About R-6 Per InchVapour Barrier at 2 in. (50 mm)Free On-Site Quotes
Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation in Ottawa
Closed-cell spray foam insulation from Ottawa Insulation Experts insulates, air-seals and stops vapour in one layer. It gives about R-6 per inch and costs roughly $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot at 2 to 3 inches thick.
Free on-site quotes across Ottawa. Call (343) 459-3623, open 24/7.
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The short answer
What closed-cell spray foam is and where it pays off
Closed-cell spray foam is a dense, medium-density (2 lb) polyurethane foam. Its cells are sealed, so air and water vapour can’t pass through once it cures.
R-value: about R-6 per inch. More per inch than batts, blown-in or open-cell foam.
Vapour control: at 50 mm (2 in.) or more it can act as the vapour barrier under the Ontario Building Code.
Cost: $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot. A board foot is one square foot, one inch thick.
Best spots: rim joists, basement foundation walls, additions and cantilevered floors.
Where we use closed-cell foam in Ottawa homes
It costs more than other insulation, so we put it where it does a job nothing else can.
Rim Joists & Sill Plates
The band of framing above your foundation is full of notches and gaps. Foam fills them and stops the cold draft at the floor line.
Basement Foundation Walls
Sprayed directly on the concrete, it doesn't soak up water. No wet batt hiding behind the drywall.
Shallow Cavities
Cathedral ceilings, cantilevered floors and 2×4 walls in additions. When depth is tight, R-6 per inch gets the most out of the space.
Building code
The vapour barrier rule for closed-cell foam
In Ontario, medium-density closed-cell foam at 50 mm (2 in.) or thicker can serve as the vapour barrier in a wall assembly (Ontario Building Code 9.25.4.2). That means no separate poly sheet over the foam.
The rule breaks when materials are mixed. Foam at the back of a cavity with a batt on top still needs a sealed vapour barrier on the warm side.
Closed-cell spray foam cost in Ottawa
We price closed-cell foam at $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot. Thickness drives the total, so we measure before we quote.
Rim Joists & Small Areas
$1,500 to $3,000 per job
Full rim joist and sill plate perimeter
2 to 3 in. of foam
Seals the draftiest spot in the basement
We measure the cavities and confirm the surface is dry. Foam sprayed on wet wood or concrete won't bond properly.
2
Prep and mask
Floors, windows, mechanicals and anything we're not spraying gets covered.
3
Spray in passes
Foam goes on in passes, not one thick layer, so each one cures properly. We check thickness with a depth gauge as we go.
4
Cure, ventilate, walk-through
The space is ventilated while the foam cures. Plan to stay out for at least 24 hours, then we walk you through the finished work.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is the right call when space is tight, moisture is a risk, or air leaks are the main problem. For a wide-open attic floor, blown-in insulation usually gives more R-value for the money, and we will tell you that on the visit.
Closed-cell spray foam FAQs
How much does closed-cell spray foam cost in Ottawa?
We price it at $1.00 to $1.50 per board foot. A typical rim joist job runs $1,500 to $3,000. Basement walls at 3 inches run about $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot. We confirm the total after measuring.
What are the downsides of closed-cell spray foam?
It costs more than batts, blown-in or open-cell foam. It's hard to remove later, so plumbing or wiring behind it is harder to reach. And it has to be installed right. A wrong mix or a wet surface leads to poor adhesion and odour, which is why we check the surface before spraying.
How many inches of closed-cell foam do I need?
At about R-6 per inch, 2 inches gives roughly R-12 and meets the 50 mm vapour barrier thickness. 3 inches gives about R-18. 3.5 inches gets you close to R-20, a common target for Ottawa basement walls. We confirm what your project or permit calls for.
Do mice chew through closed-cell spray foam?
They can. Foam isn't food, but mice will tunnel through it to get somewhere. Closed-cell is denser and harder to get through than open-cell, but it isn't a pest barrier. Entry points should be sealed with metal mesh or flashing before the foam goes on.
Is closed-cell foam a good choice for a garage ceiling?
Yes, especially under a bedroom or living space. It insulates and air-seals the ceiling in one layer, which keeps cold air and car exhaust out of the room above.
How long before I can go back into the sprayed area?
Plan on at least 24 hours away from the sprayed area while the foam cures and the space ventilates. Some products list a longer time, and we follow whichever is longer.
Get a Closed-Cell Spray Foam Quote
Free on-site measurement anywhere in Ottawa. Call (343) 459-3623, open 24/7.
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