When it comes to attic insulation in Mississauga, and throughout the suburban communities of the GTA, it’s best to choose insulation specialists – and the people at Great Northern Insulation are those specialists. They can tell you which insulation solution is the right one for you, and they can install what they recommend. The truth is, there may be a situation where insulation is just not required. At GNI, we want to insulate your home properly, and provide the cost-effective solutions to meet your needs and your budget. Above all, we want to make sure that your insulation issues have been resolved, and that the long term benefits can be realized.
We strongly believe in a comprehensive approach - a home, building, or office that is well sealed, well insulated, but also well ventilated. This is an approach that is all-inclusive – it’s something that insulation professionals in the industry refer to as a “truly insulated building envelope”. For the homeowner, it translates into well-managed heating and cooling, reduced and/or dampened sound, and enhanced performance of the overall indoor environment. For GNI, it also means that the insulation is not enough on its own – we encourage the use of air barriers (to keep air out); vapor barriers (to keep moisture down); and appropriate ventilation (to ensure balanced air circulation).
During the “good old days”, insulating the home was not a big deal - there was not much concern about the cost of heating, nor much discussion about energy savings. The main concern was keeping the home warm during the winter, and cool in the summer (note that most people didn’t have AC). In general, homes were drafty, upper floors were warmer than lower floors, and air circulation was not an issue. Today, most homeowners want total comfort - an indoor environment that is warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and balanced throughout the year.
At GNI, we consider insulation as a complete system, and understand that every good system has to be both practical and effective. Air barriers (whether they be existing, or newly installed) must be optimized to prevent indoor/outdoor air movement. Every cavity must be filled, with no gaps, cracks or crevices remaining. And finally, a vapor barrier (polyethylene sheeting) must be installed to prevent the collection of moisture and potential condensation. In the end, adding the right attic insulation product will deliver the best return on investment, making the most economic sense.
Deciding on how best to insulate the attic requires thought and consideration. Just hiring a local contractor to blow in some loose fill insulation over your existing insulation is short-term thinking. As mentioned above, it’s not just about insulating - air and moisture control must be considered; air circulation and ventilation must be thought out; and the overall indoor environment must be addressed. Indeed, the way the insulation is applied and installed plays a large role in its integrity. The bottom line: a bad install will cause R-values to be reduced – and that comes from improper application of a particular insulating product; poor coverage of cavities and air spaces; and sub-standard air-sealing techniques that result in uncontrolled air movement.
Throughout the industry, spray foam insulation is considered the best option amongst all insulation products. The product is made of polyurethane foam, and is sprayed into the attic with special equipment (it’s also used inside walls, under floors and above ceilings). The foam is sprayed as a liquid, and transforms into a hard, dense substance that expands as it fills. The two types of spray foam products commonly used are the “open cell” foam, and the higher density “closed cell” foam. “Open cell” foam is less expensive, provides an excellent air barrier, but does not act as a water vapor barrier. The “closed cell” foam is denser, provides an excellent air barrier, and also acts as a water vapor barrier. Clearly, the “closed cell” foam is the ideal product for attic or roof.
Fiberglass “batt” insulation has been a popular option for the attic for many years. They are heavily promoted every fall and continue to have a following. The “batts” are available in convenient pre-cut panels, usually fabricated of fiberglass, but also available in other fabrications. Fiberglass “batts” are considered a less expensive insulating option – they are easy to install, and deliver an acceptable standard of energy efficiency for the long term. However, installation of “batts” must be very exact, with total and complete coverage – otherwise, the install will not deliver the maximum insulation value. The final install must be “super-tight” any gaps will dramatically affect the heating and cooling balance throughout the home. Needless to say, air barriers and vapor barriers must be part of this install.
Another option for the attic is blown-in insulation. With a good number of advantages, the two common choices for blown insulation are cellulose and fiberglass. Both products are designed for the attic, and both have insulation values that are similar. However, the industry experts maintain that the cellulose product will deliver an R-value that is slightly higher (values are measured per-inch). Cellulose has a tendency to settle over long periods of time and this can affect its insulating value. As for fiberglass, manufacturers assert that their product does not settle. Both cellulose and fiberglass are fire resistant: the cellulose is chemically treated to be fire retardant (stops the spread of fire), and fiberglass, because of its glass content, already has a very high fire resistant nature.
If you’re in the market for attic insulation in Mississauga, Great Northern Insulation is worth considering. We make sure to use only the highest quality insulation products, and we always pass product warrantees through to our customers. GNI installations are also guaranteed, regardless of product, and regardless of the size of the job. We strive to do the job right the first time. And for us, doing the job right means doing the job completely – with the proper air sealing and draft proofing; with the appropriate vapour barriers; and with air vents and/or exhausts that ensure optimum ventilation.