Spray Foam Insulation in Bracebridge

In the insulation industry, professionals across the board agree that spray foam insulation is the best option for energy efficiency.  Also referred to as polyurethane foam, spray foam is quite simply a much better product than the others.  Spray foam seals better; it has a better R-value; and it adds structural strength where applied.  There is no other product on the market that can deliver better results – and that’s why the professionals at Great Northern Insulation highly recommend spray foam insulation to consumers and contractors.

If you are currently looking for spray foam insulation in Bracebridge, or in any of the rural communities north of Toronto, then hiring GNI would be a good place to start.  Our approach to installation is basic and straightforward:  we believe in sealing tight and ventilating right.  And for us, spray foam insulation is part of this combination approach.  At the same time, sealing tight without the ventilation component is only half the job, so our installers make sure that every application restricts airflow AND promotes ventilation at the same time.

We often get the same question from residential homeowners, builders and contractors - they ask if spray foam is really needed for their particular application.  For us, spray foam insulation has become the best solution for a number of issues:  unusually high heating and cooling costs; ineffective HVAC performance; and indoor imbalances with heating and cooling cycles.  The spray foam application truly performs - beyond its capacity as an insulation envelope it’s also an air barrier and a vapor barrier, both of which restrict the movement of moisture.

During an install, the spray foam is pre-mixed and sprayed into a designated area, using special equipment designed for the task.  Ideal for the attic, roof, ceiling or floor, the foam is initially applied in a thick liquid form, after which it expands and hardens into a thick layer that does not allow for air or moisture penetration.  After the application, the insulation envelope has a higher R-value than any other product.  As a complete insulation system, spray foam has a competitive edge over any of the other insulation products (or combination of products).

The beauty of spray foam insulation is that it encases a cavity completely - it seals everything in sight, and covers every crack and crevice.  And by sealing all of those “hard to reach” areas, there’s absolutely no need for a separate vapor barrier, since the spray foam applications acts to inhibit moisture movement.  As well, the spray foam application is impervious to water, and impedes the formation of mould and mildew.  Spray foam insulation performs to the max:  energy efficiency is improved; air circulation is enhanced; and heating and cooling is balanced.

As for the actual installation, Great Northern Insulation delivers an install protocol that exceeds the norm.  GNI installers are trained experts - professionals with years of spray foam expertise and experience.  They adhere to industry building standards; they follow local by-laws; and they always install according to the specifications as defined by the manufacturer.  GNI always provides customers with the manufacturer’s warrantee, and stands behind all of the products that are sold and installed.  We do it right the first time, for every project, and every customer.

Great Northern Insulation routinely recommends the spray foam application for renovation projects, brand new construction, every kind of retrofit.  But beyond the product, we advocate for expert installation, because an insulation product that is properly installed is a product that will perform to its full potential.  GNI installers are experts - trained, licensed and certified - working professionally - and ensuring safety and security on site.  We make sure to understand the challenges of a project, and we focus on an approach that best resolves those challenges.

Spray foam has a long history - it was first introduced as more of an industrial product in the 60s, and was used for insulating for freezers and coolers.  In more recent years, it has become the multi-purpose insulation product we know today.  In fact, industry statistics show the significant growth of spray foam applications across the nation - nearly 40% annual increase.  This clearly reflects the wide acceptance of spray foam as a product of choice.  And it’s all for good reason – heating and cooling costs from season to season can be reduced by up to 50%.  

When installed correctly, spray foam covers everything - holes, gaps and cracks, even the most difficult areas to reach.  An expert installation can seal it all, with no chance for air to escape.  And that’s precisely why we don’t suggest making this project into a DIY project – this is a job for a professional.  Spray foam insulation is a high performance product.  You get the best R-value per inch, air and moisture are blocked, and even sound is dampened.  Truth is, a home with spray foam insulation often has a higher sale price when put on the market.

As far as cost is concerned, the spray foam product is a more costly product than some others.  In short, it’s a premium product, with excellent features, and exceptional dollar value.  Spray foam will last a lifetime, with no need to replace, and with a “pay-back” period that ranges from 2 – 7 years.  As well, the utility savings are substantial, with heating and cooling savings that make the initial costs very worthwhile over the long term.  In terms of overall project costs, this is a time to be thinking about long-term value, with a product that delivers just that.

As a contractor, GNI believes that installing spray foam insulation is only part of the job.  We always recommend proper ventilation because it ensures fresh air circulation for the indoor environment, while expelling stale air to the outside.  In addition, condensation is minimized, and the movement of moisture is diminished.  It all adds up to a whole “system” that is efficient and effective.  If you are currently shopping for spray foam insulation in Bracebridge, or in any of the rural communities north of Toronto, GNI would be a good choice to consider GNI as your contractor.  Everything we sell and install is warrantied, and customer satisfaction is our top priority.