Basement Insulation in Gloucester

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

If you’re installing basement insulation in Gloucester, it’s better to do it right the first time. Basements have become valuable living spaces for more and more homeowners. The furnace, water heater, and wash machines are still in the basement, but there’s far more living space.

When you upgrade your basement insulation, the benefits are long-term. Beyond upgrading the insulation itself, the basement also has to be effectively air sealed and air ventilated. It’s this combination of insulation, air sealing, and ventilation that ensures optimal energy efficiency.

Installing basement insulation in Gloucester? Better do it professionally!

Basement insulation should be considered just as important as any other part of the home. The aim with basement insulation, regardless of the installation approach, is to boost the R-Values, better control air movement, and better manage air moisture – everything works as a “system”.

When your basement is effectively insulated, your HVAC system (heating, cooling, ventilation) will operate much more efficiently. You will consume energy more efficiently and waste less. But what’s most important is to choose a professional contractor to coordinate the full installation.

Benefits of installing basement insulation professionally include:

Air leakage is blocked – air moisture is controlled
Heating and air conditioning bills are reduced
More living space is added in the basement
Heat loss is diminished all year-round
Seasonal home comfort is enhanced

Is insulating your basement worthwhile?

Unlike a kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation, basement insulation can actually save you money year over year, season after season. Professionally handled, basement insulation is a worthwhile investment – the annual heating and cooling savings will offset your project costs.

What do the experts say about insulation?

When installing basement insulation in Gloucester, your professional contractor will highlight all the benefits – primarily that R-Values are significantly boosted and energy efficiency is enhanced. The benefits of professional installation quickly translate into energy savings season after season.

What are the longer-term dollar savings?

Every home is different, and therefore annual energy savings vary. Dollar savings after insulation upgrades will depend on a number of factors: the size of the basement; the improved R-Values; and the amount of air sealing. A professional install will ensure the best long-term outcomes.

Do building codes impact the insulation?

In general, building codes vary from region to region. If you’re installing basement insulation in Gloucester, your contractor will suggest the product and installation that meets the building code pre-requisites. Newly built homes have different code requirements than older, existing homes.

Should the basement walls be insulated from the outside or the inside of the home?

It’s best to have a professional contractor evaluate the existing condition of the basement. The contractor will identify the advantages of insulating from either the inside of the home or the outside – there could be various advantages to either option. Often, your project budget will be a determining factor. Here again, it’s a professional contractor who can provide the best options.

Are there any preparations required before doing the basement insulation work?

Before basement insulation work begins, an in-depth home energy assessment is recommended. This will allow for a scope of work to be detailed, and for problem areas to be identified – and in particular if there are any water-entry issues. Water-entry issues must be fixed before starting any insulation work. In some cases, a serious water-entry problem may become a separate project.

Can the hard-to-reach areas in the basement be effectively sealed and insulated?

Most basements have hard-to-reach spaces that are difficult to seal and insulate. Professionals often recommend spray foam insulation as an effective remedy. No other insulation product will effectively seal and insulate those hard-to-reach areas. All things considered, spray foam is very multi-purpose – it seals air leakage; it provides high R-Values; and it creates a vapour barrier.

When a basement is properly sealed, insulation performance is much improved

When insulating a basement, professional contractors begin by sealing the space airtight. This is essential in a basement in order to control air movement and air moisture. When a budget allows, it’s also worthwhile to effectively insulate the basement floor. Here, spray foam is applied as a base, and the basement floor is then covered completely with a conventional layer of concrete.

The “hybrid” approach – combining spray foam and insulation batts

Homeowners installing basement insulation in Gloucester might consider a “hybrid” installation. First, a spray foam application is strategically applied throughout the basement. Then, fibreglass batts are installed to ensure the maximum in thermal protection. When the job is finished, it’s the spray foam that provides the air barrier and vapour barrier, and the batts that provide insulation.

Blown in insulation is a cost effective option that offers great results

In the basement walls, blown insulation provides a cost-effective option with excellent results. In cellulose or fiberglass, the blown insulation offers satisfactory R-Values, although the cellulose product has slightly higher R-Values. Blown insulation requires an air barrier and vapour barrier to be installed - both are required to ensure optimum performance levels for the insulation.

Mineral wool insulation is another good product for the basement

Most residential homeowners are not that familiar with mineral wool insulation. Mineral wool when installed in the basement walls provides satisfactory R-Values, as well as sound dampening properties. This product is made from renewable resources and will therefore satisfy eco-friendly pre-requisites. Mineral wool provides improved energy efficiency, as well as reduced utility costs.

For basement insulation in Gloucester, cash rebates are available

Homeowners who are installing basement insulation in Gloucester can take advantage of various home energy rebates. These rebates are designed to incentivize specific home energy upgrades. Cash rebates can measurably offset the cost of a home energy retrofit, making it cost effective.

To find out which rebate programs you are applicable for, please contact our office or submit an inquiry for a free in-home assessment. As a part of Great Northern Insulation, Insultech keeps on top of all available rebate programs, and can assist in guiding you through the process for any rebates you may meet the requirements to receive.

In Gloucester, you can count on Insultech for basement insulation

At Insultech, we encourage customers to educate themselves on the different insulation options, however we discourage customers from going with a DIY approach when insulating the basement. We believe that professional expertise delivers the best results.

Insultech will arrange for your home energy assessment (at no charge). We’ll identify your needs and recommend options for retrofitting and upgrading. Call us at 1-800-265-1914 or visit our company website at https://www.gni.ca/