A Practical Approach to Insulation Removal in St. Thomas

Insulation removal should start off with a good inspection.

Before getting into any insulation removal, a good inspection is recommended. In an older home, for instance, the existing insulation may be performing inadequately, or simply just deteriorating. A good inspection provides an overview of conditions, and quickly shows the extent of removal work. For homeowners who are thinking about insulation removal in St. Thomas, Great Northern Insulation can provide the services required. GNI starts with a thorough inspection of the space, provides a viable plan for removing the insulation, and offers options for re-insulating the space.

Insulation removal work will vary with the type of house.

Since all homes are different, it makes sense that insulation removals will also be different. The team at GNI has seen practically everything:  insulation removal that is essentially problem-free; removals that pose problems; and removals that are potentially hazardous. As well, most homes require repairs and/or retrofits before any new insulation will be installed. For example, almost every home requires improvements to airtightness and ventilation. These are deficiencies that will compromise energy efficiency, and will result in wasted energy during winter and summer.

Removing insulation when doing a reno can save on costs.

Removing insulation when renovating can reduce project costs. Contractors can coordinate the work, streamline the workflow, and create consequent cost savings. For GNI, insulation removal is a process. Immediately following inspection, GNI will determine how much of the insulation will be removed, how much insulation can be realistically salvaged, and how to move ahead with new insulation. For the experts at GNI, the aim is to boost energy efficiency in the home. This will dramatically reduce energy usage, and will consequently save money on heating and cooling.

In most cases, insulation removal requires a professional.

Simply put, insulation removal is best handled by a professional. This kind of work is beyond the average competence of a homeowner, and is best left for professionals like GNI. The crews at GNI are well trained. The make use of high-power vacuum equipment, and manage all waste safely. When insulation removal and disposal is effectively complete, GNI crews ready the space for new insulation. This work would include repairs and retrofits to meet certain standards. The idea is to prepare the space appropriately, therefore ensuring the best possible long-term outcomes.

Project budgets can be tight - DIY might be a consideration.

When the project budget is tight, going with a DIY approach to insulation removal might well be an option. But for a homeowner with little expertise, this endeavour will be time-consuming and rather challenging. In fact, it will take an amateur twice as long as an expert to complete the job. Not to forget, insulation removal can be dangerous. Insulation materials could be contaminated, not to mention the presence of asbestos and mold. Whatever the situation, insulation removal is risky work, better left in the hands of a capable professional, rather than focusing on cost savings.

Repairs/retrofits may be necessary prior to re-insulating.

For homeowners in St. Thomas, GNI provides various professional services. Insulation removal is managed professionally from start to finish. Repair work and retrofits are all performed to code. And newly installed insulation is the best on the market. When required, GNI will upgrade the ventilation, install an air barrier or vapour barrier, and expedite other necessary retrofits. Most importantly, the space will be sealed tight – this is a priority for GNI on every project. An airtight space will ensure better energy efficiency throughout the home, and reduced energy usage.

An airtight space maximizes the home’s energy efficiency.

Regardless of home size, indoor air movement affects every building structure. However, a home that is well sealed manages indoor air movement much better. The well sealed home benefits in a few different ways:  air quality is noticeably improved; air circulation is better balanced; and energy efficiency is demonstrably enhanced. For GNI, energy efficiency relies on a “system” - a mix of elements that combine for enhanced efficiency. This is where airtightness, ventilation, and insulation work together to boost energy efficiency, reduce energy usage, and lessen utility costs.

GNI installs only top-quality, top-rated insulation products.

In St. Thomas, GNI installs a variety of residential insulation products. One of the options is blown insulation. It’s very well suited for the attic, and creates an effective “thermal blanket”, with very satisfactory R-Values. Blown insulation is available in fiberglass or cellulose. Also available from GNI are the traditional fiberglass batts - a good option for the attic, with satisfactory R-Value, and good product lifespan. With a professional install, both products deliver good long-term results.

For the consumer who prefers higher performance insulation, the best option here is Spray Foam Insulation. SFI offers more product benefits than anything comparable. And a single application does it all - it seals airtight – it creates an air/vapour barrier - and it installs very high R-Values. When professionally applied, Spray Foam Insulation outlasts and outperforms other insulation products. Best of all the finished application never needs replacement or replenishment.

Another worthwhile option for insulation is the so-called “hybrid” installation. This approach combines two products in one install. Initially, Spray Foam Insulation is applied throughout a space. Immediately after, blown insulation is installed as a supplement to the SFI. In any home, this is a very cost-effective installation, with considerable energy savings during the winter and summer. The savings can actually “pay down” the original project investment quite quickly.

In St. Thomas, GNI strives for customer satisfaction on every job, regardless of scope. Installed insulation products are top-rated; warranties ensure product performance for the long term; and every installation is company guaranteed. In the event that there’s a problem or issue with the installation, GNI makes the requisite repairs to industry standards (without added cost to the customer). Above all, the team at GNI has an ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction - it’s a proven formula that encompasses high quality products, superior installations, and good service.