How Insulation Contractors in Windsor Can Improve Your Home

September 21, 2018

The important thing about home insulation is that every upgrade matters. If you’re shopping for insulation contractors in Windsor, Great Northern Insulation can provide you with a FREE home energy evaluation to assess energy performance and recommend the appropriate improvements.

Professional insulation contractors in Windsor to upgrade your attic

Although some homeowners might want to save money with DIY attic insulation, it’s really a job for a professional. With Great Northern Insulation, insulating the attic is about installing an air barrier, a vapour barrier, and high quality insulation. The finished space must be well sealed, well insulated, and well ventilated.

An affordable option for your attic is blown in insulation

One of the more affordable options for the attic is “blown in” insulation. The unique fluffiness of the product traps air and therefore effectively insulates the attic space. “Blown in” insulation is fire-retardant and mold resistant. It does not offer comfort for rodents or insects, and will provide great R-Value levels when installed by professionals.

Great Northern Insulation uses special equipment to blow the insulation product throughout the attic, evenly distributing the material to ensure uniform density. Depending on the age of existing insulation, the material can be blown on top. “Blown in” insulation creates an effective “thermal blanket” that covers the attic completely. Plus, cellulose is an environmentally friendly option because it is comprised of recycled materials.

For the attic cavity, fiberglass insulation is a good option

Great Northern Insulation is one of the more established insulation contractors in Windsor. In the attic, GNI often installs fiberglass insulation batts to create an effective thermal barrier from end to end. Fiberglass insulation is asbestos-free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible. The products even contain some recycled glass.

When professionally installed, fiberglass insulation does not settle after time, and will not retain moisture when a viable moisture barrier is installed. The insulation will not attract rodents and insects, and will not promote mold. With proper ventilation in the attic, fiberglass insulation will retain its integrity long term.

Fiberglass batt insulation is a cost effective installation with very good R-Values and very good lifespan. With a proper air barrier and vapour barrier installed, the insulation will enhance home energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling bills from season to season. A professional install will deliver optimum results.

Great Northern Insulation provides air leakage testing

In most homes, air leakage compromises energy efficiency more than anything. A home must be sealed tight for optimum energy efficiency. For Great Northern Insulation, sealing air leaks is the first step in managing undesirable airflow. A well sealed, well ventilated home will significantly reduce energy consumption.

GNI uses a Blower Door Test to assess air leakage. The test measures the amount of air leakage in the home and where it’s coming from. Once identified, recommendations are made to effectively seal the home and eliminate undesirable air leakage. Specific retrofits will optimize home energy efficiency for every season.

The goal of air sealing is to ensure an airtight “building envelope”. This will prevent unwanted air from coming into the home or escaping the home. Improved air sealing, upgraded insulation, and enhanced ventilation all serve to maximize a home’s energy efficiency, while reducing utility bills around the calendar year.

Addressing ice damming by upgrading attic insulation

Ice damming is caused by the constant freezing, melting, and refreezing of roof snow and ice. To stop ice dams, roof snow must be prevented from frequently melting. This is achieved through upgrading or replacing your existing attic insulation. It’s also necessary to block air leakage so that the roof and attic are effectively sealed.

In the attic and roof cavity, air sealing can be problematic because of all the awkward shapes and spaces. As such, an air barrier and vapour barrier are essential components in providing the most effectively sealed space. When the attic and roof are sealed and insulated properly, ice damming can be completely resolved.

With ice damming, GNI often recommends spray foam for sealing and insulating the attic. Spray foam creates an impermeable envelope that effectively seals and insulates at one time. A single application will cover the entire attic space from end to end. The finished space will be air tight.

There are various incentives available to finance costs

As one of the largest insulation contractors in Windsor, Great Northern Insulation offers their customers a financing option with no interest, and without any payments for the first 12 months on approved credit. You can make small monthly payments and you can pay off the outstanding balance any time. With GNI, you can even get approved right online and there’s no obligation to use the full amount.

For Union Gas customers, the Home Reno Rebate Program helps to offset the cost of improving energy efficiency. A variety of "energy smart upgrades" are eligible for rebate amounts. Property owners, who are prepared to make major energy improvements throughout the home, can easily qualify for grants of up to $5,000. Here, GNI can be quite helpful in deciding on the right upgrade.

In Ontario, the Investment in Affordable Housing Program targets access to affordable housing. Part of the program offers rebates for projects that include insulation upgrades and energy efficiency improvements. The IAH Program encourages the purchase and installation of energy-saving devices when renovations are undertaken (insulation R-Value must be minimum R40).

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is promoting home energy efficiency by offering up to 25% in premium refunds. CMHC borrowers must buy, build, or renovate and financing must be through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The incentive program is designed to make the process of energy efficiency upgrades more affordable. GNI can help with the logistics here.

Great Northern Insulation makes energy upgrading easy

If you’re looking for insulation contractors in Windsor, contact Great Northern Insulation for high quality products and high quality installations. You can call one of the experts at GNI for a FREE in home assessment at 1.800.265.1914 or fill out a free quote form below.