For the typical homeowner, understanding the basics of home insulation is about understanding heat transfer. Also referred to as heat flow, heat transfer is undesirable in most cases. It essentially means that warm air inside the home is leaking out (that’s in winter) and hot air is creeping in (that’s in summer). Both of these dynamics are undesirable, and will cause energy inefficiency throughout the home. Quite simply, energy inefficiency will result in more costly utilities every season. Every home is a building “envelope" - it’s made of building materials that can affect heat transfer either positively or negatively. Naturally, the aim is to diminish negative effects.
For homeowners who are thinking about home insulation in Vaughan, the primary aim should be to eliminate any unwanted heat transfer. It could be fiberglass batt insulation or fiberglass loose fill insulation, but whatever the product choice, accomplishing this aim will serve to conserve energy and therefore reduce the cost of that energy. Home insulation, regardless of the product, should achieve a few things: unwanted air movement should be constrained; moisture collection should be restricted; and overall R-Value should be noticeably boosted. And when it comes to installation, it’s highly recommended that a professional handle the project for best results.
Over the years, fiberglass insulation has become a popular product in Canada. Fiberglass batt insulation is often used in roof cavities and throughout the attic. Fiberglass loose fill insulation is also used in those parts of the home, and is “blown-in” to the space that requires insulation. Both of these products deliver adequate R-Value, and both will contribute to improved energy efficiency from season to season. Both have acceptable lifecycles, and both will maintain R-Value over the years. Professional contractors find these products to be manageable.
For optimum performance, fiberglass products should be installed professionally - product and installation does require some experience. Fiberglass batts must be strategically and uniformly installed for best results. The loose-fill product must be installed to provide the maximum in density, concentration and uniformity. Both of these products can be used to “top up” existing insulation, but only when the existing insulation is clean, dry and unfettered. A professional installation will assure a “thermal blanket” to restrict any undesirable air movement.
Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not retain moisture (in small amounts). Neither product will settle profoundly over time, and both products maintain their advertised R-Value for years. Both fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill are safe - they are non-corrosive and non-combustible. And by nature, the products are odor-free, containing substantial recycled content, and in most cases, air-quality certified.
Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not provide an environment for mold, and do not contain anything that would attract insects or rodents. Neither product contains asbestos. With a professional installation (in a dry, ventilated environment), fiberglass will not deteriorate. In terms of project budget, both product options are affordable and cost-effective – a good install will deliver cost savings and long-term benefits.
The disadvantages of fiberglass products are in relation to their overall performance. When it comes to fully addressing air movement and moisture collection, none of the fiberglass products will be 100% effective. This would be something for the homeowner to seriously consider when insulating areas like the roof or attic.
Both fiberglass batts and loose-fill insulation allow for some air movement – they do not completely stop air leakage. Indeed, neither product will totally seal up a space once the installation is completed. Unfortunately, this disadvantage will result in an insulated space that is not optimally insulated – it’s something to consider.
Fiberglass batts and loose-fill insulation do not do well when wet. Product integrity will be compromised and the advertised R-Value will be diminished. Furthermore, wet insulation has the potential to deteriorate. This will require removal, either in part or in whole. Otherwise, there’s a serious risk of additional problems evolving.
With fiberglass insulation, significant water penetration could well promote mold growth. A situation like this must be remediated thoroughly - to stop the growth of mold and to stop the spread. Mold can negatively affect air quality throughout a home. Hence, professional remediation would be necessary for a proper resolution.
Because of the disadvantages of fiberglass insulation, many contractors are recommending spray foam as a viable insulating option. Professionally installed, spray foam insulation seals a space with an impervious barrier that restricts air movement and moisture collection. It overcomes the disadvantages of fiberglass insulation. In fact, when it comes to sealing a space, spray foam will seal every gap and crack better than any other product.
For professional insulation contractors, air leakage is the main challenge to overcome. They want to stop warm air from escaping out of the house, and prevent hot air from creeping into the house. Using spray foam, air leakage can be eliminated. It’s the perfect application for the roof cavity, the attic, even the basement. Spray foam creates an airtight space; improves overall energy efficiency; and reduces overall energy consumption.
Spray foam insulation is regarded as the best product available to today, bringing more benefits to an insulation project than any comparable product. More and more professionals are therefore opting for this product in both residential and commercial installs. Spray foam also provides an insulating “envelope” with the highest R-Value.
Spray foam is a premium product, and might not be suitable for all project budgets. As such, the team at Great Northern Insulation has developed a “hybrid” option, which incorporates fibreglass insulation and spray foam in one application. This is a cost-effective approach, with excellent results, and an impressive “pay-back” period.
For homeowners throughout Vaughan, Great Northern Insulation can suggest the right insulation option for the need. Whether it’s spray foam insulation, fiberglass batt insulation, or fiberglass loose fill insulation, the GNI team will recommend the approach that best suits the need.