Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Pickering

Understanding home insulation is about understanding the basics

Homeowners who are trying to decide about fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation in Pickering should first understand the basics. For most every homeowner, home insulation should be about diminishing and trying to eliminate “heat transfer”. It’s sometimes referred to as “heat flow”, but whatever the name, it’s not desirable in a home. In winter, it means that warm air is escaping out. In summer, it means that warm air is seeping in. Whatever the season, “heat flow” is not good - overall energy efficiencies are poor, and in most cases, home utility bills will be on the high side.

For expert insulation contractors, a home (like all building structures) is an “envelope". Buildings are made of materials that have an affect on “heat flow”. In certain situations, the effect is a positive one, and in certain situations the effect is a negative one. In a typical home, reducing and eliminating “heat flow” is the job of the insulation - that’s why it’s so critical to install the right insulation. In the end, whichever insulation product is chosen, “heat flow” must be hindered so that energy efficiencies in the home are enhanced, and utility bills will be reduced dramatically from season to season.

Today, there are a host of insulating products available to the homeowner, and a host of application approaches to match. But the primary goals of insulation remain the same: to constrain air movement effectively; to stop unwanted moisture from collecting; and to boost R-Values in the areas where new insulation is being installed. Another important thing - insulation should be installed expertly. And even though homeowners might like the idea of saving money with a DIY project, the best results are achieved with a professional installer who understands the products and application.

Fiberglass insulation – understanding fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill

Across Canada, and in most of northern states in the USA, fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill are quite commonly used when insulating the attic or roof. A good installation will ensure satisfactory R-Value levels throughout, and will enhance overall energy efficiencies. Both fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill have good product lifespans, and the R-Value levels will sustain for the long term.

Insulation is a home improvement project that requires professionalism and expertise. A professional will know how to install an effective “thermal blanket” and assure optimum product performance. The fiberglass loose fill product, for instance, requires consistency and uniformity to perform. Similarly, fiberglass batts must be strategically installed to ensure optimum product performance.

Some of the benefits of installing fiberglass products

Professionally installed, fiberglass loose fill and fiberglass batts are safe for the home. These products do not contain asbestos and are air-quality certified for residential application. Fiberglass is odor-free, does not combust, and does not corrode. Better brands contain significant amounts of recycled “glass”, and will not retain small amounts of moisture. Fiberglass doesn’t settle significantly over the years.

Neither fiberglass batt insulation nor fiberglass loose fill insulation attract animals, insects or rodents when professionally installed. And the fiberglass environment is not conducive to mold growth. With proper ventilation, and a good install, fiberglass should not deteriorate. For homeowners considering loose fill insulation or batt insulation in Thornhill, fiberglass is definitely cost effective.

Some of the weaknesses of installing fiberglass products

Installed on their own, neither of the fiberglass products (loose fill or insulation batts) fully address the issues associated with undesirable air movement or moisture accumulation. In the attic or roof, this weakness is problematic, and should be discussed with the contractor before work proceeds.

Unwanted air movement is a problem with the fiberglass products. This is because neither product will completely seal a space. Once again, in the roof, the attic or the basement, this could be problematic. And since effective sealing is important with any install, this should be discussed with the contractor.

Probably the biggest weakness of fiberglass is wetness. Fiberglass that is wet will lose integrity and will slowly lose R-Value. With time, the material will deteriorate, and this will require remediation by a professional. It means removing the insulation material; repairing damages; and then re-installing.

Worst-case scenario, wet fiberglass can promote mold growth. Unfortunately, this could compromise air quality in the home. In this scenario, the mold infestation must be remediated professionally and will require the expertise of a contractor with the appropriate knowledge and experience.

The best insulation product:  Spray Polyurethane Foam.

With the inherent weaknesses of fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation, spray foam has recently become a viable alternative. Often referred to as Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), this application installs an insulation “envelope” that is impervious – it stops the movement of air and prevents the collection of undesirable moisture.

In most insulation projects, there’s a problem with air leakage (winter heat loss and summer cool loss). But with the Spray Polyurethane Foam product, a finished space is completely airtight – an air barrier and vapor barrier in one. As for the R-Value, SPF has the highest overall rating - performance that is unmatched by any comparable insulation product.

The “hybrid” install – a combination of SPF and fiberglass

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) is widely recognized as the best product on the market. Performance is hard to equal, which is why many professionals are recommending the install for residential home insulation. However, SPF products are not always the best fit for all project budgets – SPF is a premium product and can be costly.

In response to project cost, the professionals at G.N.I. (Great Northern Insulation) have created the “hybrid” installation. This is an approach that incorporates Spray Polyurethane Foam with either the fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation. This installation benefits from the strengths of each of the products.

The “hybrid” installation from G.N.I. delivers excellent outcomes. The Spray Polyurethane Foam makes for an excellent sealer and insulator, while the fibreglass component adds insulation value AND dollar value. This is a cost-effectiveness project for any homeowner.