SHOW/Hide all Articles
At one point or another, most homeowners have to think about home insulation. For those who might be pondering fibreglass loose fill insulation or fibreglass batt insulation in Bracebridge, it would be good to have a basic understanding. In short, the aim of insulation is to eradicate “heat transfer”. It means stopping indoor heated air from flowing out during the winter. And it means stopping outdoor heat from flowing in during the summer. In general, “heat transfer” is undesirable. It compromises a home’s energy efficiency; utility bills will be high; and the extra energy costs will be a bad side effect.
For insulation experts, a home is a “building envelope”, and that “building envelope” is constructed of materials that have an affect on “heat transfer”. Sometimes that effect is positive, sometimes negative. So it’s clearly important to eliminate the negative. This is why it’s critical to install insulation that will effectively deal with “heat transfer”. In doing this, the overall “building envelope” will benefit: energy efficiency throughout the home will be noticeably improved – heating and cooling cycles will be better balanced around the year – and seasonal utility bills will be diminished in winter and summer.
As many homeowners already know, there is a wide range of insulating products available today. But regardless of the product that is eventually installed, the objectives of insulating should be the same: to restrict air movement; to prevent moisture from collecting; and to make improvements to R-Values. More importantly, it’s highly recommended to work with a professional insulation contractor. It’s the professionals who have expertise with products and installations, and who can derive the best results. And yes – getting into a DIY project can save some money, but nothing really beats an expert’s touch.
From coast to coast in Canada, and in some northern states of the USA, fibreglass insulation has gained popularity. Available as batts or loose fill, the fibreglass products are popular in attics, roofs, as well as basements. The installation provides satisfactory R-Values throughout a given space, and good product lifespan for the future. With a professional install, fibreglass insulation will improve a home’s energy efficiency, and reduce energy consumption from season to season.
Home insulation, like other improvement projects, requires some expertise. Experienced insulation contractors understand their products and the nuances of each installation. They know how to create a “thermal blanket” that will ensure optimum performance for years to come. For example, with loose fill types of insulation, the product must be applied with uniformity and consistency to be most effective. As for the fibreglass batts, the product performs when installed strategically.
Installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, fibreglass insulation is safe for residential use. Both fibreglass batts and loose fill are non-corrosive, non-combustible, and asbestos-free. The quality brands are tested for air-quality to ensure safety. Fibreglass insulation typically comprises recycled “glass”, making it somewhat of a “green” product. With a good installation, fibreglass should not retain any moisture (in smaller quantities), and won’t settle in place after time.
Fibreglass insulation products are usually chemically treated to counteract animals, rodents, and even insects. The installation is not hospitable for mold, nor will it promote mold growth. For fibreglass to perform optimally, the insulated space must be appropriately ventilated. This will also significantly reduce the potential for the product to deteriorate. Homeowners choosing fibreglass insulation in Bracebridge will benefit from an installation that is both effective and cost-worthy.
Fibreglass insulation, even when professionally installed, does not completely address air movement or moisture collection. For the homeowner, this is a drawback in the roof or attic, since unwanted air or moisture will serve to compromise the performance of the insulation and the R-Value.
Another issue in attics and roofs is air leakage. And here again, fibreglass insulation does not address fully. On its own, fibreglass insulation does not seal up a space, regardless of how well it’s installed. For the experts, this is problematic, because sealing is vital for any insulation to perform.
The biggest downside of fibreglass is when the insulation gets wet. A fibreglass environment that is wet will quickly lose its integrity, followed by R-Value. And if the situation remains undetected, the wet space will deteriorate, requiring removal, repair and reinstallation of insulation.
In a worst-case situation, wet fibreglass will become a home for mold. When an attic or roof cavity suffers from mold infestation, the only recourse is to remove and reinstall. This will necessitate a mold removal expert, followed by a re-install of the insulation by an expert.
With the inherent drawbacks of fibreglass, SPF has gained popularity with many insulation experts. One application of Spray Polyurethane Foam provides the most effective insulating “blanket” of any product on the market, and prevents air movement/moisture collection in the roof and/or attic.
A professional application of Spray Polyurethane Foam effectively stops air leakage. Simply put, a finished installation will be completely sealed and airtight, preventing indoor heated air from escaping in winter, and preventing outdoor summer heat from creeping into the house during summer.
Spray Polyurethane Foam is considered the best of all insulation products on the market today. It is being routinely recommended for attics and roofs, basements and garages. But its clearly a premium product, and as such, doesn’t fit into all project budgets. Because of the cost, insulation professionals are recommending an option that is more cost-effective – the “hybrid” installation.
The “hybrid” install combines one of the fibreglass insulation products, along with an SPF install. This approach benefits from each of the insulation products, while maintaining excellent dollar value for the homeowner. The SPF component allows for outstanding sealing and effective insulation, while the fibreglass component adds R-Value while keeping the project cost-effective.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enbridge Incentives
The Energy Conservation Program provides incentives of up to $1,600 to customers who achieve energy efficiency and fuel savings – and Great Northern Insulation can pave the way.
Unfortunately, we do not currently offer our services in your location. You can sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes to our service area.
I would like to receive emails from GNI about exclusive offers, promotions, contests, industry trends, news and more!
Yes. I'd like to receive emailsNo, Thank you
Your email address will not be shared and your privacy will be protected. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Click here to access the GNI Privacy Policy GNI Head Office: 935 Keyes Dr., Woodstock, ON, N4V 1C3
Please, enter a valid value
Incorrect values!