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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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Woodstock, Ontario
Canada N4V 1C3
Phone: 1-800-265-1914
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Comber, Ontario
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Gravenhurst, Ontario
Canada P1P 1R1
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Barrie, Ontario
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Canada L9T 5A6
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Nepean, ON
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Sarnia Ontario
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Niagara Falls, ON
L2G 0B4
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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.
Best of 2021
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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