Fibreglass Batt Insulation and Fibreglass Loose Fill Insulation in Blenheim

Understanding Some of the Principles of Home Insulation

For the typical homeowner, it’s important to understand the basic principles of home insulation. Without getting into “building science”, it’s enough to understand that home insulation is meant to stop “heat transfer” or “heat flow”. Heat flow is undesirable in any home, old or new. In winter, it means that indoor heat is leaking out of the home. And in summer, it means that warm air is leaking in from outside. Both situations contribute to measurable energy loss and energy waste. For the homeowner, it means that utility bills are higher-than-usual in the winter and summer.

In Blenheim, and throughout Chatham-Kent, homeowners have a wide choice of home insulation products to choose from. The most popular options are fibreglass batt insulation, fibreglass loose fill insulation, and spray foam insulation. Whatever the final choice, the purpose of insulation remains fundamentally the same - to stop heat flow. Stopping heat flow reduces home energy consumption, and results in reduced energy costs from season to season. But beyond the cost savings year after year, the home will be far more comfortable throughout winter and summer.

Choosing Fibreglass Insulation to Insulate the Home

With fibreglass batt insulation, pre-cut batts are installed in the attic and roof, and can also be installed in exterior wall cavities. With fibreglass loose fill insulation, the material is blown into a given space, and can likewise be installed in the roof, attic, and exterior walls. Both of these product applications allow for good R-Value, and both contribute to improving energy efficiency. With fibreglass insulation, product life and thermal performance deliver many years of value.

Whichever fibreglass product is chosen for installation, the work should be left to a professional. With the pre-cut batts, these have to be installed precisely to ensure maximum performance. With the loose fill product, it must be installed with particular consistency and density. Both of the fibreglass insulation products can be effectively installed when “topping up” any existing insulation. A professional install ensures that the “thermal blanket” will reduce heat flow.

Some Benefits when Installing Fibreglass Home Insulation

Fibreglass loose fill insulation and fibreglass batt insulation are manufactured not to retain water. Small amounts of water/moisture will evaporate. After installation, neither of the products will settle significantly, and both will retain thermal performance for the long run. Fibreglass insulation is safe - odour-free and asbestos-free - non-combustible and non-corrosive.

Fibreglass insulation does not provide a welcome living environment for fungus, mold, insects, or rodents. In a dry and well-ventilated installation space, fibreglass should not deteriorate or decay. Installing fibreglass as home insulation (loose fill or batts) is a cost-effective approach for any home. Over the years, the return on investment is good, and energy savings are satisfactory.

There are Some Limitations with Fibreglass Insulation

Without a professional install, fibreglass insulation can pose some performance limitations. However, these can be overcome with some expertise, particularly in addressing problem issues like air leakage and air moisture. With a professional on the job, homeowners can be assured that the installation will serve to diminish any limitations, and focus on optimizing performance.

The one big limitation with fibreglass loose-fill insulation or fibreglass batt insulation is dealing with air infiltration. This is especially relevant in the attic/roof, where air infiltration (air leakage) is problematic. To ensure optimum energy efficiency, this must be addressed with an installation remedy that minimizes the problem, while ensuring insulation performance.

Choosing Another Product Option - Spray Foam Insulation

When addressing performance issues with conventional insulation products, many professionals are recommending spray foam insulation as an alternative approach. Spray foam does a complete job in one application. It creates an air barrier. It creates a moisture barrier. And it provides high R-Values. One application effectively controls both air movement and air moisture at one time.

Because every home is challenged with air leakage, the main aim of any insulation product is to stop that leakage. Spray foam effectively addresses this challenge, and blocks air leakage better than anything comparable. This is quite critical in the roof and attic where air leakage seriously compromises insulation performance and energy efficiency. The ideal remedy is spray foam.

Choosing a Cost-Effective Alternative with a “Hybrid” Install

Industry wide, spray foam insulation is considered to be the ultimate product. It has quickly become the so-called “product of choice” for many insulation professionals. With an expert install, the finished space provides excellent R-Value and superior energy efficiency. Annual heating and cooling costs are reduced, with excellent return-on-investment over the long term.

By any measure, spray foam insulation is a premium installation. As such, it will not suit every budget. For a cost effective alternative, Great Northern Insulation often recommends a “hybrid” install. With this approach, spray foam is installed in combination with one of the two fibreglass products – short-term and long-term outcomes are excellent, and project costs are manageable.

For homeowners in Blenheim, a “hybrid” install might be a good alternative for insulating or re-insulating. The important thing, however, is to have the work done by professionals like Great Northern Insulation. They will recommend the best product and installation for the job – with quality products and superior workmanship that guarantee complete customer satisfaction.

Great Northern Insulation Does it Right the First Time

In Blenheim, homeowners can count on Great Northern Insulation for a comprehensive approach to home insulation. Installers follow the manufacturer’s specifications, and install everything to code. Every job, large or small, is backed by a manufacturer’s product warranty.

With work completed, Great Northern Insulation guarantees that a home will be noticeably warmer in winter and noticeably cooler in summer. Any problem areas are handled promptly, with issues fully resolved, and without any additional cost to the homeowner.

To arrange for a FREE onsite home energy assessment, contact the experts at GNI by calling toll free 1-888-778-9591. For specific information about various insulation products and services, visit the Great Northern Insulation website at www.gni.ca .