Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation in Ajax

Understanding home insulation basics can be advantageous

For a homeowner thinking about installing fiberglass batt insulation or fiberglass loose fill insulation in Ajax, understanding the basics can be advantageous. The whole idea with insulating is to decrease, and potentially eliminate what the experts call “heat flow” or “heat transfer”. During the wintertime, it means that warm air inside the home is leaking out. During the summertime, it means that the warm air outside is creeping into the home. Neither dynamic is suitable. “Heat transfer” results in the poor energy inefficiency that homeowners experience, and in utility bills that are higher than should be.

Expert insulation contractors see the home (and other building structures) as a contained “envelope". That “envelope” is made of building materials that affect “heat transfer”. Some of the materials have a positive influence, and other materials have a negative influence. So when it comes to home insulation, the idea is to eliminate the negative influences. Here, it’s essential to install insulation that will deal with the “heat transfer”, and once that issue is addressed, energy efficiency is improved throughout the home, and the high utility bills are measurably reduced during both wintertime and summertime.

Most homeowners know that there are many insulation products and many installation methods. But overall, the primary goals of insulation are the same – effectively stopping unwanted air movement; effectively stopping unwanted moisture (and vapour) from accumulating; and significantly increasing existing R-Values where the new insulation is being installed. Also important with an insulation project is to go with a professional. Yes - there are ways to save money with a do-it-yourself approach. But the best approach and best outcomes are attained with a professional who has experience and expertise.

Fiberglass insulation products are a popular option

For homeowners across Canada and in the northern United States, the fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill products are a popular option. Used primarily in attics and roof cavities, these two fiberglass products deliver satisfactory levels of R-Value where installed, and will improve the energy efficiency throughout the home. A professional fiberglass installation will ensure good product lifespan, and R-Values that will sustain for many years.

Like most home improvement projects, home insulation requires specific expertise. The professionals know the ins and outs, especially when it comes to creating a fiberglass “thermal blanket” that is both efficient and effective. With the loose fill product, for instance, the application must be uniform and consistent for the product to perform. With the fiberglass batts it’s similar – they must be installed in a strategic way for the best results.

Installing the fiberglass products will have benefits

Professionally installed according to product specifications, fiberglass products are safe. They are air-quality tested and certified; free of asbestos; and free of any odor. Fiberglass will not combust, and will not corrode. Fiberglass insulation will usually contain quantities of recycled “glass”, and the finished installation will not retain moisture in small amounts. A good fiberglass install should not settle in any significant way over the years.

Fiberglass batts and loose fill insulation are designed to deter animals, rodents, insects, and vermin. And with a professional install, the finished space will not be a welcome environment for mold to grow. As well, with proper ventilation throughout the space, fiberglass products should not deteriorate over time. For homeowners looking to install fiberglass batt insulation or fiberglass loose fill insulation in Ajax, fiberglass is cost-effective.

Some of the disadvantages of installing fiberglass insulation

For the professional contractor, fiberglass insulation products do not adequately address the concerns of either air movement or moisture accumulation. This is a disadvantage when insulating the attic since both air and moisture are significant challenges. It’s worth discussing before work commences.

In an attic, residual air movement is also an issue when fiberglass is installed. This is because fiberglass does not seal a space, even with the best installation. Effective sealing is essential for any insulation to perform - without it insulation value is compromised (another reason to assess before work starts).

Probably the most serious issue with fiberglass is wetness - a wet fiberglass environment will result in compromised product integrity and substantial loss of R-Value. And if this is left unattended, fiberglass will eventually deteriorate until it needs professional remediation (removal, repair, reinstallation).

In a worst-case situation, a wet fiberglass environment could promote mold – not a good outcome for the indoor air quality. Depending on the extent of mold, there may be no other option but to remediate professionally – this is work for an expert with the appropriate experience with mold removal.

Spray Polyurethane Foam has become the product-of-choice

Because of the various shortcomings of fiberglass, spray foam insulation has become a realistic option alternative. Professionally known as Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), it is becoming the product-of-choice for many. One application of SPF creates a comprehensive “blanket” of insulation that stops both unwanted air movement and unwanted moisture (and vapor) collection.

In most insulation projects, air leakage is a primary problem. Air leakage accounts for indoor heat and indoor cooling leaking out without stop. This never occurs when SPF is installed, because the finished application is completely sealed and airtight. SPF makes for a combined air barrier/vapor barrier, and provides high R-Value that is unmatched by any other product.

The “hybrid” installation combines SPF with fiberglass

Spray Polyurethane Foam is acknowledged as the best. Product performance is hard to equal, and the professionals are routinely recommending the product for both attic and basement. However, Spray Polyurethane Foam doesn’t always suit the budget – it’s a premium product with a premium price. And because of this, Great Northern Insulation has developed the “hybrid” installation.

The “hybrid” installation combines SPF with one of the fibreglass products. The application brings benefits from both of the installed products, and the overall results are excellent. The SPF is installed for its superb sealing and insulating, while the fibreglass product is installed to augment R-Value and provide excellent cost-effectiveness and dollar value - an excellent option for any homeowner.