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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2021.
Best of 2022
HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation as a company that goes above and beyond in every aspect of business for the year of 2022.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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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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