Acoustic and thermal insulation for boats - closed cell foam or open cell foam?

Whether to use acoustic and thermal insulation on a boat depends on many factors including if you have condensation issues or noise issues.  Finding the source of these acoustic and thermal issues is a technical job.  After working with marine and automotive manufacturers we aim to provide this information for free including whether a closed cell foam or open cell foam should be used. 

Here we will discuss the benefits of each foam (closed cell or open cell) as well as alternatives which meet many acoustic and thermal specifications. 

Let us start with the differences between open cell and closed cell foam insulation products. 

Open Cell Foam: 

As an air porous product this offers excellent sound absorption properties along with great thermal insulation properties. Usually manufactured as a block this foam is then cut into sheets.  There are several open cell foam insulation and upholstery products which we offer here at boat insulation, which suit a variety of applications.  

Marine applications for open cell foam include: 

Engine bay or engine compartment insulation 

General thermal and acoustic insulation for hulls 

Upholstery for seating and trim components

Behind leather trimmed panels

Available in self adhesive and non adhesive formats we have a range of open cell foams available.  Here are some outlined below:

SIOPCELL Open Cell Foam: 

At 90kg/m3 this foam is a durable high qulaity foam insulation material used in many applications including general marine insulation for both thermal and acoustic properties, seat cushioning, engine compartment insulation and hull/roofing insulation applications.  

Open Cell Foam General Purpose. 

Open cell foam for general purpose use is suitable for many applications including seating upholstery, woven into trim panels as well as pump and motor housings. Available in 20mm and 10mm thicknesses with adhesive it is ideal for re-upholstery of marine furniture. 

Open cell foam usually absorbs water and is therefore not ideal for all marine applications. The material absorbs airborne sound and traps air within it's cells when produced making it an ideal thermal and acoustic insulator.  For areas of water ingress and to reduce condensation we recommend our closed cell foam insulators. 

Closed Cell Foam Insulation:

Class O or (0) foam insulation PVC Nitrile Formula:

Self adhesive or plain backed class O foam insulation manufactured with a PVC nitrile formulation is ideal for a range of applications including full hull thermal and acoustic insulation, engine bay insulation (tested to many flame retardancy specifications), pump housings and thermal barriers for marine applications. At a generous 19mm thick this product aims to please in the acoustic and thermal department. Both flexible and conformable this marine grade insulator is ideal for fitment as it also compresses a little, takes on very low amounts of water for its weight and can be fitted with ease.  Manufactured in Germany, you are sure to obtain a quality marine insulation material here. 

PE Foam Insulation Material 

10mm Closed Cell PE Foam Insulation is ideal for many applications including upholstery, deck insulation and underfloor insulation.  Providing a temperate to the touch feel to any material, this will achieve excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties for its weight. Whether you are trying to obtain strength within an upholstery design or simply insulate your roof this foam will reduce condensation and is tested to FMVSS302 (automotive flammability specification). 

We hope you like reading our piece on closed cell foam and open cell foam insulation materials which can be fitted to marine vessels, boats as well as many other applications. 

Contact us on 07513360708 for custom advice.