Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Sarnia

It’s good for homeowners to understand the basics of home insulation

For most homeowners, there comes a time to consider renewing or replacing their home insulation. And for those deliberating fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation in Sarnia, it’s good to understand the basics. In most cases, insulating the home is about eradicating “heat transfer”. This simply means stopping indoor heat from escaping out, and preventing outdoor heat from entering in.  Whether it’s summer or winter, “heat transfer” is not desirable in any home. It serves to compromise the home’s overall energy efficiency, and will cause seasonal utility bills to be higher than they need be.

Insulation contractors look at a home as a “building envelope”. That “building envelope” is made of construction materials that can affect “heat transfer” - sometimes in a positive way, and other times in a negative way. It’s therefore vital to eradicate the negatives of “heat transfer” and just as vital to be installing insulation that counteracts any “heat transfer”. The outcome for the “building envelope” is all positive:  overall energy efficiency is significantly improved; seasonal heating/cooling cycles are better balanced in winter and summer; and utility bills that were overly high will be noticeably reduced.

Most homeowners are aware of the countless home insulation products that are available. But in the end, whichever product is installed, the intention should be the same: to effectively restrict unwanted air movement - to effectively stop any moisture from accumulating; and to ensure that R-Values are augmented in the final installation. It’s also highly recommended to use the services of a professional contractor. The professionals have product experience and installation expertise – they will deliver the best outcomes. And while a DIY project can save dollars, nothing comes close to a professional touch.

A popular option for attics and roofs - fiberglass insulation products

All over Canada, and in many of the northern United States, fiberglass insulation products are a popular option for attics and roofs. Fiberglass insulation is available in “batts” or “loose fill”, both of which are appropriate for expansive spaces like the attic. A good install will provide good R-Value throughout, and should ensure a satisfactory lifespan for many years. Both of the fiberglass insulation products will improve energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and consequently utility bills.

The truth is, a home insulation project (like most home projects) will require expertise. Professional installers understand the various insulation products, and have experience with the different types of installations. For example, they understand the essence of creating a “thermal blanket” to ensure the optimal performance of the installation. And they are experienced installing the “loose fill” product for maximum effect. Similarly, they know how to strategically install “batts” for optimum performance.

Professionally installed, fiberglass insulation has several benefits

Following the manufacturer’s installation specs, fiberglass insulation products are safe for residential application. The products are air-quality tested; non-combustible; non-corrosive; and free of asbestos. Fiberglass insulation products usually contain some quantity of recycled “glass”, allowing the products to be considered “green”. Professionally installed, a space that is insulated with fiberglass shouldn’t retain moisture (in small volumes). And when properly installed, there shouldn’t be much settling.

To counter rodents, animals, and insects, fiberglass insulation is chemically treated. As well, the final installation will not be friendly to mold, and will not support mold growth. However, for fiberglass to best perform, the installation must incorporate appropriate ventilation. This is critical in preventing deterioration and ensuring long product life. Homeowners who decide to install fiberglass insulation in Sarnia will benefit from a home insulation project that is effective, long lasting and cost-efficient.

For the professionals, there are some problems with fiberglass insulation

Even with a professional install, fiberglass insulation doesn’t properly address the important issues of air movement and moisture collection. And in cavities like the attic and roof, this is problematic, since unwelcome air and moisture will inevitably compromise product performance and R-Values.

Another important issue in the attic and roof is leaking air. Again, fiberglass insulation is problematic - it simply doesn’t seal a space well enough to stop leaking air (regardless of the quality of installation). For professional contractors, this is a problem, since sealing is vital for insulation performance.

Perhaps the biggest problem with fiberglass insulation is wetness. When fiberglass gets wet, it will eventually lose integrity and R-Value. In situations when this is unnoticed, the wet insulation will begin to deteriorate – and at that point there is no other recourse but removal and reinstallation.

The very worst case with wet fiberglass is the potential for mold to develop. An attic or roof with a mold infestation will require remediation, and that means the services of a mold removal specialist. Of course, this will likely necessitate some repair work and re-installing the insulation.

Spray Polyurethane Foam has become a viable alternative to fiberglass

Because of the characteristic problems with fiberglass, Spray Polyurethane Foam has become a viable alternative, especially with insulation professionals. One SPF application installs a much more effective insulation “blanket” than anything comparable – and it stops air movement and moisture collection.

Another benefit of Spray Polyurethane Foam is stopping air leakage. With SPF, a finished space will be totally sealed - it will be completely airtight, and will prevent indoor heat from escaping and outdoor heat from flowing in.  The result:  the most energy efficient installation of any insulation product. 

Combining fiberglass insulation with SPF insulation - a “hybrid” option

As a stand-alone product, Spray Polyurethane Foam is regarded as the best on the market. It’s highly recommended for roofs, attics, garages, and basements. But it’s considered to be a premium product, and does not always fit into every budget. As such, insulation contractors are offering an installation approach that is more cost-effective – a “hybrid” option that combines fibreglass and SPF in one install.

In combining fibreglass insulation with SPF insulation, the “hybrid” option brings benefits from both product groups. The application of Spray Polyurethane Foam offers outstanding sealing and insulation, while the fibreglass installation (batts or loose fill) provides additional R-Value and ensures a cost-effective component for the homeowner. The result: outstanding performance at reasonable cost.