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Ice damming is a seasonal problem affecting many Canadian homes (and buildings) every winter. When ice damming is out of control, a number of problems can occur - so it’s vital to prevent ice dams. Ice damming can cause water to leak into the home. It can compromise the lifespan of roof materials. And it can often present a physical danger when big icicles fall down from the eaves.
Ice damming is a direct result of “differential” melting and freezing. When snow accumulates on the roof, it tends to melt in the upper areas where the temperature is warmer. The melting snow flows down to the lower areas of the roof, and begins to refreeze due to the colder temperature.
The melting/freezing dynamic is cumulative – in other words, more and more ice builds up and the ice damming takes on greater proportion. The only solution is to prevent ice dams entirely. Even with various short-term solutions, the source and cause of the ice dams must be addressed. While a building owner might implement a specific snow management solution, this is not a long-term remedy. The optimum solution is to prevent ice dams by changing the physical conditions of the attic and roof cavity. Essentially, higher-than-optimal attic temperatures must be reduced.
To prevent ice dams, it
is necessary to prevent roof snow from melting. This is accomplished by stopping heat transfer & air leakage through the attic floor and roof cavity.
To prevent ice dams, it's necessary to prevent roof snow from melting. This is accomplished by stopping heat transfer through the attic floor and roof cavity. When attic insulation is poorly installed or simply inadequate, it requires upgrading or replacement. And when air leakage is prevalent, the pathways through the ceiling, attic, and roof must be sealed effectively. These principles are the same for a residential home, a low-rise condo, or a commercial building. One of the biggest problems in addressing air leakage is creating a “perfect” air seal. Whether in the attic roof or the roof cavity, effective air sealing is problematic because of the complexity of shapes and contours throughout the space. In short, conventional insulating and sealing methods are not reliably effective. As such, efforts to prevent ice dams often come up short.
Of course, the true proof of success is the complete absence of ice dams, the objective of any professional.
By any measure, air sealing is the key to reducing air movement and heat loss in the attic and through the roof. While insulation contractors know that every home and building is different mechanically, there are still commonalities when it comes to air sealing.
The bottom line is that a combination of air barrier and thermal insulation will effectively reduce the chance for ice dams to form.
Few other combination approaches have proven to be as productive with long-term results.
With Great Northern Insulation, sealing the attic and roof cavity is the key to preventing ice dams. The idea is to create a complete “system” where attic and roof are properly sealed, insulated, and ventilated. It’s a system that effectively manages airflow, heating and cooling, and air moisture. In addressing the issues of ice damming, GNI recommends a spray foam application for the very best results. Spray foam creates a thick, impermeable envelope that both seals and insulates the space at one time. The beauty of spray foam is that the entire attic space is completely sealed and insulated – this includes every gap and opening; all beams, plumbing, and wiring; and all ductwork. The finished space is airtight, moisture proof, and insulated with higher R-Values than comparable products. Spray foam has become an increasingly popular choice of insulation for the attic. It’s an efficient air barrier and serves as an effective moisture barrier at the same time. Air movement and air moisture are reduced, and therefore the contributing factors to ice damming issues are addressed.
Caution! Performing DIY ice dam remedies may result in injury, additional costs, and may not properly
repair your insulation or air leakage issues
The Benefits And Advantages Of The Spray Foam Installation to Keep the Heat InThroughout the home energy sector, spray foam is considered the ultimate product. But it’s also a premium installation, and may not suit every project budget. As such, the team at GNI recommends a “hybrid” installation to address issues in the attic and roof. The “hybrid” installation comprises two products that work together. As a first step, spray foam is installed throughout the attic and roof cavity in order to seal effectively, and further insulate the space. This is followed by an application of loose-fill insulation, which enhances the R-Value.
The “hybrid” installation goes far beyond addressing ice dams. This approach provides a space that is airtight and moisture proof. Energy efficiency in the home is dramatically improved, and heating/cooling is much better balanced. Better still, seasonal energy costs are much reduced. With Great Northern Insulation on the job, the work is only complete when attic ventilation is also addressed. As part of the attic “system”, proper ventilation will serve to reduce the possibility of ice dams. Efficient ventilation helps prevent condensation from forming, and ensures good air circulation.
“The staff at Great Northern insulation are very helpful and professional. The initial spray in the house was done in a timely manner and was installed perfectly. They later came back to remove the old insulation in our attic and again their staff was very courteous and professional. We are waiting to have the remaining insulation added to our attic and they have been very accommodating of our schedules. I would not hesitate to recommend. Thank you Tyler, Derek and Dylan for great work, especially in the attic through the heat.”
Laurie
“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
Conduct a FREE Online Energy Audit of Your Home with the MIT Award Winning My Energy Expert Application.
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Great Northern Insulation - Better Business Bureau Profile.
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.
GNI is the Authorized & Trusted Insulation and Air Sealing Installer for Lowe’s
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.
The GREENGUARD®
Gold Certification promise
GREENGUARD® Gold Certification ensures the strictest criteria for low-level chemical emissions. Certified products are safe for individuals with sensitivities (children/elderly) and safe for use in school environments and health-care facilities. The product certification is widely recognized by the LEED Rating System (Leadership in Energy/Environmental Design).
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.
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Multi-attribute product certification
ECOLOGOTM is an accredited sign of environmental performance – holistic – green – sustainable - and compliant with strict, third party standards. Life cycle criteria for product certification may include manufacturing and operations; health and environment; product materials and performance; and product innovation, development, and management.
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).
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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.
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