To better understand home insulation, it’s important to understand heat transfer (quite often referred to as heat flow). Heat transfer is usually undesirable. It means that the warm air in a home is leaking out in winter, and the hot air outside is creeping in throughout the summer. Both situations are undesirable and both cause unwanted energy inefficiency. Simply put, when energy is lost, utilities are more costly. Every home, regardless of the size, comprises a building “envelope" - made of building materials that positively or negatively affects heat transfer. When insulating, the objective is to lessen the negative effects.
For homeowners considering insulation in Brampton, insulating should be about eliminating undesirable heat transfer. And whether its fibreglass loose fill insulation or fibreglass batt insulation, accomplishing this objective will serve to conserve energy and reduce the cost of energy. A home insulation project should accomplish a number of things: air movement should be restricted; moisture should be prevented from collecting; and R-Values should be enhanced. As it its, whatever insulation product is chosen, it’s recommended that professional installation be undertaken in order to ensure the best results.
Fibreglass insulation is a popular insulating product in North America. Fibreglass batt insulation is the one often used in roofs, attics and even walls. Fibreglass loose fill insulation is the one that’s “blown” into the roof cavity and throughout an attic. Both products provide suitable R-Value levels, and contribute to energy efficiency in winter and in summer. Both products have an acceptable lifecycle, and when installed professionally, R-Values are preserved for many years. Insulation contractors like these products because they are easy to manage.
To achieve optimum performance, fibreglass products require experience with the product and installation. With fibreglass batts, they must be placed strategically and uniformly for optimum results. With the loose-fill product, it must be correctly distributed so that concentration and density are maximized. Both products are appropriate as a “top up” for existing insulation, but not where the existing insulation is deteriorating. Having a professional install will ensure an effective “thermal blanket” that will reduce unwanted air movement.
Fibreglass loose fill insulation and fibreglass batt insulation will not retain small amounts of water. Neither of the products will settle dramatically, and both will maintain their installed R-Value for many years. Fibreglass batts and loose fill products are safe - the manufactured product is non-corrosive, non-combustible, and odor-free. The recycled content is substantial, and most of the top brands are independently air-quality certified.
Fibreglass loose fill insulation and fibreglass batt insulation don’t promote mold and mildew, and don’t contain any content that insects or rodents are likely to feed on. Neither of the products comprises asbestos. With a good install, in a dry and ventilated cavity, fibreglass is unlikely to deteriorate. Both fibreglass batts and loose fill will be affordable for most budgets, and will deliver satisfactory results along with a cost-effective investment.
The downsides of fibreglass insulation products are relative to overall performance. Neither of the fibreglass products will fully address air movement issues or moisture collection issues. Clearly, these are key issues when insulating the roof or attic, and should be carefully considered prior to commencing.
Fibreglass batts and loose-fill insulation will allow some level of air movement - it’s the nature of the product. Neither can fully stop air leakage, and neither can totally seal up a space once installed. Unfortunately, it results in a space that is not insulated t the maximum. Again, it’s something to consider.
Fibreglass batts and loose-fill insulation cannot get wet. The integrity of the product will be compromised, the R-value will diminish, and there is potential for deterioration. In situations like this, partial or total removal of the insulation is required – otherwise there’s a risk of additional problems developing.
With significant water penetration, fibreglass insulation may well turn into a breeding ground for mold. If this is not properly remediated, the mold can grow, and spread, and negatively affect the air quality inside the home. This is a time where professional remediation would be needed to properly resolve.
Because of the weaknesses associated with fibreglass insulation, contractors are installing spray foam insulation as an alternative option. With a professional installation, spray foam creates a seamless barrier that restricts both air and moisture, and therefore overcomes the weaknesses of fibreglass. In fact, a spray foam installation will effectively seal every gap and opening unlike any other insulating product.
For the professionals, it’s essential to resolve air leakage. In winter, warm air from inside the home escapes, and in summer, hot air tends to creep in. Both of these conditions contribute to poor energy efficiency. But with a spray foam application, air leakage is eradicated. It’s ideal for attic and/or basement - spray foam makes a space airtight; it improves energy efficiency; and it reduces energy consumption.
Spray foam insulation is considered to be the best product on the market. It brings more benefits when installed than any other product. That’s why more and more professional contractors are opting for spray foam in both residential and commercial applications. It’s an insulation envelope with the highest R-Values available.
Spray foam insulation is a premium product, and may not suit all budgets. Hence, the insulation experts at Great Northern Insulation have developed a “hybrid” install. It incorporates one of the fibreglass insulation products with a spray install, all in one application. It’s a cost-effective option, with a reasonable “pay-back” period.
For homeowners in Brampton, and in the surrounding communities, Great Northern Insulation can recommend a viable insulation option that will suit the need. Whether the choice is spray foam insulation, fibreglass loose fill insulation, or fibreglass batt insulation, the team at GNI will offer the best option. The thing is, insulation is worth doing right, with a quality product, a quality installation, and professional expertise.