Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is spray foam insulation?

A: Quite simply, it is "insulation plus sealant". As a rigid cellular plastic with over 95% closed cell content. Sprayed polyurethane foam insulation (SPFI) acts as insulation, an air barrier and depending upon the substrate it is applied to, also a vapour barrier. SPFI will cut energy costs and improve comfort levels in any building.

Q: Is spray foam insulation allowed according to the building codes?

A: Sprayed polyurethane foam insulation is an accepted material in both the National Building Code of Canada and the Ontario Building Code.

Q: Does spray foam insulation contain formaldehyde?

A: No. Spray foam insulation does not contain formaldehyde resins. Spray foam insulation is made of the same resins similar to popular polyurethane varnishes for wood.

Q: What advantage does spray foam insulation have over fibreglass batts?

A: Spray foam insulation is a fully adhered, seamless air barrier material that eliminates problems common to batt products. Accommodations for circuit boxes, pipes, electrical cords and cables will create holes or gaps in fibreglass batts. This reduces the effectiveness of the batts by allowing air infiltration. Air leaks increase energy costs in two ways. By allowing cold, drafty air to leak into the structure, heating costs are increased. When cool air leaks out of the building, air conditioning costs are increased.

Q a: How can I prepare my home for an attic installation?

A: We require clear access to the attic hatch. If attic hatches are in a closet all items must be removed from the closet (clothing, shoes etc) and any shelving which may be in the way temporarily removed. All items which may be stored within the attic space must also be temporarily removed.

For attic removals (vacuum removal of existing insulation), ensure that ALL items within the room containing the attic hatch are protected with poly sheeting/tarping. Dust fallout is inevitable during insulating and removal operations. Please be prepared for some minor dusting for a few days following the installation. It is also recommended that you replace or clean your filters for your furnace, HRV, or any other ventilation device (if applicable).

Q b: How can I prepare my home for a spray foam installation?

A: We require a minimum of 5’ clear access for our installers from the surface to be insulated; All items left in the room must be covered with a poly drop sheet or tarp to protect these items from overspray. Wherever possible, isolate the room/area to be insulated and close off all vents/cold air returns to prevent migration of odour or mists.

Crawlspaces must be dry and clear of all obstructions, debris or stored items for our installers to access areas of work. We require a minimum of 5’ clear access for our installers from the wall, and a min. 3’ clearance from the underside of the floor joist to the floor of the crawlspace. A residual odour from the manufacturing process will dissipate within 24 hrs. Please ensure that adequate ventilation is provided/available where necessary.

Q c: How can I prepare my home for a thermal barrier installation?

A: We require access (within 100’ of equipment/truck) to a hose bib (municipal water hook-up).  Equipment/truck must be able to park within 50’ of home/building. Ventilation or de-humidification should be provided in the area of work until the product is dry. Thermal Barrier applications can be weather dependent; freezing temperatures may require special installation trucks or a work area with temporary heat. Provide temporary heat to installation area to prevent freezing of product prior to its final drying. Drying time will vary with temperature and humidity.

Q d: How can I prepare my home for wall retrofitting?

A: Interior and exterior Drill & Fill operations require a minimum of 5’ clear access from walls for our installers; please move all furnishings, remove all fixtures and pictures/artwork from the walls to be insulated. Please note that we will be installing two rows of holes per wall joist cavity. One row approx 6-12” down from ceiling level, and another row approx. 4’ up from floor level. The holes are typically 1” in diameter and the finishing of these holes is up to the customer.  Existing lath and plaster walls are particularly prone to cracking and spalling at hole locations; every effort will be made to control this, however every hole will not necessarily be 1” diameter. Please ensure that drapes or blinds are removed from the room.

Q: What methods of payment are accepted?

A: Unless specifically pre-arranged all installations are C.O.D.; acceptable payment upon completion of work (or individual invoice-able items on proposal) are cash, cheque, or VISA, MasterCard (called into customer Service for verification).

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If you have any additional questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-265-1914 or e-mail us at customercare@gni.ca.