The Effects of Climate Change on Your Home

May 02, 2016

The debate about climate change, about the decades of recovery, and about reducing the world's CO2 emissions is ongoing. That's the so-called "big picture". On a smaller scale, it's the effects of climate change on the residential home that are more personally relevant. Here, there's not much debate - households are affected by climate change - summer heat waves make the home less comfortable - extremely cold winters do the same - and frequent flooding exposes homeowners to both damage and injury. And as climate change advances, the symptoms will only increase. For the most part, homes in North America were not built with climate change in mind. That's why energy retrofitting has become more and more prevalent from coast to coast - it's all about ensuring short-term energy savings, longer-term sustainability, and of course, optimum comfort for homeowners. But what's most important is to make the retrofitting cost effective so that the investment is offset by the energy cost savings. And while reducing CO2 emissions is part of the "big picture", saving on heating and air conditioning bills is the most relevant for homeowners. The response to the effects of climate change is known as "adaptation" - and it includes all of the actions that are taken to minimize the effects. For energy retrofit professionals, these actions may entail various solutions, like weatherizing, air sealing and insulation upgrades. All are designed to save on energy usage during summer and winter, especially with the temperature extremes that climate change brings. Insulation in particular has a dramatic effect on energy efficiency because a well insulated home will deter air leakage and control moisture, both contributing to comfort. At Great Northern Insulation, highly trained insulation professionals offer homeowners a variety of options for "adaptation". And while different application methods are available, the very best outcomes have been realized with spray polyurethane foam. This is a product application that will accommodate every part of the home: walls, ceilings, attics, roofs, and floors. With an expert installation, the home becomes more energy efficient, with consequent reductions in heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Indeed, the energy savings will offset the project investment. In most residential homes, spray polyurethane foam will deliver higher R-Values than any other product. Beyond that, the application serves as a primary air barrier, and ensures airtightness wherever installed. As well, the application performs as an effective vapor barrier, controlling moisture throughout a given space. Spray polyurethane foam seals a roof, attic or basement to the maximum, and far more efficiently than any of the products on the market today. For the homeowner, the results are noticeable - the home is warmer in winter and cooler in summer. GNI products and installations are fully guaranteed. Manufacturer warrantees are offered on all products installed, and every project is company guaranteed. GNI install crews are professionals, installing everything according to manufacturer specifications and abiding by building codes. Doing it right makes for the best in short term results and long term outcomes.