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Good Reasons to Draft Proof and Insulate Your Home

October 22, 2015

Draft proofing is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to create energy efficiency - it results in energy conservation and utility savings throughout the year. And the truth is, it will benefit any building type, large or small. Drafts and ventilation are completely different - the first is undesirable, the second is desirable and necessary. Drafts are unwanted and uncontrolled. They allow cold air to infiltrate inside and allow heated air to escape outside. Ventilation, on the other hand, is absolutely necessary for balanced internal air circulation. The entire building envelope is more efficient with proper ventilation. As for draft proofing, the whole idea is to block unwanted air movement. It means preventing cold air from coming inside during winter, and preventing warm air from escaping. Both scenarios result in less energy being used to heat the home in winter and cool the home in summer. And while cost savings will vary with house type and size, draft proofing the windows and doors alone will save measurably. Homes that are draft free don't lose heated or cooled air, and are more comfortable season to season. For a start, it's important to identify the areas in the home that contribute to drafts or air loss. Needless to say, any insulation work should be planned after draft proofing. Windows and doors, for example, are the obvious sources of draft, and should be the first priority when draft proofing. Open fireplaces, air exhausts and ductwork may also pose draft issues and should be addressed appropriately. Importantly, there are different products for different applications, and each with a specific purpose in mind. One of the bigger questions for the average homeowner is whether to hire a professional or undertake a DIY endeavor. Clearly, a DIY approach is less costly. However, nothing compares with the expertise of a professional - and that includes both product selection and expert installation. The professionals have the tools and expertise to provide the optimum in draft proofing- and that will likely conserve more energy than a basic DIY application. Long term, the savings will make the investment worthwhile. For every draft proofing application, quality products should be used - these are products that will ensure short-term effectiveness and long-term life. Obviously, windows and doors require a completely different approach than chimneys and fireplaces. This is another good reason for hiring a professional, someone with experience draft proofing various parts of the house. Above all, this work should be done right the first time, and with a good contractor, quality products and workmanship are assured. The transition between draft proofing and insulating is not always clear-cut. After all, some products will provide sealing and insulation in one application. This is particularly true with polyurethane spray foam insulation - a favorite for professional contractors like Great Northern Insulation. At GNI, the install team often recommends spray foam: it seals drafts like no other product; it creates an effective vapor barrier; and it provides the highest R-Value of any comparable product on the market.

Western Ontario

935 Keyes Drive
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Canada N4V 1C3

Phone: 1-800-265-1914

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Canada L9T 5A6

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Eastern Ontario

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Nepean, ON
K2R 1H4

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Niagara Region

25 Lincoln Ave
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 2C7

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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™.

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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.

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