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Home Insulation Is For Both Winter And Summer

March 07, 2017

Things have changed dramatically over the years with home energy. And while indoor personal comfort has become more of a priority, saving money on seasonal utilities has become equally important. Simply put, the days of randomly jacking up the thermostat are gone. Today, it's about conserving energy and saving money. And more homeowners are learning how to make their home energy efficient. For many, there's an understanding that optimum energy performance is about a home that is properly sealed, well insulated, and appropriately ventilated.

Obvious signs of insulation problems

Problems with home insulation are actually quite obvious. In winter, homeowners will complain about cold floors and walls that are cold to the touch. There may be rooms where heating levels are uneven. And, of course, the heating bill seems to be higher than it should be. In summer, its similar - some areas of the home are uncomfortably hot; air conditioning costs seem to be high; and the HVAC system is being overworked.

The effectiveness of home insulation

Most homeowners relate to R-Value as a measure of insulation effectiveness. Higher R-Value is better - it delivers more resistance to the air movement in both summer and winter. Usually, a professional contractor will recommend the R-Value that suits the job, and meets the standard of the building code. However, the key to R-Value performance has much to do with the installation of materials, and achieving peak performance.

Effective insulation is about a "system"

Professionals don't just install insulation. They will create a complete "system" to slow down the movement of warm air (summer and winter) while effectively curtailing the movement of air moisture. The system incorporates several components - an air barrier to block air movement; air sealing to ensure airtightness; and a vapour barrier to prevent moisture from moving around and allowing for unwanted condensation.

Attic insulation is an absolute must

In most homes, the attic is the best place to install high performance insulation. It's cost-effective with an excellent return-on-investment. Depending on the budget, contractors may recommend a variety of product options, from loose fill insulation, to traditional fiberglass batts, to spray foam insulation. In the attic, air sealing is absolutely essential for the installed insulation to perform, and for maximized energy efficiency.

Basement walls require insulation

Compared to other parts of the home, basement walls are uniquely different. Summer and winter, basement walls experience moisture flow between the inside and outside of the house. The idea in the basement is to insulate and moisture proof at the same time. Both components are vital since most basements are below grade. Here again, budget will dictate whether the walls can be insulated from the outside or inside. Doing home insulation right will reduce energy usage, save money around the year, and make the home more comfortable. While it's true that high performance products may be more costly, the long-term savings will be more substantial - and will often offset the overall project investment in a very short amount of time.

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.

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