Spray foam insulation is a two-component liquid material — polyol resin and isocyanate — that is mixed at the tip of a spray gun and applied directly to surfaces. Within seconds of application, the mixture expands and hardens, conforming precisely to the shape of the cavity, surface, or substrate it's applied to. This expansion allows spray foam to fill spaces that are completely inaccessible to batt or blown-in insulation — around wiring, pipes, and irregular framing — and to create a continuous, seamless thermal and air barrier across an entire assembly.
Spray foam is the only insulation type that simultaneously provides high R-value thermal resistance, complete air sealing, and in the case of closed cell foam, a vapour barrier — all in a single product. This multi-function performance makes it the preferred choice for the most demanding insulation applications in Ontario's challenging climate: attic roof decks, basement rim joists, crawl spaces, cantilevered floors, and any area where air leakage is as much of a problem as heat loss.
Spray foam insulation comes in two fundamentally different formulations — open cell and closed cell — each with distinct performance characteristics, costs, and ideal applications. Choosing the right type for each part of your home is critical, and our team will walk you through the decision during your free assessment.
Open Cell Spray Foam
Open cell spray foam has a soft, spongy texture because its cell structure is intentionally left open, allowing air — but not liquid water — to fill the cells. It expands significantly on application (up to 100 times its liquid volume) and is an excellent air barrier, though it is vapor-permeable and does not act as a vapour retarder on its own.
- R-value: approximately R-3.5 to R-3.8 per inch
- Density: approximately 0.5 lb/ft³ (light, soft, and flexible after curing)
- Air barrier: excellent — stops air movement completely
- Vapour barrier: no — vapour-permeable; a separate vapour barrier may be required in Ontario assemblies
- Best applications: interior wall cavities, attic roof decks (cathedral ceilings), interior basement walls, sound control between rooms and floors
- Cost: lower material cost per square foot than closed cell — makes it cost-effective for large interior applications where vapour barrier is handled separately
Closed Cell Spray Foam
Closed cell spray foam has a rigid, dense structure because its cells are closed and filled with a blowing agent gas rather than air. It expands far less than open cell on application but delivers dramatically higher R-value per inch, structural rigidity, and a Class II vapour retarder — making it the premium choice for applications where maximum performance in a limited depth is required.
- R-value: approximately R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch — the highest R-value per inch of any commonly used insulation material
- Density: approximately 2 lb/ft³ (rigid and hard after curing; adds structural strength to assemblies)
- Air barrier: excellent — completely eliminates air infiltration
- Vapour barrier: yes — acts as a Class II vapour retarder at 2" or greater thickness, eliminating the need for a separate poly vapour barrier in many assemblies
- Water resistance: closed cell foam does not absorb liquid water and can resist incidental moisture exposure
- Best applications: rim joists, crawl spaces, below-grade basement walls, exterior wall sheathing, roof decks, cantilevered floors, and any application requiring maximum R-value in a shallow cavity
- Cost: higher material cost per square foot than open cell — but often eliminates other materials (vapour barrier, air barrier membrane) and labour steps
Spray foam's ability to conform to any shape and seal as it insulates makes it the ideal solution for the most difficult and high-impact insulation locations in your home:
- Basement rim joists and header areas — one of the single most cost-effective insulation upgrades in any Ontario home; rim joists are a major source of air leakage and heat loss that batts alone cannot fully address
- Crawl spaces — closed cell spray foam applied to crawl space walls and the underside of the floor above creates a fully conditioned, moisture-resistant crawl space that dramatically improves comfort and air quality
- Attic roof deck (underside of rafters) — converting a vented attic to an unvented conditioned attic with spray foam applied directly to the underside of the roof deck, eliminating the need for soffit ventilation and dramatically simplifying the building envelope
- Cathedral ceilings and sloped roof assemblies — where cavity depth is limited and maximum R-value per inch is required
- Cantilevered floor assemblies — where the floor projects beyond the exterior wall below, creating a thermally vulnerable zone that is difficult to insulate with any other material
- Exterior wall cavities — in new construction or open-wall renovations, closed cell spray foam in walls provides superior R-value and eliminates the need for a separate air barrier and vapour barrier
- Around mechanical penetrations, plumbing, and wiring — spray foam seals around pipes, ducts, and wiring far more completely than caulk or backer rod alone
- Below-grade basement walls — closed cell foam applied directly to poured concrete or block walls provides both thermal resistance and moisture protection
- Garage ceilings adjacent to living space — where comfort, fire code, and moisture control all need to be addressed simultaneously
Spray foam insulation costs more per square foot than batt or blown-in insulation — and it consistently delivers more performance per dollar when applied in the right locations. Here is why Ontario homeowners who choose spray foam see the results they do:
- Highest R-value per inch of any common insulation material — closed cell foam reaches R-6 to R-7 per inch, meaning a 2" application in a rim joist delivers the equivalent thermal resistance of more than 3" of fiberglass batt
- Simultaneous insulation and air sealing — spray foam eliminates the separate air sealing step required with batts or blow-in, saving labour and ensuring no gaps are missed
- Eliminates drafts completely — because spray foam seals every crack and gap as it expands, it stops the air infiltration that causes cold spots, drafts, and the chilled-wall sensation that batts cannot prevent on their own
- Reduces HVAC system load — a properly spray-foamed building envelope requires less heating and cooling capacity to maintain comfort, which can allow for smaller system sizing in new construction and dramatically reduces operating costs in retrofits
- Moisture management — closed cell foam does not absorb or retain moisture, making it ideal for below-grade applications and crawl spaces where moisture is a persistent concern
- Structural rigidity — closed cell spray foam adds measurable rigidity to wall and roof assemblies, improving the overall structural performance of framed building components
- Long service life — spray foam does not settle, sag, or degrade in place; once cured, it maintains its thermal and air barrier performance for the life of the building
- Reduced allergen and pollutant infiltration — by sealing the building envelope completely, spray foam dramatically reduces the entry of outdoor allergens, dust, insects, and radon through gaps in the foundation and framing
- Potential eligibility for Ontario insulation rebates — reducing upfront cost for qualifying homeowners
Spray foam insulation is a precision application that requires certified technicians, professional equipment, and careful preparation to deliver safe, high-performance results. Here is what to expect when you book a spray foam installation with Constant Home Comfort:
Pre-Installation Assessment. Our team performs a thorough inspection of all areas to be insulated — assessing current R-values, identifying air leakage sources, checking for existing moisture issues, and confirming substrate conditions. We specify the correct foam type, thickness, and application approach for each location in your home, with full transparency on what each area will cost and what R-value it will achieve.
Preparation and Protection. Before application begins, our technicians cover and protect all surfaces, fixtures, and materials that should not receive foam — including windows, doors, electrical panels, and finished surfaces adjacent to the work area. Proper preparation prevents overspray and protects your home throughout the installation.
Spray Application. Foam is applied in controlled passes to ensure even coverage and correct thickness throughout. Our technicians monitor temperature, humidity, and substrate conditions during application — all of which affect the quality of the cure. Multiple passes are made as needed to achieve the specified thickness and R-value, with each layer allowed to expand and begin curing before the next is applied.
Curing and Off-Gassing Period. After application, spray foam requires a curing period before the space can be occupied. Open cell foam typically requires a minimum of 1 hour before re-occupancy; closed cell foam typically requires 24 hours for full cure. Our team provides clear guidance on re-occupancy timing and ventilates the space appropriately before leaving. During this period, the foam completes its expansion and the chemical reaction finishes — after full cure, spray foam is chemically inert and safe.
Trimming and Final Inspection. Once cured, excess foam is trimmed flush with framing where required. Our team performs a full inspection to confirm complete coverage, correct thickness, and a uniform application throughout. We provide written confirmation of installed R-values, foam type, and coverage area for your records, rebate applications, and building permit documentation.
Qualifying spray foam insulation upgrades in Ontario may be eligible for rebates and incentives through government and utility programs that significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Constant Home Comfort is a registered contractor under Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program, delivered by Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy. We confirm your eligibility, prepare your rebate application, and submit everything on your behalf at no extra cost.
Programs that may apply to your spray foam insulation project include:
- Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+) — rebates for qualifying insulation upgrades, including spray foam in eligible assemblies, for Enbridge Gas customers across Ontario
- Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program — rebates available when spray foam insulation is combined with other qualifying energy efficiency upgrades such as a heat pump, new windows, or a basement header upgrade
- Canada Greener Homes Grant — federal incentives for eligible home energy improvements including insulation (subject to program funding availability and audit requirements)
- Comfort Bundle Rebates — when a qualifying heat pump installation is paired with a qualifying insulation upgrade, combined rebates of $1,900 to $4,100 may apply; spray foam in qualifying assemblies may count toward this bundle
Rebates are first-come, first-served and subject to program availability. Call 1-888-675-5907 today to check your eligibility before funding runs out.
Spray foam is the right insulation solution for situations where other materials have reached their limits. These are the most common indicators that spray foam should be part of your home's insulation strategy:
- Persistent drafts in specific areas — particularly near rim joists, around windows, or in crawl spaces — that remain even after you've added batt or blow-in insulation elsewhere
- A basement or crawl space that is consistently cold, damp, or musty — signs that air and moisture are infiltrating through gaps in the foundation assembly
- Pipes that freeze in winter despite insulation being present — often caused by air leakage that batts cannot stop
- Very high energy bills relative to the size of your home and your heating and cooling system, suggesting significant air leakage in addition to heat loss
- A cathedral ceiling or sloped roof assembly with limited cavity depth that cannot achieve adequate R-value with batt insulation alone
- A cantilevered floor or soffit area that is cold or shows signs of condensation — a classic spray foam application
- You are building new construction or undertaking a major renovation where maximum performance from the building envelope is a priority from day one
- You have a history of ice dams forming on your roof — a direct sign that heat is escaping through a poorly air-sealed and insulated attic assembly
Spray foam is not always the right choice for every location in a home — and it doesn't need to be. The most energy-efficient homes in Ontario typically use a combination of insulation types, with each material applied where it performs best. Batt insulation excels in open wall and floor cavities during new construction and renovation. Blow-in insulation is the fastest and most cost-effective way to top up an attic to R-60. Spray foam is the premium solution for the most demanding applications — rim joists, crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, and cantilevered assemblies — where air sealing performance and maximum R-value per inch are non-negotiable. Constant Home Comfort installs all three types and will recommend the right combination for your home based on your priorities, your budget, and the specific areas that need attention. One company, one assessment, one complete insulation strategy.
Spray foam insulation is a precision product — improperly mixed, applied at incorrect temperatures, or installed at the wrong thickness, it underperforms or fails entirely. Constant Home Comfort's certified technicians are trained specifically in spray foam application for Ontario's climate conditions, and we use professional-grade equipment and materials on every job. We serve homeowners across the GTA, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Barrie, and all of Ontario — and as a multi-trade home comfort company, we understand exactly how spray foam fits into the complete picture of your home's energy performance. When you choose us, you get:
- Certified spray foam installers with hands-on experience in Ontario residential applications
- Expert guidance on open cell vs. closed cell — we specify the right product for each location in your home, not a one-size-fits-all approach
- A free in-home assessment before any work begins — full transparency on R-values, coverage, and cost
- Rebate management included — we identify every program you qualify for and handle the paperwork
- Full price disclosure upfront — no surprises on installation day
- $0 down, 0% interest financing available on approved credit
- Province-wide service — GTA, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Waterloo, Barrie, and all of Ontario
Is spray foam insulation safe for my family?
Yes — once fully cured, spray foam insulation is chemically inert and poses no health risk to building occupants. During application and the curing period, the space must be vacated and ventilated, which our technicians manage as part of the installation process. After full cure — typically 1 hour for open cell and 24 hours for closed cell — the foam is safe, stable, and odourless. All products we use meet Canadian safety and building code standards.
How long does spray foam insulation last?
Properly applied spray foam insulation is one of the most durable insulation materials available. Both open and closed cell formulations are designed to last the lifetime of the building — typically 80 years or more — without settling, sagging, or degrading. Unlike blown-in insulation, spray foam does not settle over time, so its installed R-value remains consistent for decades.
Can spray foam be applied over existing insulation?
In many cases, yes. Spray foam is frequently applied to rim joists, crawl space walls, or roof decks that may have existing but underperforming insulation in place. Whether existing insulation should be removed before spray foam application depends on its condition and the specific assembly. Our technicians assess this during the pre-installation inspection and provide a clear recommendation before any work begins.
Does spray foam need to be covered with drywall?
In most habitable spaces, yes — Ontario's building code requires that spray foam insulation in occupied areas be covered by a thermal barrier such as 12mm drywall to protect it from fire exposure. In non-habitable spaces such as crawl spaces, rim joist bays, and some attic applications, exposed spray foam may be permitted depending on the specific foam product and assembly. Our team confirms the correct code requirements for each application in your home and advises on what finishing is required.
Why is spray foam more expensive than other insulation types?
Spray foam has a higher material cost per square foot than batt or blow-in insulation because of the chemical formulation, the specialized equipment required for application, and the training and certification required of installers. However, when applied in the right locations, spray foam's performance advantage — in R-value, air sealing, and moisture management — typically delivers a faster return on investment than lower-cost materials applied to the same problem areas. Our team helps you prioritize where spray foam will deliver the best results for your specific home and budget.
Do I need to leave my home during spray foam installation?
Yes — occupants, including pets, must vacate the installation area during application and for a minimum re-occupancy period after the work is complete: typically 1 hour for open cell foam and 24 hours for closed cell foam. Our technicians will confirm the re-occupancy timing for your specific project before work begins and ensure the space is properly ventilated before you return.
If you're ready to stop settling for drafts, cold spots, and rising energy bills, spray foam insulation delivers the highest-performance solution available for Ontario homes. Constant Home Comfort's certified spray foam technicians serve homeowners across the GTA, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, London, Waterloo, Barrie, and all of Ontario — with honest pricing, expert specification, and complete rebate management on every project.
Call 1-888-675-5907 to book your free in-home assessment. We'll identify exactly where spray foam will make the biggest difference in your home, confirm your eligibility for Ontario rebates, and give you a complete, transparent quote — before any work begins, with no pressure and no surprises.
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