Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Ridgetown

Residential Home Insulation – the Fundamentals

Before making any decisions on home insulation, homeowners should understand some of the fundamentals. Essentially, the aim of insulation is to stop “heat flow” (sometimes referred to as “heat transfer”). Heat flow isn’t desirable in any home, regardless of size. During winter, it means that the indoor heat is “flowing” out. During summer, it means that the warm air is “flowing” in. Both types of heat flow result in energy loss and energy waste – in short, a home that is not energy efficient. Overall, heat flow contributes to higher-than-usual utility bills every season.

In Ridgetown, and throughout Chatham-Kent, residential homeowners can choose from a variety of insulation products. The most popular products are fiberglass loose fill insulation, fiberglass batt insulation, and spray foam insulation. But regardless of product choice, the principal aim of insulation is always the same – reducing and stopping heat flow. Stopping unwanted heat flow will reduce energy consumption, and therefore reduce seasonal energy costs. Simply put, a home that is well insulated will save money on utilities, while providing a comfortable environment.

Choosing Fiberglass Insulation

For residential applications, homeowners often choose fiberglass batt insulation for the roof, attic, as well as the exterior walls. Another popular option, fiberglass loose fill insulation, is blown into the attic cavity, and sometimes into exterior walls. Both of these products provide good R-Values, and both installations contribute to better energy efficiency. Fiberglass products offer a satisfactory product life, and sustained thermal performance during the winter and summer.

By any measure, fiberglass insulation needs a professional install to ensure maximum performance. The batts must be installed very strategically to optimize performance. Likewise, the loose fill product must be blown with uniformity and consistency. Both of the fiberglass products can be installed to “top up” existing areas of insulation. A professional install is important in order to ensure that the “thermal blanket” effectively reduces/stops heat flow.

Fiberglass Insulation Has Some Benefits

Fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation are fabricated with materials that will not retain water (small amounts). Once installed, fiberglass insulation doesn’t settle demonstrably, and thermal performance is sustained for years. Above all, fiberglass insulation is safe – the installation is asbestos-free, odour-free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible.

Wherever installed, fiberglass insulation doesn’t offer a hospitable living environment for fungus, mold, rodents, or insects. When installed in a dry and ventilated space, fiberglass insulation won’t decay or deteriorate. Professionally installed, fiberglass insulation is a cost-effective option in any home. The finished install is a good return-on-investment, with noticeable utility savings.

Fiberglass Insulation Has Some Limitations

Fiberglass insulation can present some limitations, especially when the installation is not professional. At the same time, the limitations can be countered with some expertise. Bottom line, air leakage and air moisture must be effectively addressed. With a professional, homeowners can rest assured that the performance limitations are addressed, and product efficiency guaranteed.

The central limitation with fiberglass loose-fill insulation and fiberglass batt insulation is in stopping air infiltration. This is very important in attics and roofs, because these are areas where air leakage is problematic. To ensure energy efficiency, air infiltration and exfiltration must be effectively resolved. A good installation will resolve the issue, while enhancing performance.

Spray Foam Insulation as an Alternative

Given the performance limitations of many insulation products, a good alternative has emerged with spray foam insulation. Spray foam accomplishes a lot with a single application. It becomes an air barrier and moisture barrier at one time. It provides very high R-Values, and therefore maximum energy efficiency. Importantly, air movement and air moisture are better controlled.

Most residential homes have some level of air leakage. Insulation is intended to stop that leakage. But this has to be done in an effective manner, and spray foam is the answer. Air leakage is resolved much more effectively than any other product application. This is quite relevant in the roof and attic, where air leakage can reduce insulation integrity and thermal performance.

Using the “Hybrid” Installation Approach

Because spray foam insulation is considered the ultimate air sealer and insulator, many contractors have made it their “product of choice”. Spray foam installs outstanding R-Values and exceptional energy efficiency in the attic, roof, basement, and exterior walls. Heating and cooling costs are dramatically lessened, and annual savings make for an excellent return-on-investment.

Notably, spray foam insulation is a premium insulation product. It will not suit every project budget. As such, Great Northern Insulation recommends a “hybrid” installation. This is where spray foam insulation is purposefully installed in combination with fiberglass insulation. With this approach, the long-term results are satisfactory, and the project cost quite manageable.

For residential homeowners in Ridgetown, and in the smaller communities of Chatham-Kent, the “hybrid” installation may be the most viable alternative. But this work should be professionally managed.  The home energy experts at Great Northern Insulation can recommend the best, most cost-effective approach, assuring customer satisfaction with both products and installation.

Home Insulation from Great Northern Insulation

In Ridgetown, Great Northern Insulation offers a wide range of home insulation solutions. As the home energy experts, GNI installer teams install everything to code and according to product specifications. Regardless of project size, every installation guarantees customer satisfaction with a reputable manufacturer’s product warranty.

When work has been completed, Great Northern Insulation promises that the home will become noticeably warmer in the winter months, and noticeably cooler in the summer months. Where required, problem areas/issues are handled quickly and resolved to satisfy industry construction standards (with no cost to the homeowner).

Homeowners considering home insulation (or re-insulation) can arrange with Great Northern Insulation for a FREE in-home energy assessment. Here, a number of product and installation approaches can be recommended, and a viable action plan can be formulated. GNI will offer the best possible product/install combination.

For a professional approach to home insulation, contact the experts at Great Northern Insulation by calling 1-888-778-9591, or by visiting the company’s website at www.gni.ca.