Fibreglass Batt Insulation and Loose Fill Insulation in Strathroy-Caradoc

Home Insulation Basics

Without getting overly technical, it’s important for homeowners to understand the basics of insulation. Basically, home insulation is designed to impede “heat transfer”, sometimes referred to as “heat flow” by insulation professionals. Heat flow is unfavourable in any home, of any size. It means that indoor heat is leaking out in winter and outdoor heat is leaking in during the summer. Both scenarios contribute to energy loss and higher-than-usual utility bills from season to season.

Throughout Strathroy-Caradoc, and in many of the surrounding communities, homeowners have various options to choose from when insulating the home. The options vary from fiberglass batt insulation, to fiberglass loose fill insulation, to spray foam insulation. The aim is always the same - to reduce, and ideally stop, “heat flow”. Doing this effectively will reduce energy consumption and will reduce energy costs. Effective insulation will enhance R-Value and stop air movement.

Fiberglass Home Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is popular in residential home applications. Typically, fiberglass batt insulation is used in the attic, the roof, and exterior walls. Likewise, fiberglass loose fill insulation is blown directly into spaces like the attic and exterior wall cavities. Both applications will provide satisfactory levels of R-Value, and both will contribute to improved energy efficiency. Product lifespan for these products is good, and performance levels are maintained long term.

Installing fiberglass insulation definitely requires expertise. With batts, these must be installed strategically in order to ensure performance. With the loose fill product, the materials must be spread out uniformly, and with perfect volumes of concentration and density. Both of the fiberglass insulation products are effective to “top up” existing pockets of insulation. When professionally installed, the “thermal blanket” will reduce air movement and insulate at one time.

The “Pros” of Fiberglass Insulation

In general, fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose fill insulation will not retain water (and small amounts should evaporate). Over time, neither of the product applications will settle significantly. And finally, R-Values are well maintained over the long term. Fiberglass insulation is safe - the finished space is odor-free, asbestos-free, non-corrosive, and non-combustible.

Once installed, fiberglass products do not promote mold or fungus growth. Moreover, the insulation materials do not provide a comfortable environment for rodents or insects. In a dry and properly ventilated space, fiberglass insulation should not decay. These products (both the loose fill and the batts) are an affordable and cost-effective installation for many homeowners.

Limitations with Fiberglass

Without a professional installation, fiberglass insulation products may pose some performance limitations. These can be overcome with an expert installation, so that air movement and air moisture can be properly addressed. With a good contractor on hand, homeowners can be made aware of various installation options that will counter any of the inherent performance issues.

By nature, fiberglass batt insulation and fiberglass loose-fill insulation do allow for some air movement. While this is undesirable, certain measures can be taken to minimize this air movement. This would be especially important in the attic, where air leakage must be effectively arrested. Here again, with an expert contractor, these performance issues can be mitigated.

Installing Spray Foam Insulation

In addressing the various shortcomings of insulation products on the market, many professionals are recommending spray foam insulation as a viable residential application. Spray foam does a lot with one single application – it creates an airtight space that stops air leakage; it creates a seamless barrier that prevents moisture from collecting; and it installs very high R-Values.

For insulation professionals, the big challenge when insulating a home is to stop air leakage. With spray foam, this challenge is effectively addressed, and air leakage is effectively prevented. This is particularly important in the attic and basement, where air leakage can compromise energy efficiency. In short, installing spray foam ensures a finished space that is completely airtight. 

Professionally installed, spray foam insulation will dramatically improve a home’s energy efficiency, reduce seasonal energy consumption, and lessen energy bills in winter and summer.

The “Hybrid” Installation

For industry professionals, spray foam insulation is the ultimate product, proven to be superior over other products. Homeowners enjoy outstanding R-Values and improved energy efficiency that reduces heating and cooling costs. In addition to many other product benefits, spray foam insulation has quickly become a “product of choice” for many in the insulation industry.

As a premium-priced product, spray foam does not always suit the homeowner’s budget. This is where the professionals at Great Northern Insulation can recommend the “hybrid” installation. Here, one of the fiberglass insulation products is installed in combination with spray foam. The combination approach allows for excellent outcomes, along with a cost-effective investment.

For those homeowners in the Strathroy-Caradoc area, the “hybrid” installation may well be the ideal option when insulating the home. What’s most important, however, is to have insulation work handled by a professional contractor. A company like Great Northern Insulation will make sure that the best product is recommended for the job, along with the best return on investment.

Great Northern Insulation

In Strathroy-Caradoc, homeowners can depend on the team at Great Northern Insulation for top quality insulation products and a high standard of installation work. GNI always recommends an approach that suits the need, and installs everything according to the building code. There are no shortcuts, and every project is covered by a manufacturer’s product warranty.

With Great Northern Insulation, customer satisfaction is always guaranteed - the home will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Where necessary, problems and issues are dealt with promptly, and a GNI Service Representative assesses the work performed. Once addressed, these types of issues are resolved successfully, and at no cost to the homeowner.

With Great Northern Insulation on the job, homeowners can rest assured that every installation is done right the first time. To arrange for an in-house appointment, and a FREE home energy assessment, call 1-888-778-9591. For more information about products, services, and incentive programs, visit the company website at www.gni.ca .