Fibreglass Batt Insulation and Fibreglass Loose Fill Insulation in Brantford

Understanding the basics behind residential home insulation

For those considering fibreglass batt insulation or fibreglass loose fill insulation in Brantford, it's good to understand the basics. In most homes, and for any insulation project, the goal is to eliminate what the experts call “heat transfer”. In the winter months, “heat transfer” happens when warm air from inside the home escapes. In summer months, “heat transfer” happens when warm outdoor air creeps into the house. Neither scenario is good for a homeowner, mainly because of the negative effects - energy efficiency is diminished; energy consumption is consequently increased; and monthly utility bills are usually on the high side.

For industry professionals, a home is referred to as a “building envelope" – one that is made of building materials that impact “heat transfer” in summer and in winter.  Typically, the impact can be either positive or negative. Clearly, the whole idea of insulating is to eliminate those negative impacts of “heat transfer”. It's therefore important to choose and install the insulation that will best eliminate “heat transfer”. The professional installer can ensure that a home is well insulated – and that means improved energy efficiency; decreased heating and cooling utility bills; and general money savings that continue season to season through the year.

Whatever the insulation project (attic, basement, walls) it's important to focus on the main objectives:  inhibiting the collection/accumulation of moisture; suppressing air movement where required; and enhancing R-Value levels in those areas where new insulation will be installed. It's also important to consider working with a professional contractor. For many, it might be inviting to save money with a DIY insulation install, but the best outcomes are with a professional approach. It's the expert installers who have the experience with products and installations – and that all translates into better long term results.

Fibreglass insulation products are popular in North America

Across Canada, and in many of the northern United States, fibreglass insulation products are a popular installation. There are two main product categories - batts and loose fill – both of which are popular for roofs and attics. Overall, a fibreglass installation provides satisfactory R-Value per inch, and serves to improve energy efficiency throughout. A professional install can bring about good outcomes: reducing energy consumption; decreasing utility bills; and providing long term, sustainable R-Values.

Most home insulation projects will benefit from a professional install. This is particularly relevant with fibreglass insulation because a “thermal blanket” must be installed to ensure product performance. By example, fibreglass batts must be placed and installed in a strategic way so that the “thermal blanket” insulates properly. Similarly, fibreglass loose fill insulation must be installed in a manner that is consistent and uniform. And while the DIY approach might be adequate, it's the experts who excel with installations.

The main benefits of fibreglass insulation

Whether the insulation project involves the fibreglass batts or the fibreglass loose fill, a professional touch is recommended. As for product attributes, fibreglass is a safe product, totally asbestos free, as well as odour free.

Fibreglass does not combust or corrode, and most of the brand name products are air-quality certified. As well, a fibreglass installation won't retain small amounts of moisture, and won't settle measurably over time.

Fibreglass products are fabricated so they don't invite rodents or animals, and won't  attract insects or vermin. A good install is not mold friendly, and with the proper ventilation, neither of the fibreglass products deteriorate.

For homeowners considering fibreglass batt insulation or fibreglass loose fill insulation in Brantford, project costs can be very cost effective with either of these two products.

Some disadvantages of fibreglass insulation

From a professional viewpoint, fibreglass insulation is not an installation that properly resolves the problems of air movement or moisture collection. In areas like the attic, roof, or basement, air movement/moisture collection are particularly problematic and fibreglass does not provide solutions.

Another problem (in attics and roofs) is residual air movement – and again, the fibreglass insulation products do not address the problem. Fibreglass installed on its own does not properly seal a space, and when a space is inadequately sealed, it will be also be inadequately insulated.

With fibreglass, one of the biggest problems is wetness. Eventually, wet fibreglass will deteriorate. It will lose its insulation integrity, and will quickly lose its R-Value. Worse still, deteriorated fibreglass needs to be removed, with repair work performed, and insulation reinstalled.

Maybe the worst case scenario with wet fibreglass is mold. A mold infestation will definitely require remediation, and because mold can be dangerous, remediation should be left to a professional. Here, the insulation will have to be removed and new insulation reinstalled.

Spray Polyurethane Foam – today's popular product of choice

Because of the inherent problems associated with fibreglass insulation, experts are now recommending Spray Polyurethane Foam as an option. SPF performs better than any comparable product – it restricts accumulation of moisture; it prevents air movement; and it insulates with superior R-Value.

For the professional, air leakage is a big problem encountered with every project. Air leakage causes heat loss and cool loss in winter and summer. But with SPF, air leakage is arrested – one single application effectively seals a space and creates a so-called envelope that is totally airtight.

Spray Polyurethane Foam does more in a single install than any product (or product combination) on the market. The application creates an air barrier, vapour barrier, and insulation barrier all in one. And the installed R-Value is far better than anything comparable.

The “hybrid” installation - the best overall approach

Spray Polyurethane Foam is considered to be the best insulation product available. But it's a premium product that may not suit all homeowner budgets. For an alternative installation approach, the experts at Great Northern Insulation have created a unique “hybrid” installation.

The “hybrid” installation is one that combines SPF with one of the fibreglass products, and brings benefits from both product groups. The SPF provides the exceptional sealing and insulating properties, while the fibreglass insulation provides additional R-Value and added cost-effectiveness.