A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in Lakeshore, Ontario

Insulation removal, large or small, should start with an inspection.

Insulation removal, regardless of project size, should start with a proper inspection. In most old homes, insulation materials have either lost their capacity to insulate, or are deteriorating for one reason or another. A proper inspection provides an opportunity to evaluate if insulation removal is urgent, or just required. Homeowners considering insulation removal in Lakeshore can choose from a wide range of services from Great Northern Insulation. GNI properly inspects the space, makes recommendations for appropriate removal, and recommends some reinstallation options.

Insulation removal will differ depending on the home’s size/layout.

Every home is different, and therefore every insulation removal will be different. GNI insulation crews have seen it all:  removals that are basic and straightforward; removals that are difficult and challenging; and removals that are plainly hazardous. In many cases, repairs and retrofits are required after insulation removal, but before new insulation is installed. For instance, GNI finds many cases where air sealing requires substantial improvement. There are also situations where ventilation requires serious upgrading. In short, any deficiency is a sure recipe for wasted energy.

Removing insulation while home renovating results in cost savings.

Removing insulation while home renovating can result in substantial cost savings. And when the various trades are well coordinated, the project can be streamlined, with repairs and retrofits expedited at one time. For GNI, insulation removal is a step-by-step process. Once inspection is complete, GNI decides how much insulation will be removed, how much can be salvaged, and what approach is best for re-installing new product. The over-riding objective is to significantly improve the home’s energy efficiency, reduce seasonal energy usage, and therefore save money.

An insulation removal project requires previous relevant expertise.

Regardless of scope, insulation removal requires relevant expertise for the best outcomes. It’s not just a “clean and dump” endeavour. And most of the time, it’s beyond the competence of a typical homeowner. The crews at Great Northern Insulation are experts in this field. They routinely use high-powered vacuum equipment; they dispose of debris completely; and they take great care to manage waste material safely. When insulation removal is complete, GNI prepares the space for installing new insulation. This preparation includes all the repairs and retrofits that are required.

When a budget is tight, homeowners may be lured by a DIY method.

When a budget is tight, it’s tempting to consider a DIY method with insulation removal. Indeed, the DIY method is not really the best option. For a homeowner with no experience, the work can be challenging and time-consuming. It can take an amateur twice the time as it takes an expert. In addition, insulation removal can be dangerous - in some cases, there may be contamination; in other cases, there could be residual asbestos from previous installs; and in many cases, there may be hidden mold related to moisture accumulation. In short, the inherent risks aren’t worthwhile.

Repairs or retrofits may be needed before installing new insulation.

For homeowners in Lakeshore, Ontario, GNI offers a full range of insulation services. Insulation removal and disposal are comprehensive; repairs and retrofits conform to the building code; and new insulation products are the best available. More importantly, GNI takes a project from start to finish. If necessary, the existing ventilation is upgraded. Where required, air barriers or vapour barriers are affixed. And finally, every effort is made to improve airtightness throughout. For the crews at GNI, airtightness is a top priority - it simply ensures that energy efficiency is optimized.

An airtight space is fundamental when aiming for energy efficiency.

Every home, regardless of layout or size, is impacted by the dynamics of indoor air movement. However, homes that are properly air-sealed do cope better with indoor air movement. A home that is properly air-sealed will benefit in many ways:  indoor air circulation will be measurably enhanced; indoor air quality will be noticeably improved; and overall energy efficiency will be boosted. With insulation work, GNI creates a complete “system” - a mix of elements designed to maximize energy efficiency. The mix includes air sealing, air ventilation, and quality insulation.

In Lakeshore, Ontario, GNI installs only quality insulation products.

For homeowners in Lakeshore, Ontario, GNI offers a number of quality insulation products. For one, blown insulation is a common install in the attic and roof. This product is available in either fiberglass or cellulose. The installation creates a “thermal blanket” with good performance and satisfactory R-Values. Another option is fiberglass batts, also a suitable installation for the attic and roof. Fiberglass batts provide good R-Values, and satisfactory product life for the long term.

When customers request high performance insulation, the answer is Spray Foam Insulation. SFI is recognized as the best insulator on the market, and with more benefits than anything similar.  With a professional install, Spray Foam Insulation seals airtight, creates a combination air barrier and vapour barrier, and installs very high R-Values. Simply put, SFI will outperform and outlast other, comparative insulation products. An application needs no replacement or replenishment.

One of the more unique insulation options from GNI is the “hybrid” option. It’s a combined installation of two products, with benefits from each. First, the Spray Foam Insulation is applied throughout a given space. Then, the blown insulation is installed in order to complement the SFI application. The “hybrid” option delivers superb results, along with a project investment that is very cost-efficient. Yearly savings on heating and cooling will “pay down” the initial project cost.

For residential homeowners in Lakeshore, Ontario, the priority for Great Northern Insulation is to deliver complete customer satisfaction, regardless of the scope of work. Products are top-of-the-line, with a manufacturer’s warrantee that ensures quality and performance. As well, GNI installations are company guaranteed, assuring customer satisfaction on every job. In the event of a problem or issue, these are handled with priority and immediacy. And when required, GNI undertakes to repair or replace deficiencies (to industry standards) at no additional cost.