1.800.265.1914
Call Now 1.800.265.1914

The Best Approaches For Insulating Basement Walls

March 23, 2016

By any measure, basements present a challenging environment for insulation. It's no wonder - basements typically have high levels of moisture; they are completely surrounded by cool ground temperatures; and they present significant potential for air leakage. These are all challenges that must be addressed when insulating, and preferably by a professional insulation contractor. The downsides of a do-it-yourself approach can lead to poor results and the need for re-installation. Basement walls have high levels of moisture, regardless of the building structure. And because moisture compromises insulation value, it's critical to select a product that will effectively stop moisture from collecting. As well, it's equally important to stop air movement. So the idea is to select an insulation approach to "lock out" water vapor and prevent undesirable air movement. For this, many insulation professionals have been recommending the Spray Polyurethane Foam. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is an installation that offers many benefits in a single application. This is why more and more professionals have been suggesting this application as an ideal option for basements. It creates an excellent vapor barrier and air barrier at one time - it makes a space completely airtight - and it actually adds structural stability where installed. More importantly, SPF will provide exceptional R-Value for the basement, and far better than any other product. Probably the only downside to Spray Polyurethane Foam is the cost of installation. It's a premium product and therefore more costly. And although cost has improved in recent years, SPF may still not be right for every budget. In terms of cost-benefit, however, this type of project provides long term cost savings on summer and winter energy bills. In fact, the annual savings can often allow for a "payback" period that is quite reasonable. Where possible, SPF is the ultimate insulation. For homeowners who want to benefit from an SPF application but who also want to maintain a specific project budget, the "hybrid installation" may be the answer. With this approach, SPF is combined with another insulation product in an application that delivers excellent results within a cost-effective budget. And with a professional installation, the basement comprises an effective vapor barrier and air barrier, superior insulation value, and a price tag that fits into the budget. One of the "hybrid" options available from Great Northern Insulation incorporates SPF insulation with fibreglass insulation batts. This is particularly effective when insulating basement walls. The SPF product is applied initially, and followed with a methodical installation of the fibreglass batts. The products compliment each other well, and together provide optimum results. As for energy savings, the annual savings on heating and cooling will significantly offset the overall project cost. Basement insulation, done properly, is a big undertaking. And although money can be saved with a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach, the best outcomes are achieved with a professional contractor. The experts do it right the first time: they work according to the building code; they observe local bylaws; and they install based on the manufacturer's product specifications. In this way, a reliable contractor can guarantee the efficacy of both the product and the installation.

Western Ontario

935 Keyes Drive
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada N4V 1C3

Phone: 1-800-265-1914

Fax: (519) 539-7946
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

Muskoka, Haliburton, Northern Ontario

1027 Elwell Park Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada P1P 1R1

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

Central Ontario

29 Ferndale Industrial Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4N 9V5

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

Greater Toronto Area

2 Guided Court
Etobicoke, ON
M9V 4K6

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

GTA East

103 North Port Road
Port Perry, Ontario
Canada L9L 1B2

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

South Central Ontario

450 Industrial Dr,
Toronto (Milton), Ontario
Canada L9T 5A6

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

Eastern Ontario

1035 Moodie Dr #1,
Nepean, ON
K2R 1H4

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

Niagara Region

25 Lincoln Ave
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 2C7

TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914

BBB

Great Northern Insulation - Better Business Bureau Profile.

Homestars Best of 2021 Award

Best of 2021

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.

Homestars Best of 2022 Award

Best of 2022

HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.

Lowes

GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s

Trusted for Over 40 Years

Over 40 Years in Business

At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.

100% Canadian

100% Canadian

Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.

Foam Masters

Do it right the first time
- with foam mastersTM

January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.

HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™ 

Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™ 

Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.

3M

3MTM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings

3MTM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).

Holmes and Holmes

Holmes and Holmes

 

Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.

Enbridge

Enbridge Incentives

The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.

Renomark

Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.

eRenovate

We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.

As Seen on Love It or List It

The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?

Climatizer Cellulose

Climatizer

CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.

Please, enter a valid value

Incorrect values!