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Existing or old insulation becomes less effective as it deteriorates
Moisture or smoke damaged insulation needs to be replaced and removed
Contaminated insulation with mold, asbestos or animal debris needs to be replaced and removed to improve indoor air quality
Replacing old insulation with new insulation and air sealing will improve home comfort
Great Northern Insulation offers a professional course of action: assessing whether removal is actually required; gauging the scope of work, and providing viable options for re-installation to current industry standards.
Depending on the type, amount, and installation of your existing insulation, there may be more effective solutions available today that did not exist previously. But beyond aging materials, there are many other practical reasons to remove insulation - some of them are going to be necessary and immediate, while others not so critical. For a practical approach to insulation removal in Toronto, Great Northern Insulation offers a professional course of action: assessing whether removal is actually required; gauging the scope of work, and providing viable options for re-installation to current industry standards.
Clearly, every scenario is different, and every homeowner’s needs vary. For the team at GNI, they have seen practically everything.
In some cases, there’s actually too much insulation in the attic. This will compromise attic ventilation, and can often lead to mold infiltration (a bigger and more serious issue). Mold may also be present as a result of a ‘leaky’ attic floor. Over time, warm, conditioned air may ‘leak’ into the attic space through holes, gaps, and penetrations in the attic floor. When this warm air meets the cool air in the attic space, the water vapor in the warm air condenses and moisture can accumulate. Left untreated, over time this moisture accumulation may result in mold buildup.
When this warm air meets the cool air in the insulated attic space, the water vapor in the warm air condenses and moisture can accumulate. Left untreated, over time this moisture accumulation may result in mold buildup.
Another common occurrence is damaged or deteriorating insulation. This may be a result of water damage, animal contamination, even fire and smoke damage. Finally, in a worst-case situation, home insulation may contain harmful or hazardous materials, like asbestos or vermiculite. Here, complete removal is highly recommended, and with professional attention.
Depending on the scope of work, insulation can be removed and upgraded during a renovation or retrofit project. Where trades can work collaboratively, this is an ideal opportunity for removing, repairing, and restoring existing insulation. The more important element is to ensure that insulation removal is thorough, and at GNI the process is clean and safe, employing state-of-the-art cleanup equipment. GNI also ensures that residents are not disturbed. Insulation removal, cleanup, and disposal are complete and comprehensive.
While insulation removal is essentially a “cleanup” project, it’s work that requires experience and expertise – it has to be done properly from start to finish. The team at Great Northern Insulation is highly trained. GNI uses sophisticated vacuum equipment that immediately discards all of the waste into an exterior disposal system. The cleanup team leaves the work area clean, without dirt or debris, and in better condition than found. The idea here is to prepare the cleaned up area for the restoration step – installing brand new insulation, ensuring an airtight space, and creating the proper levels of ventilation. The home will enjoy indoor comfort and energy savings for years.
In today’s marketplace, there are countless “do-it-yourself” options when it comes to insulation removal. For GNI, past experience shows that a professional approach is very much the required course of action. The work is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. For the inexperienced, it could take twice as long as a professional. More importantly, there are many potential hazards, and some that may pose a health risk. Deteriorating insulation may contain a number of harmful contaminants - animal remains - mold or mildew deposits - even asbestos or vermiculite residue. This is clearly not the right time for a “do-it-yourself” project, even if there is money to be saved.
Warning! Some old insulation may be harmful to your health and indoor air quality, so a DIY approach is
not recommended for safety reasons.
When deliberating insulation removal in Toronto, GNI reminds every customer that removal is only step one in the process. Of course, proper cleanup is central to the project, but it’s necessary to plan for repairs and re-insulation. This may well require installing an air barrier, a vapor barrier, or some additional ventilation throughout the space. In fact, old wiring and ductwork may also need to be retrofitted. Great Northern Insulation also recommends sealing the entirety of the space – from a building science point of view, this is just as important as insulation, and will actually contribute to the performance level and R-Value of any insulation that’s re-installed
In terms of air sealing prior to re-insulating, this is truly the professional approach. It will ensure that newly installed insulation performs at peak.
In a residential home, airflow affects the entire indoor air environment. Airflow affects moisture in the air, indoor oxygen levels, and various pollutants – most of which we don’t even notice. So if insulation removal were already in the works, it would be key to make air sealing improvements to the existing attic floor (mechanical penetrations, gaps, cracks, etc). Properly air sealing the attic floor controls the airflow between the inside of a home (known as the “conditioned space”) and the outside of the home (known as the “unconditioned space”). In terms of air sealing prior to re-insulating, this is truly the professional approach. It will ensure that newly installed insulation performs at peak. In fact, it may be a code requirement.
One of the product applications available from Great Northern Insulation is blown insulation. In cellulose or fiberglass, these products are installed according to building code requirements. Both products are blown into a given space, installed to provide uniform coverage, and will effectively insulate small recesses and awkward spaces. Blown insulation provides very satisfactory R-Value to the installation area, and is one of the most cost-effective installations that GNI can offer.
Another product option from GNI is fiberglass batt insulation. Ideal for both attic and basement, these batts are non-combustible, moisture resistant, and sound absorbing. As well, the finished space does not attract animals, rodents, or insects. For peak performance and optimum R-Values, fiberglass batt insulation should be professionally installed. In addition, proper ventilation will ensure longevity for the installation itself, and long-term performance for the insulation product.
Spray foam insulation is likely the best insulation option on the market. As the experts in Canada, Great Northern Insulation recommends this install for the best short-term results and the best long-term outcomes. Spray foam achieves more than any other product. It creates an airtight space; it serves as an air barrier and vapor barrier in one, and it delivers better R-Value than any other application. Nothing can compare with the high performance of this insulation product. Spray foam insulation can be combined with fiberglass or cellulose to meet any project requirements.
"This company is the definition of professional. From the estimator (Aaron) to the two guys who did the insulation work (sorry I didn't catch your names!), everyone I met with from GNI was courteous, professional, and honest. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable rate, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Thanks guys!"
Brad
“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
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
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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
259 Campbell Street
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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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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