The WALLTITE&REG Air Barrier

WALLTITE® is a premium spray-applied polyurethane foam insulating air barrier system manufactured by BASF. WALLTITE® is seamless and self-adhering, eliminating uncontrolled air leakage by providing monolithic coverage with superior insulation R/U-value.

The graphic below shows how the closed-cell, WALLTITE® Air Barrier is positioned to substantially reduce both air leakage and moisture permeance through the building envelope.

Source: BASF

WALLTITE® is approved by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) and acts as an air barrier as part of the total building envelope. Washington Roofing and Insulation is a Q1 applicator with BASF and an ABAA accredited ABAA.

Source: www.spf.basf.com

Comparing Insulation Products

Out of the dozen positive features compared between spray foam insulation, fiberglass batts, fiberglass loose-fill, wet-sprayed cellulose, blown-in (dry) cellulose and mineral wool, only the spray foam insulation had the most. They include:

• High to Highest R-Value per inch


• No wind washing effect


• Certified air barrier


• Expands to fill hard-to-reach spaces


• Contains no HCFCs or CFCs


• Does not contain formaldehyde


• Won't shrink or settle over time when properly installed


• Will not absorb significant levels of water


• FEMA approved flood-resistant insulation materials


• Will not distort framing when properly installed


• Efficiently reduces sound transmission through walls

The only feature that Spray Foam Insulation does not have that two of the others provide is the ability to inject it into existing wall cavities without major demolition. Spray Foam Insulation is normally done during the initial building process, while adding on to an existing structure or remodeling.

Source: sprayfoam.com, "Insulation Comparison Chart"

Closed-Cell Polyurethane Foam Versus Open-Cell Polyurethane Foam

What is the difference between an open-cell foam versus a closed-cell foam? The open-cell foam has tiny cells that are not completely closed (thus the name "open" cell). This allows air to fill up the open spaces inside the material, making the foam weaker and softer to the touch.

Closed-cell foam, on the other hand, is made up of cells completely closed and packed together. They are filled with a gas that forces the foam to rise and expand which makes it a greater insulator.

Closed-cell foam has a greater R value, is stronger and it has a better resistance to the leakage of air and water vapor. The higher the density the foam, the heavier, or stronger it becomes.

Washington Roofing & Insulation uses BASF Closed Cell Spray Foam that provides an R-value of 6.7 per inch and has a density of 2.0 pounds per cubic foot. For more information, visit our website or contact us at 800.383.3062