Fiberglass Batt Insulation and Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation in Lakeshore

When it’s time to consider home insulation, it’s good to understand the ABCs

Residential homeowners in northern climes eventually have to consider renewing and/or replacing home insulation. For those homeowners considering fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation in Lakeshore, understanding the ABCs is a good first step. With home insulation, the aim is to somehow eliminate “heat transfer”. This is about stopping inside heat from leaking out of the home, and further stopping outside heat from coming into the home.  Winter or summer, “heat transfer” is not a desirable dynamic - it compromises energy efficiency and will cause utility bills to be overly high.

For professional insulation contractors, a home is a so-called “building envelope”. It’s constructed with materials that have a direct influence on “heat transfer”. Sometimes that influence is positive, and sometimes it’s negative. Therefore, it’s important to counter the negative influences of “heat transfer”, and this is can be achieved with insulation. By countering “heat transfer”, several benefits are derived: first of all, energy efficiency is dramatically enhanced in the home; secondly, heat/cool cycles (in winter/summer) are better balanced; and thirdly, utility costs are reduced from one season to the next.

These days, homeowners are bombarded with insulation products – and each one claims to be better. But whatever the product, the priority list should be the same: stopping the undesirable build-up of moisture; stopping undesirable air movement; and, of course, augmenting R-Value. It’s also good to work with a professional - the professionals have product knowledge and installation know how. They will deliver the best possible outcomes. And while many a homeowner might attempt a DIY approach in order to save money along the way, the benefits of a professional touch are more long lasting.

For many homeowners, fiberglass insulation has gained popularity

In most regions of Canada, fiberglass insulation is a popular option for residential insulation. Available in “batts” or “loose fill”, fiberglass insulation products have become popular for expansive spaces like the roof and/or attic. When properly installed, fiberglass insulation can provide good R-Value throughout, and can sustain product integrity for years. Both “batts” and “loose fill” offer much improved energy efficiency, and will reduce heating bills and cooling bills throughout the year.

For the best results, home insulation requires a level of expertise. Professional contractors understand their insulation products, and have expertise with various installation approaches. They are proficient in creating the “thermal blanket” that will ensure maximum product performance in a given space. The truth is, a professional touch makes a difference – with “loose fill” insulation, as an example, the install must be uniform and consistent – and with “batts”, the installation must be systematic and strategic.

Installing one of the fiberglass insulation products will have benefits

To achieve best results, fiberglass insulation must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. The products are safe, air-quality tested, and asbestos-free. And because the products are non-combustible, the final installation area remains safe. Fiberglass products contain “recycled glass”, making for a good option for homeowners focused on “green” products. Professionally installed, fiberglass won’t settle over the long term and won’t retain moisture (in smaller volumes).

Fiberglass insulation does not provide a welcome environment for insects, animals, rodents or mold. But quite importantly, the installation requires thorough ventilation – this is vital in ensuring product longevity and averting any potential for the insulation to deteriorate. For those homeowners choosing fiberglass insulation in Lakeshore, this is a home improvement project that is cost-effective, and with long term benefits. Again, the best outcomes are those derived with expertise of a professional.

Some inherent problems with fiberglass insulation projects

Even with an expert install, fiberglass insulation doesn’t completely address issues like air movement and moisture collection. This is particularly problematic in the attic and roof since undesirable air and moisture can potentially compromise product integrity and R-Value.

Another problem with fiberglass insulation is leaking air. On it’s own, fiberglass does not seal, and therefore does not prevent air from leaking in or out of an attic. For the professionals, this is a rather big problem, because sealing a space is critical to effective insulation.

The biggest problem with fiberglass insulation would be wetness. If fiberglass gets wet, it will lose integrity and R-Value, and will eventually begin to deteriorate. Unnoticed or unresolved, wet fiberglass will require complete removal; repair work; and reinstallation.

At worst, wet fiberglass will become an attractive environment for mold to grow. And depending on the outgrowth, resolving this situation usually requires a mold expert. Here, the only possible option is professional mold removal, insulation removal, and reinstallation.

Spray Polyurethane Foam – a viable insulation alternative

Because fiberglass insulation poses some problems, Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has turned into a viable alternative option. With a single expert application, SPF installs an “insulation blanket” that is superior to any other product – it stops air movement and prevents moisture from collecting.

Spray Polyurethane Foam is the optimal sealer. SPF creates an airtight environment, totally sealing up a given space and stopping any air leakage. The airtightness prevents indoor heated air from escaping out, and prevents outdoor heat from leaking in. SPF provides the best energy efficiency, bar none.

For the most cost-effective install, contractors offer the “hybrid” approach

Professional insulation contractors consider SPF to be the best insulation product. It’s being used with excellent results in the attic, roof, basement, and even in garages. But SPF is absolutely a high premium option and might not be right for every budget. In response, installers have developed a unique “hybrid” approach - an innovative installation with excellent results and a reasonable project budget.

The “hybrid” approach is a combination install using SPF insulation along with fibreglass insulation. To begin with, the Spray Polyurethane Foam allows for superior sealing and insulation. Additionally, the fibreglass insulation increases the R-Value in the space, and provides cost-effectiveness to the project.  Overall, the “hybrid” approach delivers excellent outcomes from each product, and a reasonable cost.