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Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners are puzzled about which insulation to install, and particularly if spray foam is the best way to go. True, there are number of product options to choose from, but more and more professionals are recommending spray foam as the install that delivers the best results. Spray Polyurethane Foam has proven itself, time after time, to do more and perform far better than any of the comparable products that are advertised and marketed today.
Professionally installed, spray foam provides optimal energy efficiency by protecting a home (the building envelope) against heat loss. It means that indoor heat during wintertime will not leak out. And it means that outdoor heat during summer will not creep in. The result: heating and cooling equipment have to work less, and energy consumption is reduced from season to season. A good spray foam installation will save substantial dollars annually.
Spray foam does far more than just insulate – it brings moisture under control. And according to the experts, some 60% of heat loss in a home results from the movement of moisture-laden air. When properly installed, Spray Polyurethane Foam creates a vapour barrier that stops moisture accumulation and movement, and therefore reduces heat loss. This is one of the big advantages that spray foam has over the other, more basic, insulation products.
Another advantage of spray foam is it’s distinctive ability to seal a space airtight – this ensures the optimum in thermal insulation and makes for R-Values that are hard to match. But even the best product will not perform if not properly installed. This is especially true with spray foam. These are advanced chemical compounds that require expert handling, and the highest standard of professional installation. Spray foam is not a DIY weekend project.
For Great Northern Insulation, a professional approach to installation is key on every project. GNI crews are highly trained and certified – and every product and installation is guaranteed.
Most health and safety issues around spray foam insulation are linked directly to the quality of installation rather than the products themselves. Spray foam products are chemical compounds, and as such, require special handling from the preparation stage to the installation. And although there are clearly defined installation standards, not all installations are meeting those standards, let alone the manufacturer’s specifications. In short, a substandard application is problematic.
With spray foam insulation, health and safety regulations must be followed strictly, and without deviation. At minimum, installers must wear respirators, coveralls, eye protection, and gloves. It’s also critical to prepare the installation space properly, and ensure the safety of both workers and occupants. Finally, spray foam compounds must be prepared professionally, and by duly trained technicians – anything short of this poses health risks, even after the installation is complete.
Problems are bound to arise when spray foam insulation is improperly prepared or incorrectly installed. After all, these are chemical compounds, and must be handled professionally. This is not work for the inexperienced, and a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is risky. A bad installation (even by a second-rate installer) will compromise product performance and affect long-term outcomes, not to mention the potential risks for the health and wellbeing or residents and/or occupants.
Throughout the spray foam industry, manufacturers and professionals have established rigorous standards, guidelines and criteria for handling and installing spray foam compounds. Failing to meet these yardsticks can pose dangers for both service providers and homeowners. At Great Northern Insulation, health and safety are primary to every spray foam project. Beyond a high standard of workmanship, GNI installers are trained by the manufacturer and certified to install.
GNI installers ensure that the work area is appropriately prepared; they wear approved personal protective equipment; and they work to code. Most importantly, they make sure to protect the personal health and safety of the homeowner.
2485 Innovation Drive
London ON
N6M 0C8
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St. Catharines, ON
L2P 2C7
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15 Corvus Court
Nepean ON
K2E 7Z4
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TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
1027 Elwell Park Road
Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada P1P 1R1
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
29 Ferndale Industrial Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Canada L4N 9V5
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
2 Guided Court
Etobicoke, ON
M9V 4K6
Phone: 1-800-620-8907
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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Port Perry, Ontario
Canada L9L 1B2
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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Toronto (Milton), Ontario
Canada L9T 5A6
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
TOLL FREE: 1-800-265-1914
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