Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Amherstburg

Understanding the basics of residential home insulation

For homeowners who are now thinking about home insulation in Amherstburg, it’s a good opportunity to understand the basics. Basically, insulating the home is about eliminating undesirable heat transfer. The professionals sometimes use the term “heat flow” instead of heat transfer, but regardless, heat transfer is an undesirable occurrence in the home. In winter, warm indoor air is “transferred” outside - and in summer, warm outdoor air is “transferred” inside. Neither is desirable – they cause inefficient consumption of energy, and will always result in seasonal utility bills that are higher than need be.

Insulation experts see a home as a building “envelope". And because homes are built using an array of building materials, the building “envelope" naturally affects heat transfer. Sometimes the effect is positive, and sometimes negative. Homeowners considering insulation or re-insulation should have their focus on eliminating heat transfer. This can be accomplished with fiberglass batt insulation or fiberglass loose fill insulation, but whatever the product choice, the elimination of heat transfer should be the priority. It will result in improved energy efficiency, lower energy costs, and annual savings.

The primary objectives when insulating a home should be universal, regardless of the product chosen:  to stop unwanted air movement; to prevent moisture from collecting; and to enhance existing R-Value where necessary. More importantly, it’s recommended that an insulation project be undertaken by an expert. This will guarantee that both the product and the installation perform to maximum potential.

Understanding the basics of fiberglass insulation

In most Canadian regions, and throughout the northern parts of the United States, fiberglass insulation products are a popular option for residential installation. Fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation are both commonly used for insulating roof cavities and attic spaces. With a proper install, both of these products will provide satisfactory levels of R-Value, and both will improve energy efficiency throughout the year. Product lifespan is good, and R-Value is maintained over the long term.

For the optimum in fiberglass performance, a professional installation is highly recommended. This is because experience and expertise is required to properly install an effective “thermal blanket”. For instance, fiberglass loose fill insulation has to be blown in strategically so that the “thermal blanket” has the appropriate density and uniformity. Its the same with fiberglass batt insulation – it must be placed methodically for optimum product performance. Clearly, both installations require proficiency.

Understanding the advantages of fiberglass insulation

Both fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation are considered safe for all types of residential use. Both of the products are asbestos-free, non-corrosive, non-combustible, and odor-free. The top brands contain considerable amounts of recycled “glass” material, and are independently air-quality certified. In most situations, fiberglass products will not retain moisture (in small quantities) and will not settle down demonstrably after the installation is complete.

Neither fiberglass loose fill insulation nor fiberglass batt insulation provide welcome environments for vermin, rodents or insects. Neither of the products provides nourishment for mold to grow or spread. With proper ventilation, and an expert installation, fiberglass insulation products will not deteriorate over time. And in terms of cost, fiberglass insulation products are a very affordable option for most budgets, providing cost-effectiveness and measurable utility savings.

Understanding the disadvantages of fiberglass insulation

As it is, neither fiberglass loose fill insulation nor fiberglass batt insulation can fully address unwanted air movement or moisture collection. In some installations, this may be problematic, having a negative impact when an installation involves the roof cavity or attic space. Here, it would be prudent to have a dialogue with the contractor to discuss the disadvantages.

Even when fiberglass products are professionally installed, there is still some potential for residual air movement. The problem is that fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation do not actually seal. This means that even after a space is completely insulated, it won’t be completely sealed.  Again, it’s a good time to discuss this with the contractor.

A big problem with fiberglass insulation is wetness. Wetness will cause fiberglass to lose its integrity, and therefore its R-Value consistency. Over time, wet fiberglass will deteriorate, and once deteriorated, the insulation has to be removed. This process requires professional remediation, in order to prevent additional undesirable problems from developing.

Wetness throughout fiberglass insulation can also create a breeding environment for mold. And if this remains unnoticed, things can get completely out of control, negatively affecting indoor air quality around the home. The insulation will have to be removed wherever its contaminated, and mold growth will have to be removed by someone professional.

Installing spray foam insulation as a product option  

Because of the disadvantages of fiberglass insulation products, spray foam insulation has become a viable option for home insulation. When properly applied, spray foam insulation becomes a totally impervious “envelope”, preventing air movement and impeding moisture accumulation. The spray foam “envelope” will seal a space more effectively than any other insulation product.

Air leakage is a problem for the insulation professional. And stopping that air leakage is integral to a good job. With spray foam, the installation contractor can create an airtight space to stop air leakage, while ensuring the highest possible R-Value of any comparable product. Because of this, spray foam insulation has become the product-of-choice for many installation contractors.

The “hybrid” approach to insulating the home

Throughout the industry, spray foam is recognized as superior. One application provides more short and long-term benefits than any other insulation product. This is exactly why contractors advocate for spray foam as a wise long-term investment.

But - spray foam may not be suitable for all project budgets. As such, Great Northern Insulation has customized a “hybrid” approach to insulating the home. The “hybrid” approach combines a spray foam application with one of the fibreglass products.

For homeowners in Amherstburg, and in nearby communities, the “hybrid” approach to insulation can deliver excellent results inside a cost-effective project budget. And the “pay-back” period ensures that the initial investment is very worthwhile.

Most importantly, Great Northern Insulation guarantees customer satisfaction, whatever product or installation chosen. And with GNI, customers can rest assured that everything is guaranteed.