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For homeowners residing in Tecumseh, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of insulation. In most homes, the main objective of insulation is to reduce or completely eliminate “heat transfer”. This is sometimes referred to as “heat flow”, but whatever the term, it’s unwanted in a residential home. Heat transfer allows warm indoor air (during winter) to escape. And in summer, it allows the warm outdoor air to come in. Neither of these is desirable, and both will result in mediocre energy efficiency. The final result: seasonal heating and cooling costs that are much higher than they should be.
Insulation professionals look at a house as an “envelope". It’s built with many different construction materials and each has a different affect on “heat flow”. Even in a new build, the materials have an affect – it could be positive, or it could be negative. For the typical homeowner, insulating the home should be about reducing or eradicating heat transfer. It can be accomplished with various insulation products, but the main objective should always be about getting rid of “heat transfer”. The final result: better energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and lower utility bills during the year.
Home insulation should focus on a number of goals, regardless of the installation method. It should focus on restricting air movement – it should prevent unwanted accumulation of moisture - and it should boost the R-Value of the home. Also important is to have the project managed professionally. Professional management will ensure the best results for both product and installation.
In most regions of Canada, and in many of the northern regions of the USA, fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation are commonly installed in roofs and attics. When these products are professionally installed, they provide satisfactory levels of R-Value and noticeably enhance energy efficiency throughout the home. The products have a good lifespan, and R-Values sustain long term.
With these products, professional expertise is preferred. The installer must create a “thermal blanket” with a certain degree of precision. With the fiberglass loose fill insulation, the product must be blown consistently and uniformly. Similarly, the fiberglass batt insulation must be properly installed so that the product performs as required. Both installations require expertise and experience for best results.
Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation are approved for residential applications and are deemed safe (no asbestos). The products are air-quality certified and odor free. They are non-combustible and non-corrosive. Most brands incorporate recycled “glass” into the final product, and as such, fiberglass doesn’t retain small amounts of moisture. The fiberglass insulation products described do not settle in their place measurably, and will remain intact for many years.
Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not make a welcome home for animals, rodents or insects. Neither product will provide nourishment for mold to grow. When a space is well ventilated, fiberglass should not deteriorate. This is an installation that is affordable and cost-effective for most homeowners, with an upfront project cost that can be easily “paid down” by the significant annual cost savings provided by the reduction in heating and cooling costs.
As stand-alone products, fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation do not do well preventing air movement or stopping moisture from accumulating. In the attic or roof, it could be a big problem. This should be discussed with a professional, so that the issues of air and moisture are fully addressed before any work commences.
Even with a professional install, air movement can pose a big problem with the fiberglass products. They do not do an effective job sealing a space, and this can be problematic in the attic or basement. Even after a professional install, none of the fiberglass products can effectively seal a space. Again, this is an important issue to be addressed.
The biggest weakness of fiberglass is wetness. When fiberglass is wet, it will lose integrity, and will inevitably lose R-Value. As well, wet fiberglass will deteriorate, and will eventually need to be properly removed. This will require professional remediation, and will involve complete removal of the existing insulation to avoid potential problems.
Unattended, wet fiberglass can become a feeding ground that will be friendly to mold. It can become serious enough to compromise the indoor air environment. The mold (and the insulation) will have to be removed, and again, it’s work that should be handled by an expert. Whatever the scope of the mold growth, it’s not a healthy situation.
Because of the shortcomings of fiberglass, Spray Polyurethane Foam has emerged as a viable option for many projects. SPF creates an impermeable “envelope” which effectively prevents air movement, and stops unwanted moisture from collecting.
For insulation professionals, air leakage is the ever-present problem with every installation. But with SPF, a space can become totally airtight. And with the highest R-Value of any product, SPF has become the favorite of many in the industry.
Spray Polyurethane Foam has emerged as the best overall insulation product available today. It takes only one application, and the benefits far outweigh anything else. As such, more and more insulation contractors are installing the product, and are recommending the installation to homeowners.
However, for some, Spray Polyurethane Foam does not suit the budget. And because of this, the team at GNI (Great Northern Insulation) has come up with a unique “hybrid” installation. It’s a customized installation that combines the SPF product with one of the fibreglass products mentioned previously.
The “hybrid” installation delivers excellent results, whether it’s the roof, attic, or basement. The SPF product provides excellent sealing and insulating while the fibreglass provides the cost-effectiveness. Together, these two product combinations provide the homeowner with superb long-term outcomes.
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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.
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For four years now, HomeStars has ranked Great Northern Insulation at better than 95% for customer satisfaction.
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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
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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.
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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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