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What is the Best Insulation for Basements?

December 22, 2015

While it's true that there are a number of good options for insulating the basement, it's also likely that contractors will have varying opinions. There is no shortage of insulation product on the market, and with so many product claims, choosing the best insulation for the basement can be somewhat challenging. But to be sure, working with an experienced insulation contractor will make a big difference. With a good contractor, it's far easier to choose the right product for the job, and the right installation approach for the space. And for those who might opt for the DIY (do-it-yourself) approach, there may well be money savings, but the best project outcomes are with the professionals. Regardless of insulation product or installation technique, professional contractors have their focus on making a basement airtight. Clearly its important to install a product that will achieve this aim, and here, Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has become a favourite for many contractors. With one single application, a basement becomes airtight - the application serves as an air barrier, a vapour barrier, and an insulator simultaneously. In addition, SPF installs a level of R-Value that is far superior to any comparable product, or combination of products. However, in terms of project cost, SPF is a premium-priced product that may not be suitable for all basement projects. Traditionally, fibreglass batts (the pink fluffy insulation batts) were a popular option for renovated basements. But on their own, they did not provide a complete air seal and did not provide any type of vapour barrier. Today, smart contractors are installing a combination of fibreglass batts and SPF - an install that combines the benefits from both products, and with excellent results. This so called "hybrid" installation allows for the SPF to effectively seal and insulate, while the fibreglass batts provide added insulation and excellent cost effectiveness. The finished install does it all - the basement is well insulated and energy efficient, and the cost savings on utilities is dramatic. For any home-owner considering basement insulation, its important not to underestimate the benefits. The space is clearly valuable, and having it well insulated can add precious living space to a home. Beyond comfort, a properly insulated basement offers a number of other benefits: reduced heating and cooling bills; better balanced heating and cooling cycles; and annual savings that will pay off the original project costs. Here again, the SPF product (on its own or in combination) shows its strengths, especially in a space like the basement. Moisture is prevented from collecting; air movement is restricted; and R-Value is enhanced throughout the space. In terms of cost-benefit, basement insulation is an excellent home improvement project that will deliver good value for years to come. Indeed, there is measurably more value derived than some of the more cosmetic home improvements. A professional installation, along with a quality insulation product will garner annual dollar savings that will quickly "pay off" the initial project investment. And not many home projects can do that.

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

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Central Ontario

29 Ferndale Industrial Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4N 9V5

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Greater Toronto Area

2 Guided Court
Etobicoke, ON
M9V 4K6

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GTA East

103 North Port Road
Port Perry, Ontario
Canada L9L 1B2

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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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