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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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Best of 2017
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.
Best of 2020
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
- with foam mastersTM
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.
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Quality + Performance = Savings
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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