Basement Insulation in Kanata

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

If you’re about to install basement insulation in Kanata, it’s worthwhile doing it right the first time. Unlike years ago, today’s basements are considered livable spaces. While the furnace, water heater, and wash machine are still there, the space is now for living – and that means it has to be comfortable.

There are Many Benefits of Adding Basement Insulation in Kanata

minimizes heat loss in the winter
keeps cool air inside in the summer
annual heating and cooling bills are reduced
moisture accumulation better controlled
pockets of air leakage are blocked
valuable living space added

When it comes time to upgrade basement insulation, there are a number of benefits that can be derived. However, the upgrading has to be done right. Beyond being insulated, the space has to be air sealed and well ventilated. This ensures energy efficiency throughout and reduces the cost of utilities.

If You’re Looking for Basement insulation in Kanata, Go with a Professional

For professional contractors, insulating the basement space is considered as important as any part of the home. The goal with insulation is to increase thermal resistance, control unwanted air movement, and manage air moisture – essentially it’s a “system”.

When your basement is well insulated, your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, cooling) will be operating more efficiently. You’ll be wasting less energy and consuming energy more efficiently. What’s most important, however, is to do the work professionally.

Are the Basement Walls Well Worth Insulating?

Unlike a kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation, basement insulation is actually a project that saves money. Professionally managed, basement insulation is a very worthwhile investment. When basement walls are properly insulated, energy savings are dramatic throughout the year.

What do the Experts Say about Basement Walls?

If you’re upgrading basement insulation in Kanata, you’ll notice almost immediate benefits from season to season. The objective is to boost R-Values in the basement walls and increase thermal resistance. Insulation experts can ensure energy savings that will “pay down” the project cost.

What are the Total Cost Savings with Insulation?

Energy savings over the course of the year will vary from home to home. Total savings depend on the size of the basement; the installed R-Values; and the amount of air sealing. Installing quality insulation will undoubtedly result in considerable dollar savings on heating and cooling costs.

What are the Code Requisites for the Basement?

When installing basement insulation, the building code requisites vary by region. For basement insulation in Kanata, your local contractor will recommend the product and installation that best suits the job requirements. Newly built homes have different code requisites than retrofits.

Should Basement Walls be Insulated from the Outside or the Inside?

Professional insulation contractors refer to the physical condition of a basement when deciding on insulation. All depending on the situation, there are advantages to insulating from the outside of the house, as well as insulating from the inside. In most cases, the project budget will dictate a viable course of action. This is where professional advice is recommended for the best results.

What Preparation is Required before Doing Any Insulation Work?

Before doing any insulation work in the basement, a professional energy assessment should be performed. A qualified contractor can determine if there are any water-entry problems that may require repairs. As a first step, water-entry problems must be resolved before any insulation work takes place. In some homes, a serious water-entry issue can quickly turn into an individual project.

How are Hard-to-Reach Spots in the Basement Properly Insulated?

Typically, basements have a number of hard-to-reach areas that are tough to insulate. Here, spray foam insulation is the most effective option. No other insulation product can seal and insulate a space in the same way. Providing complete insulation coverage, spray foam does everything with a single application – it seals air leakage; provides high R-Values; and creates a vapour barrier.

An Airtight Space Allows Basement Insulation to Better Perform

With basement insulation, professional contractors insist on creating a space that is airtight. This is particularly important in a basement, because air movement and air moisture can compromise the performance of installed insulation. When the budget allows, a basement floor can also be insulated. Here, a base of spray foam is applied, and then covered over with a layer of concrete.

Combining Spray Foam Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Homeowners installing basement insulation in Kanata can opt for a “hybrid” install – a very cost effective approach with excellent results. First, spray foam is applied throughout the space then followed by an installation of fibreglass batts. This approach allows the spray foam to create an air barrier and vapour barrier, while the fibreglass batts provide the required thermal protection.

Another Good Option - Installing a Blown in Insulation Product

Another option for basement walls is blown in insulation. Available in cellulose or fiberglass, this product provides satisfactory R-Values wherever installed (cellulose has a slightly higher R-Value). If you’re going to opt for blown in insulation, it’s still necessary to install both an air barrier and a vapour barrier. This is necessary in order to ensure maximum performance for the insulation.

Basements can Also be Effectively Insulated with Mineral Wool

Many homeowners are unfamiliar with mineral wool insulation. When installed inside basement walls, mineral wool insulation offers good R-Values, as well as sound dampening benefits. The product is made from renewable resources and thus satisfies eco-friendly requisites. Mineral wool insulation is cost effective, and improves energy efficiency to reduce heating/cooling costs.

Several Rebates Available for Basement Insulation in Kanata

Homeowners in Kanata can capitalize on several home energy rebates, each of which is designed to incentivize home insulation upgrades. Cash rebates can offset the cost of an insulation project.

Union Gas offers cash incentives for professional air sealing (Home Reno Rebate)
Enbridge Gas requires 2 specific upgrades (Home Energy Conservation Program)
Ontario’s AffordAbility Fund is only for electricity customers with limited incomes

In Kanata, You can Count on Insultech for Basement Insulation

For basement insulation in Kanata, the professionals at Insultech encourage you to shop around and compare. We discourage a DIY approach with basement insulation, mainly because expertise and experience will deliver better results.

A division of Great Northern Insulation, Insultech can arrange for a FREE energy assessment of your home, where we’ll identify your needs and recommend options. Find out more by calling 1-800-265-1914 or visit us at www.gni.ca .