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Reduces cost of heating & cooling bills
Improved seasonal home comfort
Additional valuable living space
Minimizes heating & cooling loss
Reduces moisture and air leakage
Basements should be sealed, insulated and ventilated just like
any other space. It will significantly reduce the cost of heating/cooling;
it will balance the heating/cooling cycles; and overall, it will save energy.
A few decades ago, our basements were almost exclusively set aside for the furnace, water heater, washing machine, and dryer. We also stored everything that we didn’t need upstairs. In fact, very few basements were finished, let alone insulated. As years went by, more of us began using the basement as additional living space, and it was necessary to finish the area properly, and make it comfortable and somewhat fashionable. But even then, insulating the basement was not really on the agenda.
In more recent years, things have changed considerably, especially since energy costs have risen so steeply. Insulating basement walls, amongst other energy saving measures, has become necessary and essential. Of course, we all want to save on energy costs – but the truth is, we also want our comfort. Basement space represents valuable living space, regardless of home size. It has become a second living room; a games area; an additional bedroom; perhaps a self-contained income suite.
The whole idea behind
insulating basement walls is
to increase thermal resistance, control the flow of indoor/outdoor air, and regulate the movement
of moisture.
When considering basement insulation in Toronto, many don’t give a lot of thought to insulating. It’s a mistake, because the basement should be as well insulated as the rest of the house. And insulating basement walls might be even more important than other parts of the house. The thing is, basements should be sealed, insulated and ventilated just like any other space. It will significantly reduce the cost of heating/cooling; it will balance the heating/cooling cycles; and overall, it will save energy.
The whole idea behind insulating basement walls is to increase thermal resistance, control the flow of indoor/outdoor air, and regulate the movement of moisture. It’s a “system” that allows the HVAC equipment (all of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to operate at full potential. It also provides enhanced comfort for residents; contributes to reducing energy consumption; and will translate into reduced utility costs. Insulating the basement is practical, proactive, and cost saving.
It’s absolutely worthwhile to properly insulate the basement - its cost-effective and money saving. In practically every part of the country, it will deliver good value. And in regions with dramatic weather differences between summer and winter, the benefits are even more worthwhile.
In Canada, researchers studied insulation products, installation methods, and relative costs in a wide variety of basement spaces (all shapes and sizes). They concluded that “life-cycle cost” was improved incrementally, the higher the R-Value (R-Value is a measurement of thermal resistance).
There is no fixed formula. Annual cost savings will depend on the size of the basement; the level of R-Value installed; and the region of the country. However, industry experts agree that a good insulation product, properly installed, will deliver noticeable savings on BOTH heating AND cooling costs.
Again, depending on region, minimum code requirements for insulating basement walls will vary. A reputable insulation contractor can advise on which product, or combination of products will be the most suitable. Clearly, new construction will have different requirements than a retrofit.
Contractors might differ in approach, but agree that the physical state and condition of the basement will dictate the best course of action. There are benefits and advantages to both approaches, and of course, some consideration should be given to the budget implications.
Before installing insulation in the basement, a good contractor will thoroughly examine and assess if there is a water entry problem. Water entry problems must be fully resolved before any insulation is undertaken. In some cases, and depending on the problem, this could be a project on its own.
Crawl spaces and other hard-to-reach spots are best insulated using a spray foam product. There is no other product application that can seal as effectively as spray foam and provide total coverage. Once applied, spray foam does it all: it seals; insulates; and provides a vapor barrier in one install.
For the homeowner doing some basement insulation in Toronto, everything starts with making the basement space airtight. Every contractor will agree, and will follow with a workable suggestion on a product and installation that suits. Basement floors should be well insulated, just like any other area. Here, the very best option is a solid base of spray foam insulation, with a conventional concrete layer on top. Where the budget will allow, this type of application approach has the best results of any.
For basement walls, it’s also crucial to guarantee an airtight environment. Airtightness will constrain air movement and prevent the buildup of moisture. For this, traditional fiberglass “batts” are viable, but will perform much better in combination with an added spray foam application. The additional application of spray foam creates an air barrier, vapor barrier, and insulating layer in one shot. The “batts” serve to further enhance the insulating value. It’s an effective and affordable approach.
The whole idea of insulating the basement is to conserve energy, with the expectation of reducing utility bills. For that purpose, the best product by far is spray foam insulation. Indeed, more and more contractors are suggesting this product, as they witness the results. But for some homeowners, spray foam is costly, so a combined installation using fiberglass “batts” PLUS spray foam is ideal. The long-term payback is significant, and the reduced utility bills make the overall cost worthwhile.
Caution! Performing a DIY basement insulation installation may result in additional costs, improper installation or injury.
A well-insulated basement delivers great results for years. And using the combination of “batts” AND spray foam is the perfect solution. At the end of the project, the entire space is airtight; there is an effective air and moisture barrier; and the spray foam envelope creates the highest possible R-Value. With heating and cooling loss prevented, annual energy savings are substantial. And for the average homeowner, annual savings will ensure a worthwhile payback period.
At Great Northern Insulation, we believe in doing it right - the first time. We assess your project; we choose the products; and we install everything according to the customer’s needs. That’s why we highly recommend a professional approach for basement insulation, and NOT a do-it-yourself approach. Here’s why home insulation should be left to the experts. As home energy specialists, we understand the nuances of each product; we’re familiar with the ins and outs of installations; and we know how to troubleshoot problems. Importantly, our installers are trained, licensed and certified. At Great Northern Insulation our standards are above the norm. Our products are top quality. Every installation is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. And our crews are insured through the WSIB. Above all, your satisfaction is guaranteed on every job, large or small.
Find out how quality products and superior installation makes a difference - call us for a quote today.
“The staff at Great Northern insulation are very helpful and professional. The initial spray in the house was done in a timely manner and was installed perfectly. They later came back to remove the old insulation in our attic and again their staff was very courteous and professional. We are waiting to have the remaining insulation added to our attic and they have been very accommodating of our schedules. I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you Tyler, Derek and Dylan for great work, especially in the attic through the heat.”
Laurie
“Over the past several years, and two different houses, I have purchased just about every service that GNI sells. I just wanted to say that I have always been pleased with the people I have dealt with, their skills, professionalism, and dedication to doing the best job possible. It makes one aspect of home ownership less stressful!”
Bill Rathborne
“We live in an older home and recently had it insulated and air sealed by Great Northern Insulation. Since the work was completed, we've noticed a dramatic decrease in our heating and air conditioning bills, as well as much more comfort in our home. Dollar for dollar, proper insulation is an effective way to save energy.”
Lou Brehm
Conduct a FREE Online Energy Audit of Your Home with the MIT Award Winning My Energy Expert Application.
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