Basement Insulation in Parry Sound

Traditionally, basements were being used for nothing much more than laundry and storage. There was space for the oil tank, the water heater, and the furnace equipment. But most of the basement was dark, damp and cold. The walls were made of brick blocks; there was no drywall or insulation; and very few people lived in the basement. Today, it’s different - basements are totally livable.

In Parry Sound, insulating the basement gives a homeowner the opportunity to create a living space that is both functional and comfortable. And today, many homeowners have created basements that specifically suit family needs.  For some, it’s an additional bedroom; for others, a dedicated office space; and for others, an apartment suite. Whatever the case, the important thing is comfort.

The comfort level in a basement has everything to do with the quality of insulation. Basements that are well insulated are going to provide an appropriate comfort level throughout the year, along with energy efficiencies that will dramatically reduce energy consumption. The result: lower utility bills from one season to the next, especially in regions where the temperature ranges are extreme.

For the typical homeowner, the full value of basement insulation is not fully appreciated.  On the flip side, for the professional contractor, it’s quite clear – basements need to be properly insulated. It’s no different than any other part of the house, and might even be more important. In fact, insulating the basement is an excellent home improvement project, and a worthwhile long-term investment.

With a professional approach (expert installation and quality product), the basement that is well insulated delivers results. Undesirable airflow (and air leakage) is restricted. R-Values are enhanced greatly. And unwanted moisture is prevented. Everything contributes to better energy efficiency and that translates easily into cost savings during winter heating and summer cooling periods.

Is the cost of insulating the basement justified?

Without doubt, basement insulation is arguably the best home improvement that a homeowner can make. A professional installation can practically guarantee better energy consumption, with reduced heating and cooling bills. And throughout the year, the savings will quickly pay off the project cost.

After insulating, are the benefits noticeable?

A good insulation job will deliver measurable benefits. R-Values (the total insulating potential) will be augmented – the insulated space will be more comfortable – and overall energy consumption will be better regulated. At the end of the day, utility bills for heating and cooling usage will be reduced.

Can the cost savings actually be measured?

Cost savings after a basement has been insulated will depend on basement size, insulating product, and installation. Without doubt, a quality approach will deliver better results, especially when a high quality product is installed. And with better quality comes more significant cost savings on utilities.

Does the building code govern insulating?

Regional building codes will vary with the type of building and the scope of work involved. Here, a good contractor can be helpful - one who understands code requirements for basement insulation and who can advise on the right product and install for a given situation, without taking shortcuts.

What kind of preparation work is needed?

Before the basement can be insulated, the space must be dry. Water entry issues should be identified, assessed, and properly remediated.  A proper fix is essential so that future problems are avoided. It’s work that should be handled professionally from the start, without cutting corners on workmanship.

How do difficult-to-reach get insulated?

Depending on the house foundation, there’s a likelihood of having awkward, difficult-to-reach areas in the basement. These areas are hard to insulate, but easy to resolve with spray foam insulation. It’s a product that seals and insulates the most difficult to reach spaces. And no other product compares.

In Parry Sound, basement insulation is best handled by a professional insulation contractor. It’s the professional who can offer viable recommendations for product and installation, and who can advise a homeowner about the best approach for their project. Today, more and more insulation experts are recommending spray foam insulation for the basement. It delivers many benefits with only one application, and installs a higher R-Value of any comparable insulation product currently available.

For the professionals in the business, the ultimate in insulation includes insulating the basement floor. With this approach, foam insulation is sprayed into an exposed floor, and completely covered with a concrete layer. This is the ultimate in insulation, with the very best results.  It’s an approach that isn’t suited for every budget, primarily because of the work involved. Beyond the floor, however, the walls are key. Here, the idea is to create an airtight space to prevent air movement and leakage.

Regardless of the approach, basement insulation should be focused on conserving energy. For the professionals in the business, spray foam insulation has become the “go-to” product – it has the best results per application and does more than comparable insulation products. A good installer can create a basement that’s airtight, with superior R-Value, along with a combined air and vapor barrier. Spray foam is a product and install with more benefits than any product or combination of products.

As it is, the spray foam product is a premium quality option, and doesn’t always fit into every budget. But in Parry Sound, the professionals at Great Northern Insulation offer up a great alternative. For GNI, the “hybrid” installation combines two excellent products into a single basement installation. First, foam insulation is sprayed into the walls. Then, it’s topped-up with fiberglass “batts” that boost the R-Value, while maintaining cost effectiveness.  Best of all, the “payback” period is reasonable.

Most important with basement insulation is to handle the project expertly from the beginning. And for the professionals at Great Northern Insulation, there’s no other way. They install insulation using only top quality products, and proven installation methods. For the team at GNI, basement insulation is a home improvement project that provides homeowner benefits throughout the year. And with significant seasonal savings, it’s a project that pays for itself in very short order.