Attic Insulation in Ottawa

If you’re shopping around for attic insulation in Ottawa, you’re likely focused on some priorities. As well as home comfort, you’re probably interested in reducing your energy consumption, and lowering your utility bills. All of this is connected to home energy efficiency, and today, homeowners across the country are regarding energy efficiency as a high priority. The fact is, in most Canadian homes, attic insulation can make a very significant contribution to improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Installing attic insulation in Ottawa will improve home comfort

For homeowners thinking about attic insulation in Ottawa, it’s well worthwhile going with a quality approach. In the attic, it’s just not enough to “top up” new insulation over existing material. The attic and roof cavity must be well sealed, well insulated, and well ventilated. Addressing these elements will ensure optimum energy efficiency in the attic and throughout the home. By doing a comprehensive job, the benefits will last well into the future, and the energy savings will make the investment worthwhile.

• undesirable indoor air movement is averted
• heat loss is blocked in frigid winter weather
• “conditioned” indoor air is better preserved
• air moisture is prevented from accumulating
• air leakage is impeded (winter and summer)
• air circulation is better controlled/balanced

Energy efficiency requires more than just insulation

For property owners installing attic insulation in Ottawa, it’s important to understand that energy efficiency relies on air sealing and ventilation, in addition to quality insulation. A properly sealed attic will stop warm indoor air from escaping out in winter, and will stop warm outdoor air from creeping indoors in summer. Finally, once your attic is sealed and insulated, it requires proper ventilation. When the attic is poorly ventilated, even the best insulation product will not perform at its peak.

Some signs that your insulation needs an upgrade

Most insulation products installed in the attic will degrade over the long term and will consequently lose performance integrity. As a homeowner, you’ll notice the telltale signs. Certain parts of the home will be draughty. The HVAC system (heating and cooling) will be overworking. Indoor temperatures might be fluctuating, and you’ll notice unusually high utility bills. All of these signs are symptoms that your insulation is not preforming at peak, and that air leakage may be compromising energy efficiency.

In the attic, insulating must be comprehensive

Effectively insulating the attic goes beyond blowing or spraying new material to fill the space. This is not always fully understood by homeowners (and contractors). When insulating, it’s imperative that an effective air barrier and a vapour barrier complements the insulation, whatever the insulation product installed. The air barrier and a vapour barrier create a comprehensive system that stops undesirable air movement and helps to prevent moisture buildup. As such, the insulation performs as advertised.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam insulation is the premium choice for industry professionals. Professionally installed, spray foam will provide an air barrier, vapour barrier, and insulation barrier in one application. When you choose spray foam insulation you’re making a long-term investment with significant pay back. Nothing seals and insulates like spray foam, and the finished space is more energy efficient than any other comparable product. Spray foam is costly, but the annual energy savings will offset the initial costs.

Fibreglass Batt Insulation

For attic insulation in Ottawa, many homeowners find fibreglass batt insulation to be ideal. The batts are very cost effective and provide satisfactory thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Fibreglass batt installation must be complimented with proper air sealing and proper ventilation in order to perform optimally. The batts must be appropriately fitted, and an air barrier and vapour barrier must also be installed. The complete installation will serve to better control air movement and air moisture.

Blown In Insulation

Blown in insulation is a popular product for the attic. It’s available in either a cellulose or fiberglass composition, with both products having similar benefits (cellulose has slightly higher R-Value). Both products provide satisfactory thermal protection and both are cost effective. Ideal for the attic space, these products are mold resistant and fire resistant. Once again, when installing blown in insulation, the installation will require both an air barrier and vapour barrier to compliment the insulation.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool insulation is a lesser-known product, but with excellent thermal properties and long-term integrity. In the attic, mineral wool provides effective insulation, noise dampening, and reduced fire risk. The product itself is made from renewable resources and thus satisfies some homeowner’s desires to be eco-friendly. The finished application will deliver enhanced energy efficiency and cost savings on heating and cooling. Mineral wool insulation is ideal for lofts, attics, and external walls.

With insulation, it’s best to work with a professional

If you’re currently thinking about attic insulation in Ottawa, you may be tempted to go with a DIY approach, mainly as a way to save money. The fact is, home insulation requires a professional touch for the best results. As such, an insulation expert will offer you the best solution, based on need. More importantly, the solution will encompass unseen issues or problems beyond the insulation itself.

With insulation, a DIY approach can be precarious. This is where an insulation expert can provide sound recommendations that address problem areas. More than that, hiring an amateur contractor (without certification or liability insurance) can lead to problems down the road. With attic insulation its best to do it right the first time – with a professional contractor who can provide a guarantee.

For attic insulation in Ottawa, count on the experts at Insultech, a division of Great Northern Insulation

In Ottawa, and throughout the National Capital Region, the experts at Insultech will provide an in depth assessment of your home, followed by practical recommendations. Insultech is a division of Great Northern Insulation, with installers who are highly trained and licensed. We install only the best quality products, and every installation is guaranteed.

Whatever your project, we encourage you to shop and compare service providers. At the same time, we can assure you that our service and installation approach is unparalleled. When you hire Insultech, we’ll recommend the installation that best suits your need and guarantee quality throughout. Most importantly, we’ll make sure you get the best results.

Find out more by calling 1-800-265-1914 and arranging a FREE in-home assessment. For more information about other home energy services, visit our website at www.gni.ca.

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