Attic Insulation in Waterloo

For homeowners who might be thinking about attic insulation in Waterloo, there are some basics worth considering.  The basics are quite similar for new installations, re-installations, or retrofits, but probably the most important is to choose the insulation product that’s right for the job. It’s also important to choose a good insulation contractor for the job.  As for the project, it’s good for a homeowner to understand the basic parameters without getting overly technical. It’s the knowledgeable consumer who makes better decisions as a project progresses. More than that, being well informed makes for a much better working relationship with an insulation contractor.

With a good contractor on the job, project outcomes are better assured – and it can make a big difference with attic insulation. Good contractors answer questions, consider options that are good for the customer; and recommend viable products and installation options. As for choosing the right insulation product, this is sometimes challenging.  There is so much product promotion going on, that it can be more confusing than instructive. This is exactly where a good contractor would be valuable - and where a collaborative approach to purchasing product can be critical. What’s most important for the homeowner, however, is choosing product that’s best for the job.

For attic insulation, it’s vital for the contractor to work alongside the homeowner from start to finish.  A responsive contractor will address the unique requisites of a job, and will make project recommendations specific to the requisites.  Without doubt, quality products and workmanship make for the best results.  A quality approach to attic insulation will absolutely make for better product performance in the long term. And for Great Northern Insulation, quality is always at the forefront:  installing the best insulation products on the market; providing the highest standard of workmanship; and guaranteeing complete customer satisfaction. It’s about doing the job right.

There’s no place for shortcuts when insulating the attic. There should be an in-depth assessment, and a project proposal that’s all-inclusive. There should be some form of product warrantee and some guarantee on the installation itself. The truth is, good contractors also assure homeowners that any issues or problems after the install will be appropriately addressed. For homeowners currently thinking about attic insulation in Waterloo, the focus should be about achieving the best possible outcomes. In fact, attic insulation is a home improvement project that will actually deliver dollar savings over the years. It’s therefore worth doing the job right - from the start.

In a space like the attic (or roof cavity), an experienced insulation contractor will insist on sealing up the space completely. It’s important because an airtight space allows insulation to perform. And it means sealing up every little hole, opening, and crack throughout the space.  Airtightness is essential in a space like the attic – it prevents unwanted airflow and contributes to improved energy efficiency during the winter and summer. Properly sealed and insulated, the attic is a complete “system” – it provides indoor seasonal comfort and energy savings throughout the year. Best of all, a well-sealed, well-ventilated, well-insulated attic will deliver years of performance.

There are so many insulation products on offer these days, and deciding is sometimes difficult. For many insulation professionals, Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has turned into a “product-of-choice” for a host of applications. In the attic, SPF is ideal, primarily because it controls airflow and inhibits moisture collection. The SPF product is sprayed into the attic space, where it quickly   expands and hardens, creating a dense insulation “blanket”. When professionally installed, the attic is totally blanketed:  wooden beams; wiring and plumbing; even the heating ducts.  The space is totally impervious to air and moisture, and is effectively insulated with high R-Values.

“Blown” insulation is another product option for the attic. It’s available as fiberglass or cellulose, and allows for a very affordable insulation project when compared with other product options.  Professionally installed, “blown” insulation settles in place throughout the attic, and creates an effective thermal blanket with very satisfactory R-Values.  Fiberglass and cellulose are “fluffy” in their composition, and designed for the purpose of containing airflow. In fact, “blown” insulation is very well suited in the attic – it provides satisfactory thermal insulation; it’s mold resistant; it’s fire resistant; and it’s treated to prevent insects, rodents, and animals from finding a habitat.

One of the best alternatives for insulating the attic is the “hybrid” installation.  It’s an installation offered by Great Northern Insulation, with excellent outcomes, and a cost effective budget. The objective is to effectively incorporate two insulation products into one install. First, the Spray Polyurethane Foam is installed throughout the space. Then, the “blown” insulation product is installed (either the cellulose or the fiberglass). With a professional application, both products compliment each other, and deliver maximum insulation performance - R-Values are higher than anything compared, and project costs are better controlled because of the combined install.

• the “hybrid” approach to attic insulation ensures that the space that is totally airtight
• the SPF component of the install provides higher R-Values than anything comparable
• the finished installation creates an effective barrier that inhibits both air and moisture
• where installed, the SPF component adds structural strength to areas of the attic/roof
• a “hybrid” installation is very cost-effective, whatever the size and scope of the project

For the majority of insulation experts, Spray Polyurethane Foam is regarded as the best product on the market. And while its ideal for the attic and roof, many installers are using SPF in other parts of the home. It’s a premium product, with excellent benefits - but not necessarily suitable for all project budgets. Hence, the “hybrid” approach from Great Northern Insulation has gained much popularity amongst homeowners. The “hybrid” approach offers excellent results, while remaining cost-effective. The SPF application does the superb job of sealing and insulating, and the “blown” insulation supplements R-Values to enhance the performance of the insulation. For many homeowners, the “hybrid” option will deliver great long-term outcomes, while staying within a fixed project budget.