Fiberglass Loose Fill Insulation and Fiberglass Batt Insulation in Guelph

A number of advantages to understanding home insulation

For homeowners who are contemplating fibreglass loose fill insulation or fibreglass batt insulation in Guelph, there are definite advantages to understanding the fundamentals. With home insulation, the main aim is to reduce (or eliminate) what professionals call “heat flow” or “heat transfer”. This happens in winter, when inside heated air “flows” out. And it happens in summer, when outside heat “flows” in. Neither of these “flows” is good for the home, and both of them contribute to a home that is not energy efficient. In theend, more energy is consumed and utility bills are higher than should be.

Expert insulation contractors look at a home (as well as other buildings) as an “envelope". And in most homes, this “envelope” is made of materials that affect “heat flow” either in a positive way or a negative way. When insulating, the overall idea is to eliminate the negatives. It’s therefore important to choose insulation that will reduce, and potentially eliminate, “heat flow”. It will make for better energy efficiency throughout the home, and will dramatically reduce the high utility bills for winter heating and for summer cooling. In short, a well insulated home will translate into short term and long term money savings.

A typical homeowner already knows about the many insulation products and installation methods available on the market. But regardless of product or installation, the goals of home insulation are the same – to stop the unwanted movement of air ; to stop the unwanted accumulation of moisture (and/or vapour); and to increase R-Values in those areas where the new insulation will be installed. Another important aspect of an insulation project is to work with a professional contractor. And while it's true that there are savings with a DIY approach (do-it-yourself), the best results are derived with a professional.

For many, fiberglass insulation has become the most popular

Homeowners in Canada, and in parts of the northern United States, have made fibreglass insulation products (batts and loose fill) a very popular installation option. Both batts and loose fill are commonly used in attics and roof cavities. They deliver satisfactory R-Value where installed. They improve the home’s overall energy efficiency, and they measurably reduce energy consumption during the winter and summer months. Properly installed, fibreglass insulation products provide a satisfactory lifespan, with R-Values that should sustain for many years.

Like most other home improvement projects, insulating the home requires expertise and experience for best results. The fact is, it's the professionals who understand both product and installation - and this is especially true when creating a fibreglass “thermal blanket” throughout a space. Fibreglass batts, for instance, must be installed strategically in order to ensure that the product performs as advertised. The same thing applies for the fibreglass loose fill insulation – it's an installation that must be consistent and uniform for the “thermal blanket” to perform at peak.

The benefits of installing fibreglass insulation

Professionally installed, according to the product specifications, fibreglass insulation products (batts and loose fill) are safe. The products are asbestos free, odour free, and air-quality certified. Installed fibreglass will not combust and will not corrode. In general, fibreglass insulation contains recycled “glass” material, and should not retain moisture (small amounts). With an expert install, the finished fibreglass application should not settle over time.

Fibreglass insulation does not attract rodents, animals, or insects. And a proper install does not provide an environment that is friendly to mold. When appropriate ventilation is incorporated into the insulation project, the finished fibreglass application should not deteriorate over time. It's a very cost effective approach for homeowners contemplating fibreglass loose fill insulation or fibreglass batt insulation in Guelph, and in the surrounding communities.

The downsides of installing fibreglass insulation

From a professional standpoint, fibreglass insulation does not adequately resolve the fundamental issues of air movement/moisture accumulation. This is a definite downside in the attic, for example, because both air and moisture will compromise the insulation. It’s worth discussing with a contractor.

Another issue to address is residual air movement – it's another downside with fibreglass insulation. The problem here is that fibreglass does not seal - even with a professional installation. And since effective sealing is essential for insulation to perform, a poorly sealed space is a poorly insulated space.

The biggest downside of fibreglass insulation is wetness. Wet fibreglass will lose its product integrity and will quickly lose its R-Value. And when this type of situation remains unresolved, fibreglass will also deteriorate until it requires professional remediation - removal, repairs, and reinstallation.

Probably the worst outcome with wet fibreglass is the potential for mold to form. With mold, depending on the extent, the only option is to remediate the space completely. And at this stage, it's work that should be appropriated to a remediation professional who has the right experience and expertise.

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has become a product of choice

Because of the downsides of fibreglass products, Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) has become the product of choice for many installers in the business. It's because one SPF application can create an impervious “blanket” that inhibits air movement, prevents moisture collection, and insulates all in one.

For most insulation projects, air leakage is a big problem. It will result in heating and cooling that leaks out of the home during winter and summer. This is completely resolved with a Spray Polyurethane Foam installation because the entirety of the finished space is completely sealed and airtight.

The fact is, SPF does it all with one installation. It’s an air barrier and vapour barrier in one, and a superb insulation barrier that provides R-Values that are unequalled by other insulation products.

The “hybrid” installation - a combination of SPF and fibreglass

Spray Polyurethane Foam is recognized as being the best product on the market. As such, the professionals are suggesting the installation for attics, basements, and even walls. However, SPF is not always suited for every budget, and it remains a premium product at a premium price. This is why Great Northern Insulation has developed the “hybrid” installation.

The “hybrid” installation combines the SPF product with one of the fibreglass products into one application. It allows for excellent benefits from both product groups, with results that far exceed other product combinations. The SPF is the exceptional sealer and insulator, while the fibreglass provides the additional R-Value, and excellent cost-effectiveness for the project itself.