Basement Insulation in Windsor

For many years, residential basements were used primarily for doing laundry (washer/dryer); for housing the water heater; and as a base for the furnace. There was also lots of space for storage, but the basement was generally cold and damp and musty. Basements were not livable - the walls were cement - there was no insulation - and there was no drywall. In recent years, basements have become functional and livable, and today it’s a relaxed and comfortable space. In Windsor, basement insulation is really the first step in creating a basement space that will be totally family friendly.

Basement functionality is different for every homeowner. Sometimes, it’s important to have an additional bathroom; sometimes, an additional bedroom; sometimes, a home-based office setup. For some, an in-law suite is the answer. But in every scenario, the common denominator is comfort, and comfort results when the basement is properly insulated. A properly insulated basement stays warm in the winter, and keeps cool in the summer. For homeowners in Windsor, basement insulation is also the best way to conserve energy, and to significantly reduce seasonal utility bills.

As much as an average homeowner understands about insulation, there is still a misconception about the benefits of basement insulation.  And the truth is, a basement should be as well insulated as any other part of the home. For insulation professionals, a basement that is properly insulated is regarded as more important than the rest of the house. The bottom line for the homeowner: a well-insulated basement brings many more benefits than other home improvement projects. This is particularly true when comparing the benefits or cost savings of a kitchen or washroom renovation.

By any definition, basement insulation projects are absolutely worth the cost investment. With a high quality insulation product, and a professional installation, the entire home can reap the benefits. Air movement and leakage (indoor/outdoor) are curtailed; moisture is prevented from collecting; and R-Values (the thermal resistance) are significantly enhanced. Importantly, the HVAC system (heat and cool) begins to perform with much greater efficiency when cycling.  When everything is considered, good insulation will always deliver energy conservation and utility savings right through the year.

Will insulating the basement be a worthwhile investment?

When comparing home improvement renovations, insulating the basement ranks better than many of the other projects. A good install, with a top-notch product, can substantially reduce heating and cooling costs right around the year. This in itself assures a good investment.

What do the experts suggest for optimal levels of R-Value?

The experts concur that higher R-Values result in better outcomes. The same applies with a project like basement insulation - higher R-Values equates with better thermal resistance. But its important to note that specific outcomes depend directly on basement size and layout.

After a space is insulated, are the cost savings apparent?

When a space is insulated, especially with a product like spray foam, cost savings on utilities are noticeable throughout the calendar year. And when temperatures are in the extreme, energy conservation is even more apparent. But again, savings depend on basement size/layout.

Are there building codes for doing basement insulation?

Building codes differ with building type and scope of work. As an example, new construction is governed by a different building code than renovations or retrofits. With a reputable contractor, a homeowner can be assured that all work will follow the required building code.

Is there any prep work needed for basement insulation?

The thing to watch out for in the basement is water entry. Water entry must absolutely be resolved prior to any insulation work. And whether it’s severe or not, water entry must be professionally remediated. In some situations, it may even become a major project by itself.

How do “difficult-to-reach” areas get properly insulated?

Basements often have “difficult-to-reach” areas. They are hard to insulate, and not all insulation products are able to do the job. Spray foam can handle the “difficult-to-reach” areas, and will seal and insulate after one application. There is no other product that can compare.

In Windsor, basement insulation is best managed by a reputable contractor. And because of the nature of an installation, this approach is highly recommended. Great Northern Insulation regularly advises homeowners on which product and installation is best for their situation. And for GNI, spray foam insulation has quickly become the option-of-choice for many homeowners. The thing is, spray foam has gained popularity as an ideal option for the basement:  it delivers superior R-Values and exceptional air and vapor barrier qualities.

For the professionals, the optimal in basement insulation starts with the floor. First, spray foam is applied throughout, and then covered completely with concrete. This application ensures that the floor gets fully sealed and insulated at the same time. As for the walls in the basement, the objective is to create an airtight space.  Here again, the spray foam product does it all with one application - an effective airtight space is created; air movement (and leakage) is curtailed; and moisture is prevented from accumulating throughout.

Without question, a properly insulated basement will conserve energy. And for the homeowner, conserving energy means reduced utility costs. Throughout the industry, spray foam has proven itself to deliver better overall results than other comparable products. And unlike other products, one application can do it all - creating an airtight barrier that inhibits air movement and moisture collection, and insulating the space with a better R-Value rating than any other product on the market. In short, nothing compares with spray foam.

As one of the best premium insulation products, spray foam is not always fitting for every budget. As an alternative, Great Northern Insulation offers homeowners their “hybrid” installation. It’s a combination install that incorporates the spray foam with fiberglass “batts”. And with an expert installation, the final results are impressive. This is also a cost-effective project, and fitting for practically every budget. More importantly, outcomes with the “hybrid” approach will deliver both short and long term benefits every time.