If you’re in the process of shopping for spray foam insulation in Mississauga, or in the nearby suburbs of the GTA, then Great Northern Insulation is worth considering. Our approach to insulation is straightforward: we seal it tight, and we ventilate it right. And for us, spray foam insulation is one of the products we really like to install. But - sealing it up, without ventilating, is just a half job. When we insulate, we eliminate air leakage AND ensure the optimum levels of ventilation – it has to be a combination effort in order to increase energy efficiency, enhance air quality, and improve home comfort.
Today’s spray foam insulation products are comprised of polyurethane foam, and quite simply sprayed into a wall cavity, under the floor or in the ceiling. The formula comes out in a liquid form, and quickly transforms itself into foam that is dense and hard. There are two kinds of commonly used foam - the open cell foam (referred to as half-pound) and high density closed cell foam (referred to as two-pound). The open cell product is a less expensive product, and although it provides a great air barrier, it does not function as a water vapor barrier. The closed cell product is much denser, and therefore provides a great air barrier AND water vapor barrier simultaneously. Having said that, the closed cell product is obviously the choice for outdoor applications (roof or siding). Throughout the industry, the experts agree that spray foam insulations, in general, are superior to the fluffy pink fiberglass insulation. In fact, experts also agree that the closed cell product does a far better insulating job than any other type of insulation.
Closed cell spray foam is known to deliver the highest R-value amongst all of the conventional insulation materials, and provides the best dollar value when compared. When spray foam is installed correctly, there are practically no gaps or openings available for the heat or cool to escape – one more advantage of this product. At Great Northern Insulation, we find that spray foam is an ideal option for use in new construction, a renovation project, or a retrofit, and with measurable benefits like improved indoor air quality and better performance of HVAC equipment.
As for cost, closed cell spray foam is probably the most expensive option when compared to the others. Needless to say, you get what you pay for, and although price is important to consider, it should not be the only thing. Spray foam lasts a lifetime, and industry experts agree that “pay-back” is between 5 and 7 years, with quite substantial savings on heating and cooling during that time. It’s a good time to think long term.
A little more detail about sealing tight and ventilating right. As effective and efficient as spray foam can be (whichever one is chosen) it is just not enough – bottom line, every home needs to “breathe”. GNI makes certain that the home is insulated AND ventilated, ensuring that fresh air comes in and stale air goes out. That’s the formula for proper air circulation, and a method for preventing condensation and moisture issues that may well lead to mould. We use a variety of approaches to expedite optimum ventilation, and when we’re done, additional efficiencies and meaningful energy savings are in place.
At Great Northern Insulation, we do it right the first time. It involves an understanding of the project, then choosing the right product, and finally installing everything according to the acceptable building codes and standards. We therefore recommend NOT making spray foam insulation into a DIY project. This kind of work is for the experts – they know the product and are experienced with the nuances of the installation. GNI installers are professionals - they wear the necessary protective gear, they properly prepare the work area, and they take all the necessary precautions.
For GNI, doing it right the first time is not only a company slogan – we believe in it, and we operate likewise. Our people are specialists with spray foam and have long-running experience with both the product and the installation, each requiring a high degree of expertise. Spray foam products are complex chemical compounds – they require precise mixing and specific application techniques, and therefore they require the installation personnel who know what to do. This is a time for expertise, with proper installation and appropriate regard for curing.
Right across Canada, industry estimate assert that spray foam insulations have grown by almost 40% every year during the last decade. Those are impressive statistics, and clearly indicate the increasing popularity of the product, especially with heat and cool costs that might be reduced by 40-50% from season to season. The spray foam application offers a full range of benefits – the highest R-values; a combination of air and moisture resistance; sound dampening qualities; and considerable money savings during the long term.
Throughout the insulation industry there are too many installations and applications that are improper, incorrect, and inadequate. At Great Northern Insulation, we operate with a different set of principles - our installers are trained, licensed and certified; the range of products we sell and install are fully covered by our manufacturers’ warrantees; and our install teams are insured and covered by WSIB. Above all, your satisfaction is guaranteed - so when considering spray foam insulation in Mississauga, or in the nearby suburbs of the GTA, make sure to consider GNI.
In the end, it’s critical for the consumer to choose an insulation provider very carefully, and to prevent problems and complications during the project, and especially after the installation. Industry guidelines are in place to adequately ensure every customer’s satisfaction, to promote professionalism amongst contractors, and of course, to make certain that spray foam insulation products deliver the long-term benefits they promise. But its always best to be an informed and educated consumer, the one who does all of the research and groundwork to more fully understand the project, and to make the best decisions for the best results.