Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Newmarket

Understanding the fundamentals of home insulation

For the average residential homeowner, understanding the fundamentals of home insulation is primarily about understanding heat transfer (could also be referred to as heat flow). In the average residential home, heat transfer is not desirable - in winter, it means that warm air from inside is escaping - and in summer, it means that hot air from the outside is creeping in. Both scenarios are not desirable, and both scenarios contribute to energy inefficiency throughout the home. In short, energy inefficiency means more costly utilities.

For the professionals in the industry, every home is a building “envelope" - constructed with building materials that positively and negatively affect heat transfer. For homeowners who are thinking about fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation, the objective should be eliminating heat transfer, whichever insulation product is used. By achieving this objective, homeowners will conserve energy, and reduce energy costs during the year. Clearly, the annual savings should make the initial investment worthwhile.

When it comes time to insulating, the requisites (with any insulation product) are straightforward: restricting air movement; preventing moisture from accumulating; and enhancing existing R-Values. As for installation, the best outcomes for the short term and long term are achieved with a professional install – it’s recommended.

Choosing one of the fiberglass insulation products

In more recent years, fiberglass insulation has become popular in North America, where insulating the home is critical. Fiberglass loose fill insulation has become popular for the roof and attic, while fiberglass batt insulation has gained equal popularity for the same applications. Both products deliver suitable R-Value when installed, and both will improve a home’s energy efficiency in the winter and the summer. When fiberglass insulation is properly installed (under good conditions), the product has a good lifespan and maintains R-Value for years.

For optimum performance, fiberglass insulation products should be professionally installed. Both product and installation require expertise and professional experience. For example, loose-fill insulation requires uniformity when it comes to distribution and concentration. Similarly, fiberglass batts require strategic placement to ensure product performance. Both of these products are good for “topping up” any existing insulation, provided that everything is clean and dry. When properly installed, the products provide an effective “thermal blanket”.

The main advantages of choosing fiberglass products

Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation are safe insulation products - they are odor-free, asbestos free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible. Both contain considerable recycled material. Most of the top brands are air-quality certified for residential installation. Fiberglass will not retain small amounts of moisture. When these products are properly installed, they will not settle over time, and will maintain good R-Value.

Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not provide a feeding environment for insects or rodents, and do not provide a breeding environment for mold. When professionally installed in a well-ventilated space, fiberglass insulation products do not deteriorate over the years. In terms of home improvement budget, both products are affordable to install, and cost-effective when delivering annual cost savings on utilities.

The main disadvantages of choosing fiberglass products

Fiberglass insulation products do pose some disadvantages. Neither fiberglass batts nor loose-fill insulation will fully address issues of air movement and moisture collection. Because of this, they cannot be considered 100% effective. And when installing in the roof or attic, this problem should be discussed with the contractor.

Even when professionally installed, fiberglass batts and loose-fill insulation allow for air movement - neither of these products seals a space fully. For a homeowner, this will result in a space that is not 100% sealed, and therefore not 100% insulated. Again, it’s something to discuss with the contractor before the installation.

Also a disadvantage with fiberglass products is wetness. Loose-fill insulation and fiberglass batts do not do well when wet. When soaked or waterlogged, product integrity and R-Value are compromised. As well, fiberglass insulation will deteriorate when wet. Clearly, this type of situation will require full removal of the insulation.

When fiberglass insulation is water-compromised, there is a potential for mold to grow. When unattended, mold growth can seriously affect air quality throughout a home (with serious health issues for occupants). This is an unfortunate situation that must be remediated properly, with the assurance that the mold is eradicated.

A viable alternative to fiberglass:  spray foam insulation

Because of the inherent disadvantages of fiberglass products, professional contractors are opting for spray foam insulation. Spray foam assures that a space is fully sealed. It’s an “envelope” that provides an impervious air barrier and vapor barrier at the same time. In fact, spray foam insulation effectively seals a given space much better than any other product. Simply put, the main disadvantages of fiberglass insulation can be overcome.

For professionals in the field, air leakage in a building structure is a major challenge. And stopping air leakage is key – stopping heated air from leaking out, and stopping hot air from coming in. Here, spray foam is the answer – it stops air leakage completely. This said, it’s the ideal product for roofs, attics, and even basements. A spray foam application will ensure airtightness, higher R-Values, and significantly improved energy efficiency.

The “hybrid” install - a product combination that works

By all measures, spray foam insulation is considered a superior product. It has far more benefits than other comparable products, and brings higher R-Value than any other application. This is why many more insulation contractors are recommending spray foam insulation for their upcoming residential and commercial jobs.

As a premium product, spray foam insulation may not be suitable for every budget. This is why the professionals at Great Northern Insulation have put together a “hybrid” installation. It’s an approach that combines fibreglass insulation and spray foam insulation in one application - cost-effective, and with a reasonable “pay-back” period.

For homeowners in Newmarket, Great Northern Insulation can offer a variety of viable insulation options. And whether it’s fiberglass batt insulation, fiberglass loose fill insulation, or spray foam insulation, the experts at GNI will ensure that both product and installation will deliver long term results.