SHOW/Hide all Articles
It’s only been in recent years that basements have been transformed into practical, livable spaces. Originally, the basement was for basically for laundry and storage. There was room for the hot water heater, the furnace (and oil tank), and some extra space for a workshop. But the basement walls were bare brick, without any insulation, and without drywall – the space was cold and damp and musty.
In St. Thomas, basement insulation projects have transformed basements into the comfortable and livable spaces that homeowners enjoy today. For many, basements are multi-functional: sometimes an extra bedroom; sometimes a home-office; sometimes a complete in-law suite. But whatever the function, the primary aim is always comfort – and that comfort derives from a well-insulated space.
The comfort level in the basement comes from a basement space that is well insulated. The basement that’s well insulated provides comfort for occupants from one season to the next, and delivers energy efficiency right through the year. As well, good insulation results in lower utility bills - and in regions where the temperatures are more extreme, this is one of the great benefits for the homeowner.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t realize the full value of a well-insulated basement. For the professional contractor, however, there’s no debate - basements must be as well, or better, insulated than other parts of the home. In fact, a basement insulation project is actually one of the better home projects, and a home improvement investment that can be quickly “paid down” over the years.
When the basement is expertly insulated (with a quality product), there are many benefits to be had. Air flow and air leakage (indoor and outdoor) are both restricted; R-Values of the installed insulation are enhanced; and moisture is stopped from collecting. Overall, energy efficiency is optimized, while the HVAC system operates at peak. Best of all, cost savings on utilities are realized through the year.
By any measure, insulating the basement is definitely one of the better home improvement projects. A professional installation contributes to lower heating and cooling bills, and to yearly cost savings that will certainly “pay down” the initial cost of installation in a length of time that’s reasonable.
Among the benefits of improved basement insulation, R-Values (insulation value) are enhanced. This is noticeable in both indoor comfort and energy savings. Indeed, the higher the R-Value, the better the insulation results. And with better insulation comes energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
Insulation results are dependent on the quality of the insulating product and the quality of the install. Clearly, a quality job delivers better results. And better results mean significant seasonal savings. All things considered, cost savings will vary depending on the size and layout of the basement itself.
Building code requisites depend on the building and the scope of the work. In this regard, an expert contractor will follow the specific requisites for basement insulation, and will advise the homeowner of best options for product and installation. Requisites vary for a new build, renovation or retrofit.
Basements usually have water entry issues, and these must be properly assessed and appropriately remediated. In some cases, there is substantial work to be done, but whatever the severity of the situation, water entry must be dealt with before any insulation work is commenced.
Virtually every basement layout will have a few spots that are difficult-to-reach. As a consequence, these are also quite difficult to insulate. In these situations, spray foam insulation is an ideal solution. There is no other product that seals or insulates as effectively, including every little hole or opening.
In St. Thomas, it’s preferable to have a professional handling basement insulation. A professional can offer viable suggestions on product and installation, and can provide advice to the homeowner on an approach that best suits the situation. Today, many professionals are recommending spray foam insulation. It’s because a single application can deliver more benefits than many other products. And one of the major benefits of insulating with spray foam is the very high level of R-Value installed.
The absolute ultimate in basement insulation starts with the floor. This is an application where foam insulation is sprayed into a floor, and then covered over with a conventional coat of concrete. This is an application that delivers the ultimate in insulating results, but may not be economically suited for every budget. Beyond insulating the floor, basement walls are the next priority, and the emphasis here is on airtightness – it ensures that airflow, air leakage, and moisture collection are constrained.
Whatever the scope of an insulation project, the focus is on energy conservation. And for basements, foam insulation has quickly become a “product of choice”. With many benefits from one application, foam insulation makes the basement airtight, and provides an R-Value that is better than any other product available today. For basement insulation, spray foam has proven itself to deliver many more benefits (short term and long-term) than any of the other products or combination of products.
Industry wide, foam insulation is regarded as a premium product. As such, it may not suit everyone’s budget. In St. Thomas, Ontario, Great Northern Insulation offers up a viable alternative - a “hybrid” approach that incorporates foam insulation and fiberglass “batts” in one install. Here, the foam is sprayed into place, and then followed with a “top-up” of fiberglass “batts”. It’s a cost effective install that provides excellent results in terms of insulation, and provides a reasonable “payback” period.
Most important with basement insulation is to do it expertly and properly the first time. For the professionals at Great Northern Insulation, this is a project with homeowner benefits and savings for years to come. And while foam insulation is top-of-the-list, the “hybrid” from GNI approach is an excellent alternate.
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.
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.
ECOLOGOTM:
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).
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.
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!