Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Kingsville

Understanding the essentials of residential insulation

For the homeowner thinking about installing home insulation in Kingsville, it’s good to have a sense of the basics. Essentially, insulating is about eliminating areas of heat transfer. Professionals in the business refer to this heat transfer as “heat flow”, but regardless of language it’s undesirable in a home. It means that in the winter, warm air inside is being “transferred” to the outdoors, and in the summer, the warm air outside is being “transferred” indoors. Neither one is good. Both will contribute to poor energy efficiency throughout the home, with the result that heating and cooling bills will be high.

Insulation professionals see a residential home in terms of an “envelope". Every home is built with various building materials, and therefore every building “envelope" affects heat transfer either in a positive way, or a negative way. For those homeowners who are considering home insulation, the main focus should be on eradicating heat transfer. This can be realized by installing a product like fiberglass loose fill insulation or similar product like fiberglass batt insulation, but whatever product is chosen, eradicating the heat transfer is a priority. It will improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

The goals for insulating a home should be common whatever product or installation is finally chosen.  The idea is to stop undesirable air movement - prevent any moisture from accumulating - and enhance R-Values in a meaningful way. What’s more important, however, is to ensure that an insulation project be handled by an expert. An expert approach will assure optimum results and performance.

Fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill – the basics

Throughout Canada and in many regions of the United States, fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill are a popular option for residential homes. Fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation are commonly used for insulating attic spaces and roof cavities. Professionally installed, these products provide satisfactory R-Value, while serving to enhance overall energy efficiency throughout the home. Both products have good lifespans, and the installed R-Value will be well sustained over the years.

To achieve the best performance outcomes, a professional approach to installation is recommended. Here, expertise is required to effectively apply and install the “thermal blanket” that will insulate the space. For one thing, fiberglass loose fill insulation must be blown in appropriately so the “thermal blanket” will be uniformly dense. Similarly, fiberglass batt insulation must be installed strategically so that the product performs. Both of these product installations do require experience and proficiency.

The primary advantages of the fiberglass products

Both of these products (fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation) are deemed safe for home application. Both are odor-free and asbestos-free; non-combustible and non-corrosive; and air-quality certified. The better name brands contain significant levels of recycled “glass”, and in most situations, the fiberglass does not retain moisture (in small amounts). After installation, the fiberglass products do not settle discernibly and will remain so for the long term.

Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not provide a welcome environment for either rodents or insects. The products do not provide a feeding ground for mold, and will therefore deter mold growth. With appropriate ventilation, fiberglass insulation products should not deteriorate over the long term. Both of the product options are affordable to install, and both will provide the homeowner with cost-effectiveness for the project investment.

The main disadvantages of the fiberglass products

Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation will not completely prevent air movement or the accumulation of moisture. This can be problematic with some installations, especially when the products are used in the attic or roof. In these situations, it’s advisable to discuss the disadvantages with a reliable contractor, and evaluate the challenges posed.

With fiberglass products, even when professionally installed, air movement can still be a problem. The problem is fundamental - fiberglass loose fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation do not effectively seal a space. Even after a space has been insulated with fiberglass, it won’t be fully sealed on its own.  It’s another reason to discuss with a contractor.

One of the biggest disadvantages with fiberglass is wetness. Wetness causes fiberglass to lose integrity, and therefore lose R-Value. Over time, fiberglass that is wet will deteriorate, and will necessitate the removal of the insulation. This process will require professional remediation to resolve the problem at hand, and to prevent future problems from emerging.

Wet fiberglass insulation can easily become a nourishing environment for mold. Without the proper attention, things can become serious, and the quality of indoor air can be compromised. Wet insulation will require removal if contaminated, and the mold will require its own remediation by a professional. Regardless of the extent, this is not a good scenario.

Spray Polyurethane Foam as an insulation option  

In answer to the various disadvantages of fiberglass insulation, Spray Polyurethane Foam has quickly become a viable option. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) installs an impervious “envelope” in a given space, and prevents air movement as well as moisture collection. The “envelope” seals and coats much better than any of the comparable insulation products available today.

For professionals, air leakage continues to be a problem when insulating. But with SPF, a contractor can ensure that the space is airtight, and can further ensure high R-Values. As a result, SPF has become a favorite for professional contractors across the country.

Another option for insulation - the “hybrid” install

Spray Polyurethane Foam is recognized as an all round superior product. One application does much more than any other individual insulation product. And that’s why professionals recommend SPF as a wise home improvement investment.

However, SPF does not always meet the need of every project budget. In response, the experts at GNI (Great Northern Insulation) have come up with the “hybrid” approach – it effectively combines an SPF application with a fibreglass product.

For customers in Kingsville, the “hybrid” approach can deliver superb results, while remaining within a cost-effective budget. And best of all, the initial investment is “paid down” with the significant savings on heating and cooling costs.