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3 types of heat transfer: conduction, convection & radiation
Reducing heat loss will improve your energy bills
Residential & commercial buildings all have an envelope & if it’s constructed with the right materials heat loss can be greatly reduced
Heat transfer is also referred to as heat flow
Insulation is an effective solution to prevent heat transfer & improve home comfort
And because heat transfer is the primary cause of heat loss, it’s also the major contributor to energy inefficiencies.
There are basically three types of heat transfer (sometimes referred to as heat flow). And because heat transfer is the primary cause of heat loss, it’s also the major contributor to energy inefficiencies. Every building, large or small, commercial or residential, comprises an "envelope". It’s an "envelope" constructed with materials that will directly affect the dynamics of heat transfer. That effect can be good or bad.
Conduction is the heat that is transferred from one solid object to another. It’s commonly referred to as thermal conduction. For example, when a thick, cotton towel is laid over a hot radiator, the heat from the radiator will flow to the towel. By inserting an insulating layer between the two objects, heat transfer can be reduced. The reduced heat flow can be measured as a resistance factor, and with an insulation product, that factor is the R-Value - the higher the value, the better.
Convection occurs when heated air moves away from its source. A convection cycle occurs when warm air rises and cool air replaces it. The cycle is activated when the temperature fluctuates; when humidity levels change; or when there is air movement. “Air infiltration” occurs when air enters or exits a building “envelope” through various openings: holes, gaps, cracks or crevices. Preventing air from infiltrating (air leakage) requires complete sealing of a space or cavity.
Radiated heat is transmitted through space by light waves. No physical medium is required during the process of radiation. A practical example of radiated heat is a light bulb – it radiates heat as light waves and is extremely hot to the touch. To insulate against radiated heat, an “impeding” material, like an aluminum sheet, can be used to restrict and reduce heat transfer. In the insulation industry, “radiant barriers” are used to impede radiation light waves (along with heat).
Caution! Trying to minimize heat loss and air leakage issues are jobs that must be left to the professionals.
A DIY job may result in additional costs, injury and improper installation
There are several criteria for choosing insulation. R-Value is probably the key consideration - it’s a measure of the insulating value in a given space.
There are several criteria for choosing insulation. R-Value is probably the key
consideration - it’s a measure of the insulating value in a given space.
Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of the insulation product and the installation. In general, choosing the right insulation should be a combination of everything above.
Insulating a space is about conserving energy, and conserving should translate into energy savings. At Great Northern Insulation, our professional installers recommend the product that best suits the job, and best addresses the type of heat transfer.
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When a cavity is totally sealed and insulated, radiant heat loss is virtually eliminated throughout.
In the attic and roof, we recommend Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation (SPFI) as the ideal install, along with alternative options that combine loose-fill insulation (fiberglass or cellulose).
To inhibit air infiltration (air leakage) we use spray foam to completely seal and insulate any openings and holes in the framing “envelope” of the residential home or commercial building. Most of the insulation products we use are designed to block the flow of radiated heat. When a cavity is totally sealed and insulated, radiant heat loss is virtually eliminated throughout.
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"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
2485 Innovation Drive
London ON
N6M 0C8
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
25 Lincoln Ave
St. Catharines, ON
L2P 2C7
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
15 Corvus Court
Nepean ON
K2E 7Z4
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
2 Guided Court
Etobicoke, ON
M9V 4K6
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
Great Northern Insulation - Better Business Bureau Profile.
Best of 2021
HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.
Best of 2022
HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.
GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s
Over 40 Years in Business
At GNI, we service your project with the most experienced staff in the industry. Ongoing professional development is an obsession at GNI and we will not compromise at any level to bring to our customers the very best Installers, Sales Representatives, Customer Care Personnel, Field Superintendents, Estimating and Technical Support to your project.
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
January, 2021 regulatory phaseout of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with the introduction of WALLTITE CM01. Using hydrofluorolefins (HFOs) with lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to HFCs, WALLTITE CM01 is the next generation of spray foam insulation.
Huntsman HEATLOK® SOYA HFO™
Heatlok® Soya HFOTM leverages Honeywell’s latest Solstice® Liquid Blowing Agent technology. This new hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blowing agent is the most environmentally conscious blowing agent produced to date, with a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of 1, which is more than two orders of magnitude (99.9%) lower than HFCs used in this industry.
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).
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.
Enbridge Incentives
The Home Efficiency Rebate Plus program offers up to $10,000 in home reno rebates – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.
Great Northern Insulation proudly abides by a renovation-specific Code of Conduct set by RenoMark™.
We are Verified & Bonded by eRenovate. When you choose to proceed with our services through their platform, you receive the gaurantees set forth through their program.
The GNI crew have been featured installing insulation on Love It or List It - have you seen our logo in an episode?
Climatizer
CLIMATIZER PLUS cellulose insulation is manufactured from a minimum of 85% locally-sourced post-consumer recycled newsprint. Non-toxic additives are applied to the uniquely fiberized paper generating a building material with superior thermal and acoustic properties, as well as exceptional resistance to fire, moisture, mould and pests.
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