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Pros & Cons of Spray Foam Insulation

December 17, 2017

High-performance insulation – the benefit of spray foam insulation

Spray foam insulation is considered by professionals to be a high-performance product. Today, it’s being used in both new construction and home retrofits, with equal success. The primary benefit of spray foam insulation is performance – both in the short term and in the long term.

Another important benefit of spray foam insulation is the flexibility to install anywhere – it has become the “product-of-choice” for attics, basements, and exterior walls. When compared with other insulation products, nothing comes close to the versatility and performance of spray foam.

Spray foam insulation is truly multi-purpose - it seals airtight; provides very high R-Value; and adds structural strength where installed. For homeowners who are focused on improving home energy efficiency, spray foam insulation is the best option, and with long-term energy savings.

The “pros” of installing spray foam insulation

The benefit of spray foam insulation is that it does more than just insulate. With a professional install, spray foam provides an air barrier, vapour barrier, and insulation barrier all at one time.

The result is the ultimate in energy efficiency, allowing the HVAC system (heat, cool, ventilate) to operate much more efficiently, and use far less natural gas and electricity from season to season.

  • air leakage is virtually eliminated
  • an air-tight seal prevents heat loss
  • home energy efficiency is assured
  • seasonal energy bills are lowered
  • ideal for attics, roofs, walls, floors
  • higher R-Value than other installs  
  • moisture accumulation is reduced
  • no need to install a vapour barrier
  • all awkward spaces are sealed up
  • air drafts are effectively eradicated

The benefit of spray foam insulation is best appreciated in the long run. Because the home is far better insulated, the much improved energy efficiency reduces demand for winter heating and summer cooling. Year after year, the utility savings actually “pay off” the original investment.

The “cons” of installing spray foam insulation

While spray foam insulation offers superior performance when compared with other options, it’s considered a premium product and installation. As such, the upfront cost and investment may be beyond the budget of some homeowners. All things considered, spray foam insulation is industry competitive, but for some, it may be necessary to consider other products and/or installations.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is a popular install in residential applications. It’s available in a number of compositions and provides satisfactory thermal protection. The finished install is resistant to mold, pests, and fire – and therefore an ideal option for the attic and roof cavity. The project cost is attractive for many homeowners, which accounts for the popularity. However, there’s still a need to install some form of air barrier/vapour barrier in order to ensure fuller airtightness.

Fibreglass Insulation

Fibreglass insulation is fabricated from glass fibre and is commonly installed as batts or loose fill.

Providing satisfactory insulation capacity, fibreglass insulation is an affordable option for attics and basements. While this product might be regarded as a DIY install, the professional approach is much preferred. Here again, whether in the attic or basement, proper air sealing and moisture control must be ensured for maximum energy efficiency (additional installation is required).

Recognizing the benefit of spray foam insulation is about long-term thinking - the “payback” is a few short years, and the original investment is made worthwhile with the annual utility savings.

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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

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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.

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

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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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