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In the “good old days”, there wasn’t much need to insulate our homes; there wasn’t much thought given to the high cost of heating; and there wasn’t a particular need to consider household energy usage or savings. Homeowners just wanted the inside of the home to be warm in the winter, and relatively cool in the summer (most people didn’t have AC of any sort). People lived in homes that were quite drafty, with uneven heat distribution between the upper floors of the house and the lower floors, and with little concern for air circulation. Today, everyone wants complete seasonal comfort – we all want our indoor spaces to be warm during the winter months, and cool throughout the hot summer months.
So if you’re currently in the market for attic insulation in Etobicoke, or in any of the communities west of the GTA, consider the people at Great Northern Insulation as your insulation specialists. The pros at GNI can advise you as to which insulation is best for your needs, and can install all the products that they suggest. They’ll even tell you if insulation is really required. GNI professionals insulate your home to the max - with cost-effective solutions that are designed to address your specific needs and meet your required budget. We want to ensure that your insulation issues are fully resolved, and that the long-term benefits will be realized.
The GNI approach is to tackle each insulation project as a complete insulation system, and to make that system viable, efficient and effective. We focus on everything: on the air barriers that prevent the movement of inside and outside air; on insulating all of the cavities, holes, gaps and cracks; on the vapor barriers (polyethylene sheeting) that prevent moisture penetration and condensation; and on the insulation products that deliver the best results for the short term, and the best return on investment for the long term. For GNI, the comprehensive approach is the only approach - a home that is well sealed, well insulated, and well ventilated. It’s all-inclusive - something the professionals like to call a “true insulated building envelope”. And for the homeowner, this kind of approach delivers results: a balanced HVAC system; improved indoor air quality; and better overall performance of the indoor environment.
When it comes to finally deciding how best to insulate, the people at GNI encourage a thoughtful process that is measured - after all, this is a time to think long term. This is not a time to hire a local contractor with a pickup truck, who will simply install new insulation over existing insulation. As mentioned prior, insulating is only one part of the entire job - there’s the aspect of moisture control; there are air circulation and ventilation issues; and there’s the overall indoor air performance to think about. And that’s without mentioning the quality of the installation. On that account, a bad install always results in reduced R-values. It comes from improperly installing the actual product; it comes from lousy coverage of air pockets and leftover spaces; and it comes from poor air-sealing methods that contribute to uncontrolled air movement.
Fiberglass “batt” insulation has always been a popular option for attic insulation (they are heavily promoted during the fall). The “batts” come in convenient, pre-cut sections, and are usually manufactured from fiberglass, although today the “batts” are available in other compositions. The fiberglass “batts” are an affordable insulation product, easy to install, and delivering acceptable R-values and energy efficiencies over the long-term. But the installation must be executed with expertise and the final coverage must be absolute - if not, an incomplete or inadequate installation will result in reduced insulation values. Installation must be “super-tight” - leftover gaps will have an affect on the heating/cooling balance throughout the home. In this respect, proper air barriers and vapor barriers are also a must.
Blown insulation is always a great option in the attic. Cellulose and fiberglass are the two most common blown insulation products, each with its own range of product advantages. Both products are well suited for the attic, and both have very similar insulation values. It’s agreed, however, that cellulose has an R-value slightly higher than fibreglass (the R-values are measured per-inch of installation). Cellulose insulation settles over time and therefore has an affect on its general insulating value. Fiberglass insulation, say the manufacturers, doesn’t settle. Both of the products are designed to be fire resistant: cellulose is treated to perform as a fire retardant (which stops the spread of a fire); and fiberglass, since it’s made primarily of glass, is highly fire resistant by its nature.
Spray foam insulation has built a reputation as the best insulation in the market. It’s composed of polyurethane foam, sprayed directly into the attic, and is routinely used inside walls, under floors, and above ceilings. The product is sprayed out as a liquid, transforms into hard foam, and expands to fill the intended cavity. The two common spray foam products are “open cell” and “closed cell” (a higher density composition). The “open cell” product is less expensive, and provides an excellent air barrier, but not a water vapor barrier. The “closed cell” product is an excellent air barrier AND water vapor barrier at the same time, which makes it ideal for attic and roof.
If you are currently in the process of shopping for attic insulation in Etobicoke, Great Northern Insulation is worth considering for both insulation products and expert installation. We offer the highest quality products available, stand behind each manufacturer’s product warrantee, and always guarantee our installations. We do every job right, the first time, and we do it completely: with appropriate air sealing and draft proofing; with vapour barriers that perform; and with the installation of air vents and air exhausts that ensure optimum ventilation and circulation.
935 Keyes Drive
Woodstock, Ontario
Canada N4V 1C3
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
Fax: (519) 539-7946
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
7035 Industrial Drive
Comber, Ontario
Canada N0P 1J0
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1027 Elwell Park Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada P1P 1R1
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
29 Ferndale Industrial Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4N 9V5
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
103 North Port Road
Port Perry, Ontario
Canada L9L 1B2
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450 Industrial Dr,
Toronto (Milton), Ontario
Canada L9T 5A6
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
1035 Moodie Dr #1,
Nepean, ON
K2R 1H4
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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Sarnia Ontario
Canada, N7T 2H3
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
6260 Don Murie St
Niagara Falls, ON
L2G 0B4
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
Best of 2017
From reputation to responsiveness, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thanks to everyone for the great ratings!
Best of 2018
For the second year in a row, HomeStars consistently ranks Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction. Thank you again to everyone!
Best of 2019
For the third year in a row, HomeStars ranked Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction.
Best of 2020
For four years now, HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction.
Energy Saving
Energy saving and energy efficiency is easier than one might think. Great Northern Insulation helps to identify performance issues, while taking advantage of improvement opportunities.
100% Canadian
Great Northern Insulation is recognized as Canada's largest full-service insulation contractor. GNI is 100% Canadian owned, proudly serving Ontario customers since 1980.
Do it right the first time
- with foam mastersTM
WALLTITE® ECO™ is a high-performance system, professionally installed by certified and approved specialists. Its C.C.M.C. approved (Canadian Construction Materials Centre) - with product quality guaranteed - and with installation by highly trained experts with the technical know-how to do the job right, the first time.
The GREENGUARD®
Gold Certification promise
GREENGUARD® Gold Certification ensures the strictest criteria for low-level chemical emissions. Certified products are safe for individuals with sensitivities (children/elderly) and safe for use in school environments and health-care facilities. The product certification is widely recognized by the LEED Rating System (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).
Insulthane® Extreme
For the ultimate in high performance spray foam insulation, Insulthane® Extreme is the professional choice for residential, commercial, and industrial application. With improved thermal performance over other products, Insulthane® Extreme has an exceptionally low Global Warming Potential (GWP). Considered environmentally friendly, this next generation spray foam insulation is non-ozone depleting, and exceeds specifications of other HFC product alternatives.
ECOLOGOTM:
Multi-attribute product certification
ECOLOGOTM is an accredited sign of environmental performance – holistic – green – sustainable - and compliant with strict, third party standards. Life cycle criteria for product certification may include manufacturing and operations; health and environment; product materials and performance; and product innovation, development, and management.
3MTM products.
Quality + Performance = Savings
3MTM energy-saving products are designed to keep warm air in, and cold air out, while keeping energy bills down. Products optimize energy efficiency in buildings and homes; improve indoor environment for occupants; and effect the reduction of seasonal energy costs. 3M products are authorized for LEED credits (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).
Baeumler ApprovedTM
Professional, Certified and Insured
Baeumler ApprovedTM gives you peace of mind when connecting with contractors, trades and home service providers. All Baeumler Approved members have demonstrated high quality work for customers and other trade professionals. Members must also have Workers Compensation, liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and prove professional certification.
Holmes and Holmes
Mike Holmes and his son Mike Jr. (MJ) convert MJ’s bachelor bungalow into a two-storey home for MJ and his girlfriend Lisa. Choosing the newest materials and build techniques, the father and son team follow Mike’s famous motto – “Make it right.” The show can be watched on HGTV and DIY Network.
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