--- title: Does Spray Foam Stop Water Leaks? description: Many homes in Franklin County suffer from leaky roofs and basements. Discover if spray foam is the solution to stop these leaks. image: https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/Article%20Title%20Images/Does%20Spray%20Foam%20Stop%20Water%20Leaks.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://scsfoam.com/blog/does-spray-foam-stop-water-leaks#maincontent) [(717) 895-3498](tel:7178953498) [![South Central Services Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Website%20Logo%20Classic.png?width=900&height=300&name=Website%20Logo%20Classic.png) ![South Central Services Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/branding/Website%20Logo%20White.png?width=900&height=300&name=Website%20Logo%20White.png)](https://scsfoam.com/) [Our Service Areas](https://scsfoam.com/our-services-areas) Pricing - [Our Rates](https://scsfoam.com/our-rates) - [Calculators](https://scsfoam.com/pricing-calculators) - [Financing](https://scsfoam.com/financing-options/) - [Rebates](https://scsfoam.com/rebates) [Our Team](https://scsfoam.com/our-team) Services - Residential Insulation - [Attic Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/attic-insulation) - [Basement Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/basement-insulation) - [Crawl Space Repair](https://scsfoam.com/crawl-space-encapsulation) - [Commercial Spray Foam](https://scsfoam.com/commercial-spray-foam/) - [New Construction Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/new-home-construction-insulation/) - [Pole Building Insulation](https://scsfoam.com/pole-building-insulation) - [Air-Sealing](https://scsfoam.com/air-sealing) - [Blower Door Tests](https://scsfoam.com/blower-door-tests) [Our Products](https://scsfoam.com/our-products) Learning Center - [Learning Center](https://scsfoam.com/learning-center) - [Downloadable Resources](https://scsfoam.com/downloadable-resources) - [FAQ](https://scsfoam.com/faq/) Open Search [Get A Quote](https://scsfoam.com/contact/) Search for topics or resources Enter your search below and hit enter or click the search icon. 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November 18th, 2024 2 min read By [Kilian Agha](https://scsfoam.com/blog/author/kilian-agha) ![](https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/Article%20Title%20Images/Does%20Spray%20Foam%20Stop%20Water%20Leaks.jpg) Water leaks are one of the most frustrating problems in a home. You can invest a lot of money in solutions for a leaky basement or roof leaks. You can also spend much of your time cleaning up the damage from these leaks. Is spray foam insulation an option to stop irritating water leaks? South Central Services has insulated hundreds of homes in and around Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It's our job to know the limits of the products we install and to install them correctly. Spray foam insulation is not a solution for water leakage, and this article will explain why. > Don't have time to read right now? Check out [everything you need to know at a glance](https://scsfoam.com/hubfs/At%20A%20Glance/Does%20Spray%20Foam%20Stop%20Water%20Leaks.pdf). ## Spray Foam Insulation Is Not Waterproof. Spray foam insulation boasts several unique features, but being waterproof is not one of them. Of the two types of spray foam, [one type has some vapor management properties](https://scsfoam.com/blog/is-spray-foam-insulation-a-vapor-barrier). However, neither could actually resolve a water leak. ### 1. Open Cell Spray Foam Has No Properties For Moisture. [Open cell spray foam](https://scsfoam.com/blog/open-cell-pros-cons) is a product with an open cell structure. When open cell is installed, it expands rapidly and fully. If you were to take a cross-section of open cell spray foam, you would see an open cell structure, similar to the crumb structures of some types of homemade bread. ![The open cellular structure of open cell spray foam insulation.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Open%20Cell.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=Open%20Cell.jpg) This cellular structure prevents open cell spray foam from offering anything related to moisture or [vapor management](https://scsfoam.com/blog/can-open-cell-create-a-vapor-barrier). ### 2. Closed Cell Spray Foam Has Some Properties For Vapor Management. [Closed cell spray foam](https://scsfoam.com/blog/closed-cell-pros-cons) has a closed cell structure. The cross-section of closed cell would be tight and uniform. The cellular structure allows closed cell spray foam to become [vapor impermeable](https://scsfoam.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-glossary#vapor-barrier-definition) at two inches of depth. ![The cellular structure of closed cell spray foam insulation.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/closed%20cell%20structure.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=closed%20cell%20structure.jpg) Vapor impermeability is very different from waterproofing. Closed cell spray foam can prevent water content in the air, called vapor, from passing through the insulation. > Liquid water can still penetrate closed cell spray foam. ## Water Leaks Require Waterproofing Solutions. If you're dealing with a water leak in your home, you need a true waterproofing solution. ### 1. Leaky Roofs Need A Roofer For Repairs. If you've got a leaky roof and several buckets set up in your home to catch the drips, you need a roofer. A qualified roofing contractor can identify and resolve leaks. ![A roofer working with shingles on the top of a roof.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Roofer.jpg?width=533&height=400&name=Roofer.jpg) > Once your attic is leak-free, consider upgrading your attic insulation. ### 2. Leaky Basements Need Waterproofing From A Specialist. If you have groundwater infiltration in your basement, you'll need to contact a qualified waterproofer. Trying to insulate your [basement walls or ceiling](https://scsfoam.com/blog/should-i-insulate-my-basement-ceiling) before dealing with these leaks could increase the vapor content in your basement. ![A roller with a waterproof coating being applied to a concrete surface.](https://scsfoam.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Article%20Graphics/Waterproofing%20Roller.jpg?width=533&height=400&name=Waterproofing%20Roller.jpg) ## Always Resolve Water Intrusions Before Investing In New Insulation. New insulation will lower your energy costs, improve your air quality, and make your home more comfortable. However, before you consider any insulation upgrade, you must address any water intrusions in your home. > There is an order for home improvements. In the same way we recommend upgrading insulation before your HVAC system, you must fix water leakage before investing in new insulation. ## The Bottom Line About How To Stop Water Leaks If your home has water leaks, you must work with the right professional to resolve that water intrusion. Contact a roofer or a waterproof to address these problems once and for all. Spray foam insulation is not a waterproofing solution. Spray foam insulation cannot stop water leaks. However, once your water leaks have been addressed, spray foam can make your home more temperate and affordable to live in. Now that you understand why spray foam cannot be used for water leaks, your next step is to: - [Learn more about vapor permeability](https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-is-a-vapor-barrier) - [Discover if spray foam can be installed on a water pipe](https://scsfoam.com/blog/can-you-use-spray-foam-around-water-pipes) - [Find out why spray foam insulation is best](https://scsfoam.com/blog/why-spray-foam-insulation-is-best) [![Request My Free Quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/39735758/interactive-154204345474.png)](https://scsfoam.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIdRpJabuQ49tMZuGF9uxXFq7r1agcV24gH8zVmZUPrPMF7mv2jkV1DkXM8UvyQ4eU8sU7ueQTNFQpXwNal2idnMwoS4PEcbVE3vEL65qzUkzHFtRe5%2BvULoIkWYXpe%2Fv0fQkyl0SwrFvmj8eYKGvsbR%2FyoourBp8VzXv4rsWA%3D&webInteractiveContentId=154204345474&portalId=39735758) *Disclaimer: While we strive to publish information accurate to building science, local building codes and standards supersede our recommendations.* [Kilian Agha](https://scsfoam.com/blog/author/kilian-agha) Kilian has co-owned and operated South Central Services for 8 years. He is passionate about community involvement. In his spare time, he enjoys being with his family, playing ice hockey, and going fishing with friends. Topics: [Building Science](https://scsfoam.com/blog/topic/building-science) Don't forget to share this post: ## Related Articles ### [Top 3 Places To Insulate In An Existing Home June 9th, 2025|5 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/top-places-to-insulate-in-an-existing-home) ### [What Is A Blower Door Test Used For? May 16th, 2025|2 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-are-blower-door-tests-used-for) ### [How Does Insulation Keep A House Cool? April 23rd, 2025|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/how-does-insulation-keep-a-house-cool) ### [What Is The R-Value Of Blown-In Insulation? April 4th, 2025|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/what-is-blown-in-insulation-r-value) ### [Can Insulation Be Reused? April 2nd, 2025|3 min read](https://scsfoam.com/blog/can-insulation-be-reused) ### [Will Adding Attic Insulation Make A Difference? 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