Open-cell spray foam insulation from Ottawa Insulation Experts fills every gap in a wall or roofline and air-seals as it goes. It gives about R-3.7 per inch and costs roughly $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot in a 2×6 wall.
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The short answer
What open-cell spray foam is and when it makes sense
Open-cell spray foam is a light, soft foam (about 0.5 lb). It expands to roughly 100 times its liquid volume, fills the whole cavity, then gets trimmed flush with the studs.
R-value: about R-3.7 per inch. A full 2×6 wall (5.5 in.) comes in near R-20.
Vapour: it lets vapour through, so an Ottawa home still needs a vapour barrier on the warm side.
Cost: $0.35 to $0.65 per board foot, well under closed-cell.
Best spots: above-grade walls, rooflines with a vapour retarder, and walls or floors between rooms for sound.
Where open-cell foam works in an Ottawa home
Open-cell foam fills deep cavities at a lower cost. It belongs above grade, inside the heated part of the house.
2×6 Exterior Walls
New builds and gut renovations. The foam fills around wiring, boxes and odd framing that batts have to be cut around.
Rooflines & Cathedral Ceilings
Sprayed to the underside of the roof deck when the attic is brought inside. In our climate it needs a vapour retarder on the room side, and we confirm the roof assembly first.
Interior Walls & Floors for Sound
The soft cell structure absorbs voices and TV noise between bedrooms, home offices, bathrooms and basement rec rooms.
Open-cell vs closed-cell
Where we won't use open-cell foam
Open-cell foam absorbs water if it gets wet. That rules it out below grade and anywhere moisture can reach it.
Basement walls against concrete
Rim joists and sill plates
Crawl spaces with ground moisture
Exterior or exposed surfaces
Those spots get closed-cell foam, which blocks water and vapour. Open-cell wins where the cavity is deep, the space is dry, and cost per square foot matters.
Open-cell spray foam cost in Ottawa
We price open-cell foam at $0.35 to $0.65 per board foot. Small jobs start around $1,500 because the spray rig and crew cost the same to set up.
2×4 Walls
$1.25 to $2.25 per sq ft
3.5 in. of foam, about R-13
Renovations and interior walls
Good for sound between rooms
We confirm the space is above grade and dry, and plan where the vapour barrier goes before anything is sprayed.
2
Mask and protect
Windows, floors, outlets and mechanicals are covered before spraying.
3
Fill and trim
Foam fills the full cavity depth, then the excess is shaved flush with the studs so the drywall sits flat.
4
Vapour barrier and re-entry
The vapour barrier or retarder goes on the warm side. Plan to stay out for at least 24 hours while the space ventilates.
Open-cell spray foam insulation is the lower-cost way to get a sealed, gap-free wall or roofline. If your project is below grade or short on depth, we will recommend closed-cell foam instead and explain why on the visit.
Open-cell spray foam FAQs
How much does open-cell spray foam cost in Ottawa?
We price it at $0.35 to $0.65 per board foot. That works out to about $2.00 to $3.50 per square foot in a 2×6 wall. Small jobs start around $1,500.
What are the downsides of open-cell spray foam?
Lower R-value per inch than closed-cell, about R-3.7 against R-6. It absorbs water, so it can't go below grade. And in Ottawa it needs a separate vapour barrier, which adds a step.
Does open-cell spray foam need a vapour barrier in Ottawa?
Yes. Open-cell foam lets water vapour pass, so in a heated home it needs a vapour barrier or vapour retarder on the warm side. Without one, warm indoor air can condense inside the wall or roof in winter.
Is open-cell or closed-cell foam better for soundproofing?
Open-cell. Its soft, open structure absorbs airborne sound like voices and TV better than dense closed-cell foam. It won't stop footsteps or impact noise on its own.
Can open-cell foam go in my basement?
Not against the concrete, because it absorbs moisture from the foundation. On interior partition walls or in the basement ceiling for sound control, it works well.
How long does open-cell foam take to cure?
It's tack-free within minutes. We still ask you to stay out of the sprayed area for at least 24 hours while it finishes curing and the space ventilates.
Get an Open-Cell Spray Foam Quote
Free on-site measurement anywhere in Ottawa. Call (343) 459-3623, open 24/7.
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