Understanding insulation is essentially about understanding heat transfer (sometimes denoted as heat flow). Heat transfer is generally undesirable – bottom line, it means that indoor heat can escape in winter, and outdoor heat can creep in during summer. Both of these situations cause energy inefficiency and energy loss – and in the end, it means costly utility bills. A building comprises an "envelope", made of materials that positively or negatively influence heat transfer. Here, it’s key to undo the negatives.
For those thinking about fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation in Markham, the objective of insulating should be to eliminate heat transfer. Doing this will effectively conserve energy, and will result in reduced energy costs. In short, an insulation product should inhibit air movement, prevent moisture collection, and otherwise enhance total R-Value. Regardless of the insulating product, or the method of installation, it’s a professional approach that will ensure maximized performance.
Fiberglass insulation is popular and well known. Fiberglass batt insulation has been used in attics and walls for decades, while fiberglass loose fill insulation has been used as a “blown-in” application inside roofs and attics. Both products provide satisfactory R-Values, and contribute measurably to energy savings from season to season. When insulating with fiberglass, the lifecycle of the product is reasonable, and the R-Value is maintained over the years. These products are easily transported and installed.
As far as installation is concerned, fiberglass products require some expertise. The batts must be uniformly installed and strategically placed, while the loose-fill version must be evenly dispersed for optimum density. Both products must be properly installed for maximum performance. Both can be used to “top up” existing insulation, but not where there are deteriorated materials. With a professional install, these products provide a “thermal blanket” to reduce air movement in winter and summer.
For the most part, fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation don’t retain small quantities of water. When professionally installed, these products don’t settle down measurably, and therefore maintain their good R-Value for many years. Today, these products are safe for installation in any interior space. They are odor-free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible - and are fabricated with high levels of recycled content. The most popular brands on the market are air-quality certified.
Fiberglass insulation products are manufactured to counteract mold and mildew, and do not contain any nourishment for insects or rodents. There is no asbestos content in either of the two products. In a dry and well-ventilated space, fiberglass insulation is unlikely to deteriorate. Both fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill are an affordable insulating option for most home improvement budgets, providing a very cost-effective investment. Highly recommended is an installation by a professional contractor.
The downsides of fiberglass insulation are relative to overall product performance. In terms of air movement and moisture control, these are not fully accommodated, and therefore pose some problems. These issues should be addressed before installing.
Because of the way fiberglass insulation (batts and loose-fill) is fabricated, it does allow for some air movement to pass through. As such, air leakage is not totally sealed when the insulation has been placed – it means that the insulation is not 100%.
Fiberglass batts and loose-fill insulation can be seriously compromised when wet. The R-value will weaken, and the potential for contamination is substantially increased. This makes it absolutely necessary for the damaged insulation to be removed.
Undesirable moisture collection and wetness can potentially allow mold to grow. This is a problem, and when unattended, the mold can contribute to poor air quality. At this point, it would be necessary to remediate the mold and remove the insulation.
Given the deficiencies of fiberglass insulation, contractors are recommending spray foam insulation as a viable alternative. Spray foam insulation adheres to virtually any surface, and effectively coats even irregular contours. A professional application will create a seamless air barrier, overcoming the problems associated with fiberglass. In fact, where an installation of batts or loose-fill does not completely seal, spray foam seals every hole, gap, and crack. No insulation product seals like spray foam.
When insulating a space, the biggest problem to resolve is air leakage. In the winter, warm indoor air tends to escape, while in the summer hot air tends to creep into the home. Clearly, this contributes to increased energy costs every season. However, when spray foam is installed, air leaks are eliminated. When installed in the attic or basement, spray foam does it all: creating an airtight space; improving the energy efficiency; reducing energy consumption; and significantly lowering utility bills.
Spray foam insulation is a superior insulating product compared to others. When professionally installed, one application delivers more benefits than any other product or combination of products. In recent years, more and more contractors have been suggesting spray foam as their “go-to” product. The installed R-Value is unmatched, and the airtight envelope prevents air movement and moisture accumulation.
As it is, spray foam is a premium product, and not always suited for all budgets. Hence, the pros at Great Northern Insulation highly recommend a “hybrid” installation. This is a specialized application where both fibreglass insulation and spray foam insulation are installed in tandem. Together, these products deliver outstanding results, inside a cost-effective budget, and with a very reasonable “pay-down” period.
For homeowners in Markham, the choice for insulation will be based on a number of variables. Here, a reputable contractor can recommend the best option - whether its fiberglass batt insulation, fiberglass loose fill insulation, or spray foam insulation. A major home improvement project like this is worth doing right – with professional expertise; with the best quality product; and with the highest standard of installation.
When thinking long term, a professional installation will ensure the kind of benefits that will make the initial investment worthwhile - and for the team at Great Northern Insulation, there is no other way.