Fiberglass Batt Insulation and Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation in Windsor

Understanding the ABCs of home insulation can be a big advantage

For many residential homeowners in Canada, there will come a time to consider renewing or replacing their home insulation. For those deliberating between fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation in Windsor, it’s good to understand the basics. The overall idea with insulation is to reduce and/or eliminate what the experts call “heat transfer”. This basically means stopping indoor heat from leaking out and stopping outdoor heat from creeping in.  Both dynamics are bad. The results:  inferior energy efficiency in the home, and costly heating/cooling bills throughout the year.

Experienced insulation contractors see homes as “building envelopes”. Homes are constructed with building materials that affect “heat transfer” either positively and negatively. And insulation essentially addresses the negative effects. In other words, a good insulation product, properly installed, will effectively counter “heat transfer” and the negative effects. And for the homeowner, there are several benefits: energy efficiency in the home will be enhanced; winter heating cycles and summer cooling cycles will be better balanced; and overall, energy costs (and utility bills) will be noticeably lessened.

Needless to say, there are many insulating products on the market.  Each claims to be better, and each has specific strengths. But for the professional, the objectives of the insulation are the more important: first of all, impeding unwanted air movement; secondly, preventing any moisture from collecting; and thirdly, boosting the overall R-Values. Indeed, working with professionals does have advantages - they have product expertise and installation know-how, and they will inevitably have better outcomes. And while some homeowners could save money with a DIY approach, the results don’t always measure up.

Fiberglass batts and fiberglass loose fill insulation are popular products

For Canadians and Americans alike, fiberglass insulation is a common install for attics and/or roofs. The products are available in a loose-fill version, or as batts, and are quite suitable in residential applications.  When competently installed, fiberglass insulation delivers satisfactory R-Value as well as good product lifespan. The overall results with loose fill insulation or batts are good – the home’s energy efficiency will be enhanced, and energy bills (heating/cooling) will be demonstrably less.

As with many home improvements, insulation requires proficiency. The professional installer knows each product, and is experienced with the associated install. And importantly, professionals know how to install an effective “thermal blanket” – one that will deliver the optimum outcomes. For instance, with loose fill insulation, the application of product must be 100% uniform and consistent. Similarly with the fiberglass batts - they must be inserted and installed very strategically for the best results.

There are several benefits to installing fiberglass home insulation

Fiberglass insulation, installed according to manufacturer’s specs, is asbestos-free, non-combustible, and non-corrosive. This is a safe installation, and many of the better brands have been air-quality tested. As well, many fiberglass insulation products contain “recycled glass”, making for an installation that has a favorable “green” component.  Competently installed, fiberglass insulation shouldn’t settle down and shouldn’t retain moisture (however, in small volumes).

The finished fiberglass installation will not attract animals, rodents, insects or vermin. Neither will it promote mold or mildew. However, proper ventilation is critical throughout the installed space. The ventilation, when properly installed, will assure product integrity, while reducing the possibility of any deterioration. Homeowners considering fiberglass insulation in Windsor (batts or loose fill)  will find a home improvement project that is very cost effective.

As it is, installing fiberglass insulation can pose some problems

While fiberglass insulation products are quite popular for attics, they do not properly address the air and moisture issues that are common in attics and roof cavities. Even with a skillful install, residual air movement/moisture collection can negatively affect the overall integrity of an installation.

Another issue with fiberglass installations is “air leakage”. This is because fiberglass cannot seal up a space, and it therefore cannot stop air from flowing in and out of the attic. For the skilled insulation expert, this is a serious problem because sealing a space is critical for any insulation to perform.

Wetness is probably the biggest enemy of fiberglass insulation. Wet fiberglass (loose fill and batts) is bound to lose its integrity and then its R-Value. And when a situation like this remains undetected, the entire wet environment can quickly deteriorate. This will require removal, repair, and reinstallation.

Unfortunately, a wet fiberglass environment might well promote mold growth. And in dire situations, it may be necessary to contract the services of a mold removal specialist. Depending on severity, the mold will require remediation, and the insulation may well have to be removed and re-installed.

As an alternative to fiberglass insulation, Spray Polyurethane Foam is a good choice

Because of the downsides of the fiberglass products, many contractors suggest Spray Polyurethane Foam as an alternate. SPF insulation provides an “insulation blanket” that goes far beyond any product on the market – one application stops both undesirable air movement and undesirable moisture.

SPF is known to be an excellent sealer. It creates an airtight space that stops air leakage completely. This means that heated air inside a home does not leak out, and warmish air from the outside does not leak in. The bottom line:  better energy efficiencies than any insulation product available today.

The “hybrid” option - one of the better, more cost-effective, insulation projects

SPF is highly regarded as the best product available today. It is an ideal installation in every part of the house. SPF offers more product benefits in one application than other comparables. But it’s a premium product that may not be compatible with all budgets. As a result, insulation professionals are recommending the “hybrid” installation – one that delivers great results at reasonable cost.

The “hybrid” installation is essentially a combination of Spray Polyurethane Foam and one of the fibreglass products. As a first step, SPF insulation is applied, and provides a space that is sealed and insulated. The second step installs the fibreglass insulation, which serves to build up extra R-Value, while adding cost-effectiveness to the project.  The results are excellent – the investment is reasonable.