Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Welland

When it comes to home insulation, it’s helpful for a homeowner to have a basic understanding

For the average homeowner, it’s not necessary to get too technical about home insulation - but its good to understand the basics.  For those who are considering fiberglass loose fill insulation or fiberglass batt insulation in Welland, it would be advantageous to understand how insulation works. Essentially, home insulation is about stopping “heat flow” throughout the home’s structure. In the winter, it’s important to stop the indoor heat from seeping out. And in the summer, it’s important to stop the outdoor heat from seeping in. In other words, “heat flow” is bad – it’s not good for the energy efficiency of the home, and it results in higher bills for winter heating and summer air conditioning.

For insulation professionals, a home’s physical structure is referred to as the building’s “envelope", and that “envelope” is constructed with materials that affect “heat flow”. Some materials have a positive effect, and some materials have a negative effect. And when the time comes to insulate, the key for any contractor is to diminish (or eliminate) those negative effects. This is why choosing an appropriate   insulation product is so important. Clearly, a high quality product and a high quality install will address “heat flow” and will consequently restore energy efficiency in the home. The outcome: better energy consumption, better energy usage, and reduced heating and air conditioning bills during the year.

Today, there’s an abundance of insulation-related products on the market. Of course, every manufacturer makes claims, and tries to support the efficacy of their product. But for all intents, insulation products must meet certain criteria, regardless of which specific product is chosen. Firstly, the insulation product must halt air movement. Secondly, it must prevent moisture from accumulating. And thirdly, it must improve existing levels of R-Value. This is all fundamental and key to project success. It would also be advantageous to be working with a professional installer. And while a DIY effort may well save some project dollars, a professional touch brings better outcomes for the long run.

Some of the fiberglass insulation products are a popular choice throughout North America

Fair to say that in most regions of North America, homeowners have opted for fiberglass insulation in two popular versions:  batts and loose fill. These are used in attics, roofs, and basements and provide good R-Value in the space where installed. With a good installation, and a quality fiberglass product, energy efficiency in the home is measurably improved, and energy consumption better balanced. The fiberglass products offer a good lifespan, with R-Values that maintain well for many years.

Installing fiberglass insulation is comparable to any other home project in the sense that a good job requires professional expertise. It’s the experts who understand the products best, and who can offer installation experience that is valuable. For instance, a professional will ensure that a loose fill product is installed uniformly for peak product performance. Likewise, a professional will ensure optimum performance with fiberglass batts that are installed methodically and strategically in a given space.

Fiberglass insulation (batts or loose fill) have benefits and advantages

Like any product, fiberglass insulation performs best when following the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. Fiberglass insulation products are consumer-safe; non-combustible; non-corrosive; and asbestos-free. The better quality brands are tested for air-quality to ensure additional safety. And for the benefit of “green” customers, fiberglass is manufactured with recycled glass content.

Once installed, fiberglass insulation will not attract insects, rodents, or animals. However, with fiberglass, it’s absolutely essential to have proper ventilation wherever installed. This will prevent any deterioration of the product and ensure longer lifespan. For homeowners considering fiberglass insulation in Welland, this is can be a cost-effective product and installation with good results.

On the downside, there are also some disadvantages with fiberglass products

From a professional point of view, fiberglass insulation does not wholly address all the important issues. Even the best installation doesn’t fully halt air movement, and doesn’t totally prevent moisture from gathering. Indeed, this is a serious problem when installing in the attic and/or roof.

Another problem with fiberglass is the potential for air leakage. Fiberglass insulation (batts or loose fill) does not seal a space effectively. This allows for air leakage, and can compromise the performance level of the insulation. For professionals, sealing is vital for any insulation product to perform.

Wetted fiberglass is a big problem with any installation. In such a scenario, the fiberglass will lose its product integrity; suffer with reduced R-Value; and eventually deteriorate. Unfortunately, in this type of situation, the only remedy is the removal and reinstallation of the insulation as a whole.

As an alternative option to fiberglass, Spray Foam Insulation has become a viable install

Due to the disadvantages of fiberglass, spray foam has become a popular insulation alternative for many applications. This is a unique product that does more in one application than most others.  It will effectively stop air leakage; it will stop moisture from collecting; and it will provide very high R-Value.

Most importantly, spray foam insulation effectively eliminates “heat flow” wherever installed. This application will seal a space airtight, and will guarantee peak performance in the insulated area. In short, there’s no other product that will deliver the same benefits, advantages, and performance.

For many, a “hybrid” approach to home insulation has become a cost-effective option

Many professional contractors are opting for spray foam insulation in attics, basements, and attached garages. However, this approach is not suited for every budget. As such, Great Northern Insulation offers customers a more budget-conscious approach to home insulation - the “hybrid” install.

The “hybrid” approach uses the spray foam product along with a fibreglass product in a combination application. With this unique approach, the spray foam seals and insulates the space, allowing the fibreglass to add additional R-Value, while ensuring a cost-effective element in the project.

Where homeowners are working within a specific project budget, this “hybrid” installation may be the best of all options. But here again, a professional install is highly recommended.