Fibreglass Batt Insulation and Fibreglass Loose Fill Insulation in London

Understanding the basic idea behind home insulation

For fibreglass batt insulation or fibreglass loose fill insulation in London, homeowners would do well to have a basic understanding of the fundamentals. In residential applications, the aim of insulating is to get rid of what the professionals refer to as “heat transfer”. In the winter, “heat transfer” happens when warm indoor air escapes from the house. Similarly, in summer, warm outdoor air flows into the house. In these scenarios, “heat transfer” is not good, and the results aren't welcome: energy consumption is increased; energy efficiency is reduced; and seasonal energy bills tend to be higher than they need to be.

For professional insulation contractors, the home is regarded as a “building envelope". That “building envelope" is constructed with building materials that have a direct impact on “heat transfer”. As such, there are cases when the impact is positive and there are cases when the impact is negative. With insulation, the whole idea is to eliminate those negative impacts. It's therefore quite important to install insulation that will most effectively eliminate “heat transfer”. In short, the well insulated home will improve overall energy efficiency, reduce heating and cooling bills, and therefore save money throughout the year.

Most residential homeowners know about the various insulation products that are available today. What's more important is to focus on the objectives of insulating:  to suppress unwanted air movement; to inhibit undesirable moisture collection; and to augment R-Values with the newly-installed insulation. Working with a professional installer is also recommended. And although there are money savings be had with a DIY approach (do-it-yourself), the best long term outcomes will result with a professional insulation contractor - one who has experience and expertise with specific products and installations.

In North America, fiberglass insulation is a popular install

In North America (most of Canada and the northern USA), fibreglass insulation is quite a popular install. Over many years, fibreglass batts and loose fill have gained popularity for use in the attic and roof. Fibreglass insulation installs good R-Value, and serves to significantly improve energy efficiency where installed. A professional installation will reduce energy consumption (and energy bills) in winter and summer. As well, fibreglass has a satisfactory product lifespan, with R-Value that will sustain for years.

There is little doubt that an insulation project does better when an installer has expertise and experience. Professional contractors understand products and installations, and how to deliver the best outcomes. This is relevant with fibreglass insulation and with the “thermal blanket” that is being installed. The batt insulation, for example, needs to be strategically installed for the product to best perform. And with the loose fill it's quite similar – the installed “thermal blanket” needs to be both consistent and uniform.

There a number of benefits when installing fibreglass insulation

For the best long term outcomes, fibreglass batts and loose fill insulation should be installed by a professional, and based on the manufacturer's product specifications. The products are safe; asbestos free; and odour free. The brand name products are air-quality certified, and will not corrode or combust. For the most part, fibreglass does not retain moisture (small amounts). A good install will not measurably settle over the long term.

Fibreglass insulation does not attract animals, or rodents, or insects. The finished install is not a breeding ground for mold, and with the proper ventilation provided, fibreglass doesn't deteriorate. A professional fibreglass install is cost effective for most every budget. For fibreglass batt insulation or fibreglass loose fill insulation in London, project costs have a reasonable “pay back” period, with savings that make the investment worthwhile.

There are also downsides when installing fibreglass insulation

Professionals agree that fibreglass insulation does not sufficiently resolve issues like air movement and moisture accumulation. When insulating the attic or roof, this is quite problematic, as air movement and moisture accumulation will almost certainly compromise insulation performance.

Residual air movement is also problematic with fibreglass. Neither of the fibreglass products serve to effectively seal a space. And because effective sealing is essential for any insulation product to perform, this is problematic. For the professionals, a space that is poorly sealed, is poorly insulated.

The biggest downside with fibreglass insulation would be wetness. Wet fibreglass eventually deteriorates – it loses product integrity – and it loses R-Value. A deteriorated installation requires professional remediation, including complete removal of insulation and complete reinstallation.

Maybe the worst case with wet fibreglass is when mold develops. With a mold infestation, remediation is definitely required. And because mold can be dangerous, this is work for a professional – someone who can manage the mold, remove the insulation, then repair and restore the space.

The latest product of choice - Spray Polyurethane Foam

With the various downsides of fibreglass insulation, professionals are more routinely recommending Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF). It's because one application of SPF can do it all – restraining air movement, inhibiting moisture collection, and insulating a given space better than other products.

Air leakage is always a problem when insulating, and it will be the primary cause of heating and cooling loss every season. But its different with Spray Polyurethane Foam – an expert application of SPF will completely seal a space with an insulating envelope that is both airtight and impermeable.

Spray Polyurethane Foam does far more with one installation than any other insulation product available today. It’s an impenetrable air barrier; a totally impermeable vapour barrier; and an insulating barrier that has better R-Value than any single insulation product or combination of insulation products.

Probably the best overall solution – the “hybrid” installation

Spray Polyurethane Foam is well regarded as the best. As such, SPF is routinely recommended by professionals for attics, roofs, basements and walls. But SPF may not be suitable for all budgets – its simply a premium priced product. As an alternative, Great Northern Insulation has started to recommend the “hybrid” installation.

The “hybrid” installation combines SPF insulation with fibreglass insulation, and delivers benefits from both product groups. The SPF installation provides excellent sealing and effective insulating, while the fibreglass installation provides additional R-Value, and cost-effectiveness to the project – it's a win-win insulation project.