cell spray foam: which one should you choose?
The choice depends on the area to insulate and the goal of the project. For surfaces exposed to cold and moisture, such as foundations and crawl spaces, closed-cell foam is the clear pick thanks to its water resistance and higher R-value. For interior partitions and projects where soundproofing matters more than thermal resistance, open-cell foam offers excellent value. During the inspection, we assess each area and recommend the right foam, sometimes combining both in a single project.
Closed-cell spray foam: insulation, air barrier and vapor barrier
Closed-cell foam is dense, rigid and impermeable to water. With an R-value of about 6 per inch, it works as insulation, air barrier and vapor barrier all at once. It is the ideal choice for foundation walls, basements, crawl spaces and rim joists, where ground moisture and cold demand maximum protection. It also adds structural rigidity to the surfaces it covers.
Open-cell spray foam: soundproofing and interior comfort
Lighter and more economical, open-cell foam offers an R-value of about 3.7 per inch along with excellent soundproofing properties. It suits interior partitions, ceilings and spaces where noise control is a priority. Because it is vapor-permeable, it must be paired with a separate vapor barrier when used on exterior walls.
Insulation built for harsh Canadian winters
In many Canadian regions, winter temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Celsius. These conditions amplify air leakage, drive condensation inside wall cavities and accelerate ice dam formation on poorly insulated roofs.
Because it blocks heat transfer, air leakage and vapor migration at the same time, spray foam is exceptionally well suited to this climate. It keeps the building envelope tight and efficient in winter and summer alike, reducing the load on your heating and cooling systems all year long.
Simple 4-step process
Our approach is transparent and rigorous:
- Inspection and assessment:
Analysis of the areas to insulate, moisture testing and priority identification. - Personalized insulation plan:
Doam type selection, required thickness and a transparent estimate. - Professional application:
Surface preparation, site protection and controlled spraying. - Verification and documentation:
Thickness checks, final inspection and rebate paperwork.
Each phase is designed to guarantee a compliant installation and maximize your comfort and energy savings.
Got Questions? We’ve got Answers.
What is the R-value of spray foam insulation?
Closed-cell foam delivers an R-value of about 6 per inch, nearly double that of traditional insulation. Open-cell foam provides about 3.7 per inch. The thickness required depends on the area: a foundation wall typically targets R-17 or higher, while a cathedral ceiling calls for a significantly greater value.
Does spray foam replace the vapor barrier?
Yes, in the case of closed-cell foam. At about 2 inches of thickness or more, closed-cell foam qualifies as a vapor barrier under Canadian building codes, eliminating the need for a separate membrane. Open-cell foam, on the other hand, requires a separate vapor barrier on exterior walls.
What is the difference between closed-cell and open-cell spray foam?
Closed-cell foam is dense, rigid and impermeable to water, with a higher R-value per inch. Open-cell foam is lighter, more flexible and vapor-permeable, with better acoustic properties. In short: closed-cell for thermal performance and moisture protection, open-cell for soundproofing and tighter budgets.
Is spray foam insulation safe for my family?
Yes. The foams we use are certified to CAN/ULC-S705.1 and applied by installers trained to the CAN/ULC-S705.2 standard. A 24-hour ventilation period is recommended after application. Once cured, the foam is inert, stable and produces no notable emissions.
Can spray foam be applied in winter?
Yes. Our equipment lets us control component temperature and warm surfaces as needed, making application possible year-round. The surfaces simply need to be dry, clean and free of frost at the time of spraying.
How much does spray foam insulation cost?
The cost depends on the surface area, required thickness, foam type and how accessible the areas are. Sealing rim joists costs far less than insulating a full basement. We provide a free, detailed estimate after the inspection, with no hidden fees or unexpected extras.
Are there rebates for spray foam insulation?
Yes. Ontario’s Home Renovation Savings program and Quebec’s Renoclimat program both offer financial assistance for eligible insulation work. We supply the documentation needed to support your applications.
Start your spray foam insulation project
Spray foam is an investment that pays for itself season after season: lower energy bills, consistent comfort in every room and lasting protection for your property’s structure.
