The Last Insulation Your Building Will Ever Need.

How Spray Foam Works

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a two-component insulation system. Component A (isocyanate) and Component B (a polyol resin blend) are stored in separate containers and kept at the correct temperature and pressure before application.

When the two components are pumped through a heated hose and combined in the spray gun's mixing chamber, a rapid chemical reaction occurs. The mixture expands up to 30–100 times its liquid volume and cures into a solid foam within seconds.

Because it expands to fill the space it's applied to, spray foam creates a continuous, gap-free layer of insulation and air barrier. This is its primary advantage over fiberglass batts or blown-in cellulose, which insulate but leave air pathways around and through them.

The end result (open cell or closed cell foam) depends on the specific chemical formulation used. ThermoSeal offers both, in four distinct products engineered for different applications and performance requirements.

Inside the Application Process

A
Two Components, Stored Separately Isocyanate (A-side) and polyol resin (B-side) are maintained at precise temperature and pressure before mixing.
Heated Hose + Proportioning Equipment Components travel through a heated hose to maintain viscosity, then are metered by a proportioner at a precise 1:1 ratio.
Mixed at the Gun Tip Components combine at the spray gun impingement mixing chamber, triggering the chemical reaction at the point of application.
Expands & Cures in Seconds The foam expands rapidly to fill cavities, gaps, and irregular surfaces, then cures to a stable solid that holds its shape permanently.

Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam

Both are spray polyurethane foam, but they have fundamentally different cell structures, densities, R-values, and best applications.

Open Cell Foam

Soft, flexible, vapor-permeable, ideal for interior applications

R-Value~R-4.1 to R-4.5 per inch
Density0.5 lb/ft³
Cell StructureOpen (air-filled)
TextureSoft, spongy
Vapor Permeable?Yes (Class III vapor retarder)
Sound AttenuationExcellent
CostLower per sq ft

Best Applications

  • Interior walls & ceilings
  • Attic assemblies
  • Basement rim joists
  • Sound-dampening applications
  • Climate zones where vapor permeability is needed
ThermoSeal Products: ThermoSeal 500, ThermoSeal 800

Closed Cell Foam

Dense, rigid, vapor-resistant, for maximum performance and structural benefit

R-Value~R-6.5 to R-7.4 per inch
Density2 lb/ft³
Cell StructureClosed (blowing agent-filled)
TextureRigid, hard
Vapor Permeable?No (Class II vapor retarder)
Structural RackingUp to 286 mph wind uplift
CostHigher per sq ft

Best Applications

  • Rooflines & attic assemblies
  • Exterior walls & sheathing
  • Coastal & high-wind zones
  • Commercial & industrial
  • Below-grade & high-moisture environments
ThermoSeal Products: ThermoSeal HFO, ThermoSeal 5G

Why Spray Foam Outperforms Traditional Insulation

Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose insulate, but they don't air seal. That gap in performance is where most energy is lost.

True Air Barrier

Fiberglass batts have no air barrier properties; air moves freely through and around them. Spray foam expands into every gap, creating a continuous air seal that batts and blown-in insulation simply cannot match. Air infiltration accounts for up to 40% of a home's heating and cooling load.

Higher R-Value per Inch

Fiberglass batts achieve roughly R-3.2 per inch. Closed cell spray foam achieves R-6.5 to R-7.4 per inch, meaning you get more than twice the thermal resistance in the same wall cavity space. In tight construction assemblies, this matters significantly.

Moisture Resistance

Fiberglass batts absorb and retain moisture; once wet, they lose R-value and can become a mold substrate. Closed cell spray foam is impermeable to water vapor and bulk water, protecting the building enclosure from moisture-related damage.

Structural Contribution

Closed cell spray foam bonds to framing members and adds measurable racking strength. ThermoSeal HFO has been tested to 286 mph wind uplift resistance, a structural benefit that fiberglass insulation doesn't provide.

No Settling or Degradation

Blown-in cellulose settles over time, reducing effective R-value. Fiberglass batts compress or absorb moisture and lose performance. Closed cell spray foam is dimensionally stable; it doesn't settle, compress, or degrade, maintaining its rated R-value for the life of the building.

Up to 50% Energy Reduction

When a building enclosure is properly air-sealed and insulated with spray foam, HVAC energy use can drop by 30–50% compared to traditional insulation assemblies. This means smaller equipment, lower monthly bills, and faster ROI on the installation cost.

Common Spray Foam Applications

Spray foam is used across residential, commercial, and industrial construction, wherever continuous insulation and air sealing matters.

Attics & Rooflines

Closed cell foam applied to the underside of roof decking creates a conditioned attic, eliminating duct heat loss and dramatically reducing cooling loads.

Walls & Cavities

Open or closed cell foam fills wall cavities completely (no gaps, no voids), maximizing thermal performance within standard stud spacing.

Crawl Spaces

Spray foam on crawl space walls and rim joists creates a conditioned, moisture-resistant enclosure, eliminating the damp, moldy crawl space problem entirely.

Commercial & Industrial

ThermoSeal 5G's NFPA 285 certification makes it suitable for multi-story commercial construction where fire-rated wall assemblies are required by code.

Coastal & High-Wind

ThermoSeal HFO's 286 mph wind uplift resistance makes it the insulation of choice for coastal construction and hurricane-zone building codes.

Rim Joists & Band Joists

One of the most common air leakage pathways in older homes. A thin layer of closed cell foam seals this gap completely, a high-ROI retrofit application.

Cold Storage & Agricultural

Spray foam's moisture resistance and high R-value make it ideal for cold storage facilities, agricultural buildings, and temperature-controlled warehouses.

Retrofit & Renovation

Spray foam can be applied over existing insulation or in existing wall cavities during renovation, improving building performance without full gut renovation.

What to Expect During Installation

A professional spray foam installation is a precise, equipment-intensive process that takes one day in most residential applications.

1

Site Preparation

The installer masks off surfaces not being sprayed, confirms ventilation, and sets up proportioning equipment outside or in the truck.

2

Substrate Inspection

Temperature, moisture content, and surface condition are checked; spray foam won't adhere properly to wet or cold substrates below 40°F.

3

Application in Passes

Closed cell foam is applied in multiple passes of 2–3 inches to manage exotherm (heat of reaction) and build to target thickness.

4

Cure & Re-Occupancy

Open cell foam cures in minutes. Closed cell in seconds. Occupants may re-enter the space after the manufacturer's specified ventilation period, typically 24 hours.

Four Products. Every Application.

ThermoSeal's complete spray foam lineup covers every application from basic residential open cell to NFPA 285-certified commercial closed cell, all backed by 20+ years of spray foam expertise.

View All Products → Find a Certified Installer

ThermoSeal 500

0.5 lb open cell: residential walls, ceilings, attics

R-4.1/inch

ThermoSeal 800

0.75 lb open cell: enhanced performance, same applications

R-4.5/inch

ThermoSeal HFO

2 lb closed cell: attics, exterior, coastal, high-wind

R-7.4/inch · 286 mph

ThermoSeal 5G

2 lb closed cell: NFPA 285 commercial construction

R-7.3/inch · NFPA 285

Spray Foam FAQ

Everything homeowners, builders, and contractors commonly ask about spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation is a two-component system. Component A (isocyanate) and Component B (polyol resin blend) are stored separately and mixed in the spray gun's impingement chamber. When they combine, a chemical reaction causes the material to expand and cure into a rigid or semi-rigid foam. The specific formulation determines whether the result is open cell (soft, flexible) or closed cell (dense, rigid).
Open cell foam has a soft, spongy texture because the cell structure is not fully enclosed. Air fills the open cells. It achieves R-values of approximately R-4.1 to R-4.5 per inch and is vapor permeable, making it ideal for interior applications like walls and ceilings. Closed cell foam has a rigid, dense structure where each cell is fully enclosed and filled with a blowing agent. It achieves R-values of R-6.5 to R-7.4 per inch, acts as a vapor retarder, and adds structural rigidity.
Spray foam outperforms traditional insulation in three key areas: air sealing, moisture management, and R-value per inch. Fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose insulate but do not air seal. Air still moves through gaps, reducing effective thermal performance. Spray foam expands to fill every gap and crack, creating a continuous air barrier that can reduce heating and cooling energy use by up to 50% compared to traditional insulation alone.
Yes. Once fully cured, spray polyurethane foam is inert and safe. The chemical reaction and any off-gassing occur during and immediately after application, which is why installers wear respirators and occupants vacate the space during installation and for the re-occupancy period specified by the manufacturer (typically 24 hours). After cure, the foam is a stable, non-reactive material.
In many cases, yes. Spray foam can be applied over existing insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and walls during a retrofit or remodel. The existing insulation should be dry and in good condition. Your ThermoSeal certified installer will assess the substrate and recommend the correct product and application for your specific situation.
Spray polyurethane foam insulation, when properly installed, can last the lifetime of the building. Unlike fiberglass batts (which can sag, settle, or absorb moisture over time), closed cell spray foam is rigid and dimensionally stable. It does not promote mold growth, does not settle, and maintains its R-value over time. ThermoSeal's products carry a limited lifetime material warranty when installed by a certified installer.

ThermoSeal Has the Right Product for Your Project

Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or contractor, we have four distinct spray foam products and a nationwide network of certified installers ready to help.

Find a Certified Installer → View ThermoSeal Products
1-800-853-1577