Fibreglass Batt Insulation and Fibreglass Loose Fill Insulation in Oxford County

Understanding the Basics of Home Insulation

For a typical homeowner, and regardless of house size, it’s important to understand the basics of home insulation. It’s primarily about “heat transfer”, or what insulation experts call “heat flow”. Heat transfer is undesirable - it means that the indoor heat in winter is escaping, and the outdoor heat in summer is creeping inside. Both are seriously inefficient, creating energy loss, and making for high utility bills. Insulation is designed to prevent “heat transfer” in the building envelope.

In Oxford County, and throughout the many communities that surround, home insulation options are varied, from fibreglass batt insulation, to fibreglass loose fill insulation, to polyurethane spray foam insulation. The objective with every product option is the same: to eradicate heat transfer. Halting heat transfer will reduce energy use and therefore reduce energy cost. Overall, insulation should be enhancing R-Value, preventing air movement, and stopping moisture for collecting.

A Choice of Fibreglass Home Insulation Products

Fibreglass insulation products are popular in residential application. Conventional fibreglass batt insulation is commonly used in attics and inside exterior walls. The fibreglass loose fill insulation product is blown into large expanses like the attic (and sometimes into wall cavities). Both are satisfactory for R-Value, and both applications will contribute to energy efficiency. The general lifespan for fibreglass insulation is good, and performance is well maintained over the years.

When it comes to installing, fibreglass insulation does require some expertise. Fibreglass batts need to be installed strategically in order to perform well. As for the loose fill product, it has to be dispersed uniformly, with proper density, to perform. Both of these insulation products can be effectively used for “topping up” existing insulation. With a professional install, the fibreglass insulation creates a “thermal blanket” that reduces air movement and effectively insulates.

Some of the Benefits of Fibreglass Insulation

Fibreglass batt insulation and fibreglass loose fill insulation do not hold water as a rule, and small amounts will usually evaporate. Neither of the products settles demonstrably, and therefore their insulation value will maintain into the long term. Both products are safe for indoor installation. By nature, fibreglass is odor-free, non-combustible, and non-corrosive.

Fibreglass insulation (batts or loose fill) will not foster mold, mildew or fungus. The materials do not provide nourishment for insects, rodents or vermin. And fibreglass does not contain asbestos. In a dry, well-ventilated space, fibreglass insulation should not rot or decay. Both of the products (batts and loose fill) are an affordable option for most homeowners.

With a professional installation, fibreglass insulation can provide a very cost-effective approach for home insulation, and with very good long-term performance.

Some of the Downsides of Fibreglass Insulation

In general, the downsides of fibreglass insulation are relative to overall performance. Containing air movement and limiting air moisture are the biggest problems with fibreglass. When deciding on home insulation, these two downsides should be addressed.

Because of composition, fibreglass batts and fibreglass loose-fill allow some air to move through the insulation. This type of air leakage, especially in the attic, is not desirable. These products do not seal a space completely, which affects their performance.

In extreme situations, fibreglass insulation can be vulnerable when becoming wet. R-Value can be compromised, and therefore insulation performance. Depending on wetness, there’s also a risk for contamination, making insulation removal necessary.

With fibreglass, high moisture levels can sometimes promote mold. When unattended, mold can quickly create air quality issues that can affect the entire premises. In a situation like this, it will be necessary to remove the contaminated insulation.

Another Insulation Option - Polyurethane Spray Foam

In addressing some downsides of fibreglass insulation, home energy professionals are suggesting polyurethane spray foam as an alternative option. With a professional install, spray foam creates a seamless barrier that overcomes many of the problems common to the fibreglass products. Unlike fibreglass insulation, spray foam effectively seals all kinds of holes, gaps, and cracks.

For professionals, the biggest issue with insulation is air leakage. It makes for undesirable “heat flow” in winter and summer, and contributes to poor energy efficiencies. With an application of spray foam, air leakage is eradicated. In attics and basements, spray foam insulation provides an airtight environment that improves energy efficiency, reduces energy usage, and lowers bills.

The Best Option Overall - the Hybrid Installation

As an insulation option, polyurethane spray foam has proven to be a superior installation when compared to others. A professional application will deliver excellent R-Value, while preventing air movement and moisture accumulation.  Spray foam delivers more product benefits than any comparable product, and has therefore become the product of choice for many professionals.

For some homeowners, however, spray foam does not suit the budget. Here, the home energy experts at Great Northern Insulation can recommend a “hybrid” installation.  With this approach, one of the fibreglass insulation products is combined with the spray foam into one application. Installing both products allows for excellent insulation results, all within a reasonable budget.

For homeowners in Oxford County, the “hybrid” installation may well be the option of choice for achieving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs. But whatever the final choice, it’s essential to work with a professional – a reputable insulation contractor who can recommend the best approach, with the best return-on-investment. In short, an install that delivers performance.

Customer Satisfaction with Great Northern Insulation

In Oxford County, and in the communities that surround, homeowners can rely on the experts at Great Northern Insulation for quality products and superior installations. From fibreglass batts, to loose fill, to spray foam, GNI installers will recommend an installation to best suit the need. GNI will do it right the first time, installing everything to code, and providing a manufacturer’s product warranty on every installation.

GNI also addresses problems promptly, and makes every effort to resolve outstanding issues to ensure customer satisfaction. With Great Northern Insulation, project satisfaction is guaranteed. To make arrangements for a FREE in-home energy assessment, call toll free 1-888-778-9591. For more information about GNI products and services, visit the company website at www.gni.ca .