A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in Niagara Falls

Insulation removal begins with a thorough inspection of the space.

With any home insulation removal, a thorough inspection of the space is an essential first step. In an old home, for example, the insulation may have lost its integrity, or may be deteriorating for some reason. A thorough inspection will be valuable in providing an overview of the conditions, and in defining the scope of removal. For homeowners considering insulation removal in Niagara Falls, Great Northern Insulation has an array of professional services. GNI starts with a thorough inspection of the space, makes suggestions for removal, and offers various re-installation options.

Depending on the house size/layout, insulation removal will differ.

Because every house is different in size and layout, every insulation removal will differ. Over the years, the GNI team has experienced practically everything. Many removals are problem-free. Some can be problematic for different reasons. And some can be dangerous, and even hazardous. After removing insulation, most homes require repairs or retrofits before new insulation can be installed. Indeed, most homes should upgrade the airtightness of the space, and further improve existing ventilation. Any deficiency will be a prescription for wasted energy and wasted money.

Removing insulation during a home renovation can be cost saving.

Removing insulation during a renovation can be cost saving for a homeowner. When contractors are well coordinated, project work can be easily streamlined, and retrofitting can be expedited at one time. For the team at GNI, insulation removal progresses step-by-step. With an inspection underway, GNI can decide how much of the existing insulation has to be removed, how much can be reclaimed, and how to proceed with the re-installation of new materials. The project objective is to enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy usage, and save money in the winter and summer.

Insulation removal requires relevant expertise from a professional.

Whatever the size of the house, insulation removal requires expertise relevant to the job. Mostly, the scope of work is well beyond the capability of an average homeowner. GNI, however, takes a professional approach on every jobsite:  work-crews are well trained; they use high-powered vacuum equipment; they properly handle waste disposal; and everything is done safely. When removal and disposal is finished, GNI preps the space for the new insulation that will be installed. This would include repairs and/or retrofits that will ensure the best results for the final install.

When the project budget is limited, a DIY method might be inviting.

With a tight budget, the DIY method for removing insulation might be inviting – but it’s not highly recommended. Homeowners with little or no experience will find insulation removal to be time-consuming and oftentimes challenging. It will simply take an amateur twice as long as an expert to do the same work. Also, insulation removal can sometimes be a dangerous undertaking. There may be some contamination; there may be some lingering asbestos; there may even be residual mold. Whatever the case, it’s risky work, even if money is saved. Better to go with an expert.

Repairs/retrofits may be needed prior to any re-installation work.

Homeowners in Niagara Falls can rely on GNI for a wide range of insulation services. Insulation removal and disposal is professional. Repairs and retrofits are all to code. And the new insulation product is top-rated. More importantly, GNI manages the work from start to finish. Ventilation is upgraded, where necessary. Air barriers or vapour barriers are installed, where needed. And the space is sealed airtight. In fact, for the professionals at GNI, sealing the space airtight is a high priority. Air sealing sets the stage for long-term insulation performance and energy efficiency.

An airtight space is essential when maximizing energy efficiencies.

Indoor air movement has an impact on every single home, regardless of size or shape. But when a home is properly air sealed, the indoor air movement is much better managed. Homes that are well sealed benefit in a number of ways:  indoor air quality is improved; indoor circulation is also improved; and energy efficiency is enhanced throughout the home. On the job, GNI crews create a “system” – in other words, a combination of elements that serve to maximize energy efficiency. It would include effective air sealing; sufficient ventilation; and high quality, top-rated insulation.

In Niagara Falls, GNI installs only top-quality, top-rated insulation.

In the Niagara Falls area, GNI offers a number of options for new insulation. A popular option is blown insulation, particularly for use in the attic and roof. Available in fiberglass or cellulose, the installation creates an efficient “thermal blanket” with satisfactory R-Values. Another option is fiberglass batts - again, a suitable installation for the attic. Fiberglass batts provide satisfactory R-Value when professionally installed, along with good product life over the years.

For the discriminating homeowner interested in high performance insulation, the best choice is Spray Foam Insulation. SFI is the best product on the market, and with more advantages than most other products. When professionally installed, SFI does it all in one application: it will seal a space airtight; it will create a combination air barrier/vapour barrier; and it will provide high R-Values throughout the installation space. SFI will outperform and outlast most others.

Another available option from GNI is sometimes referred to as the “hybrid” install. This method combines two products into one installation. First, the Spray Foam Insulation is applied. After that, blown insulation is installed as a complement to the SFI. “Hybrid” installations offer benefits from both products. As for project cost, this is one of the most cost-effective approaches. In fact, the longer-term money savings on energy will “pay down” the project cost quite quickly.

For homeowners in Niagara Falls, Great Northern Insulation strives for full customer satisfaction on every project. Insulation products are high quality and top-rated. Product warranties ensure lasting performance. More than that, GNI installations are company guaranteed - in the event of a problem or issue, GNI makes necessary repairs to satisfy the industry standard. The commitment, naturally, is to deliver customer satisfaction, regardless of project size.