Basement Insulation in Cornwall

Name: Great Northern Insulation
Telephone: 1-800-265-1914

If you’re currently looking for basement insulation in Cornwall, this is a project worth doing right. Years ago, the basement was a space for the water heater, furnace, and washing machine. Few basements were finished or insulated. Today, the basement has become a livable space – a space that needs to be comfortable.

When Upgrading Basement Insulation in Cornwall, there are Numerous Benefits beyond Comfort

the space will be sealed, insulated and ventilated
improved energy efficiency in the basement
reduction of the cost of heating and air conditioning.
the cost savings on energy bills can offset the cost of the upgrades
an additional comfortable living space

If You’re Installing Basement Insulation in Cornwall, do it Right

For professionals, basement insulation is considered just as critical as any other part of the home. The objective is to increase thermal resistance, while controlling air movement and air moisture. It’s a “system” that provides home comfort and energy efficiency.

A well-insulated basement allows your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to better operate. This contributes to less energy waste and more efficient energy consumption. What’s important is to have all the work done professionally.

Is Insulating the Basement Walls Worthwhile?

Unlike kitchen or washroom renovations, basement insulation is a money-saver for years to come. That’s why doing the work right makes for a worthwhile investment. Properly insulating basement walls makes a dramatic difference, particularly where weather is extreme.

What do Experts Say about Basement Walls?

If you’re installing basement insulation in Cornwall, the benefits will be noticeable from season to season. The idea is to boost the R-Values in all of the basement walls, thus increasing the thermal resistance of the space. When done properly, experts agree that the energy savings will be significant.

What are the Cost Savings after Insulating?

Naturally, annual energy savings after insulating will differ with each home. Savings depend on basement size; R-Value installed; and the scope of air sealing. Overall, when a quality insulation product is professionally installed, the dollar savings on heating and cooling are considerable.

Are there Codes for Basement Insulation?

With basement insulation, building codes and minimum requirements vary in every region. If you’re installing basement insulation in Cornwall, your contractor can recommend a product and installation that is most suitable. Requirements for newly built homes will differ from retrofits.

Should the Basement Walls be Insulated Inside or Outside?

Insulation contractors rely on the physical condition of the basement when deciding how best to insulate. There are definite advantages to insulating from the inside of the home, as there are advantages to insulating from the outside. However, in most cases, it’s the project budget that dictates the course of action. Here again, expert advice is highly recommended for best results.

What Preparation is Needed prior to any Insulation Work?

Prior to any insulation work being done, a professional should perform a thorough assessment of the basement space. An experienced contractor will determine if there are water entry issues that require attention. Clearly, these problems must be resolved as a first step. In some homes, depending on the water entry problem, these types of issues can turn into a separate project.

How are Hard-to-Reach Areas Insulated in the Basement?

Basements have numerous hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to insulate. In these areas, spray foam insulation has proven to be the most effective solution. There’s no other product that will seal and insulate as well. With total coverage of even the smallest crevices, spray foam does it all in one application - sealing air leaks; providing high R-Values; ensuring a proper vapour barrier.

To Perform, Basement Insulation Needs an Airtight Space

When installing basement insulation, an experienced contractor will insist on creating an airtight space. This is particularly true in basements, where undesirable air movement and air moisture might compromise insulation performance. If the budget permits, a basement floor can also be insulated. Here, an underlying base of spray foam is covered with a conventional concrete floor.

Combining Spray Foam Insulation with Fiberglass Batts

For homeowners installing basement insulation in Cornwall, a “hybrid” installation might be the most cost effective approach. Here, an application of spray foam is combined with an installation of fibreglass batts. The goal is for the spray foam to provide an air barrier and vapour barrier, and the fibreglass batts to provide the insulation value. It’s effective and cost affordable at one time.

Another Option - Installing a Blown in Insulation Product

Blown in insulation can be an excellent option for basement walls and basement ceilings. This product is available in cellulose or fiberglass, and provides a satisfactory R-Value in the installation space. Cellulose provides slightly higher R-Values. If you’re opting for blown in insulation, an air barrier and vapour barrier are required, in order to ensure optimum performance of insulation.

Basement Walls can also be Insulated with Mineral Wool

Most homeowners are less familiar with mineral wool insulation. Inside basement walls, mineral wool offers satisfactory R-Value, along with sound dampening benefits. This product is fabricated with renewable resources and therefore satisfies any eco-friendly requirements. Mineral wool is a very cost effective installation, providing energy efficiency that reduces heating/cooling costs.

Rebates Available for Basement Insulation in Cornwall

Homeowners in the Cornwall area can take advantage of a number of home energy rebates, all designed to promote home energy upgrades. The rebates can offset the cost of home insulation.

Union Gas – the Home Reno Rebate offers incentives for professional air sealing
Enbridge Gas – the Home Energy Conservation Program requires two upgrades
Ontario’s AffordAbility Fund – for electricity customers who have limited income

In Cornwall, Count on the Experts at Insultech for Basement Insulation

For basement insulation in Cornwall, Insultech provides installers who are highly trained and certified. While we encourage you to shop and compare, we discourage a DIY approach to home insulation. At Insultech, we believe in doing it right the first time.

As a division of Great Northern Insulation, Insultech will arrange for a FREE home assessment to evaluate your needs and recommend a solution. Find out more by visiting our company website at www.gni.ca or phoning one of our experts at 1-800-265-1914.