INSULATION INSTALLATION
Everything around the world could go wrong but your home would be the only place to embrace you, to make you feel at peace. Every homeowner dreams to adorn their home with the best kind of decor and infrastructure. With that counts the comfort and safety of your home. A comfortable home is not only the one with soothing colours or perfect furniture and appliances but also with the right temperature. Not every home is at its best temperature. The outside temperature has an effect on the inside temperature of your home, hence insulation installation plays a very important role in maintaining the temperature.
How Does The Outdoor Temperature Affect Your Home?
“The relationship between the indoor and outdoor thermal conditions in residences can be critical when considering thermal conditions.” –Kiyoung Lee
Outdoor thermal conditions have a greater impact on the indoor conditions of your home. Naturally, it changes the temperature and your home environment. A study confirms that the thermal conditions of your home can possibly be the reason for illness. Poor thermal conditions may lead to potential risks for your health. Once you improve the temperature of your home which is cold or hot, it could result in evident health benefits. With the change in seasons, outdoor temperature changes. This has a drastic shift in the indoor temperature. It can either make your home too warm or too cool. The constant shift in indoor temperature may not be healthy for you.
Why is Insulation Important?
As a resistant barrier, insulation prevents the energy flow in your home. The outdoor heat flows to the indoors of your home. From attics to the basement and other warm spaces in your home, there is direct heat flow. Insulation balances the level of this flow. It reduces and resists the heat flow filling up empty spaces. In the words of Kiyoung Lee, ‘an improved thermal condition of a cold house has evident health benefits after the dampness and mold are eliminated.’
Insulation Installer
One of the most considerable factors for homeowners is insulation installation. Being aware of its significance, one can’t overlook but have their home insulated and make it more comfortable. Insulation comes with different thermal performance or R-value which differs with the type of insulation. Insulation installation is vital because that determines the maximum efficiency of the R-value. Insulation installation can be done by homeowners but having expert hands makes the work easier and better. Installers have proficiency in handling the insulation. Professional insulation installers suggest the right type of insulation your home will require.
Attic being among the biggest area of your home requires to be insulated. From providing the ideal temperature to your home to preventing moisture and resisting heat flow, attic insulation is vital. Besides the temperature, it also helps in sound resistance and prevents unnecessary high energy bills. Every homeowner must consider insulation installation and/or replacement from time to time.
Insulate the walls of your home with wall insulation that goes right between the joists/framing. By ensuring that walls are properly insulated with either fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, or spray foam, you can maximize thermal efficiency and comfort in every room. Insulating your walls properly prevents heat transference from the exterior of the building to penetrate the building envelope. In addition, adequate wall insulation is essential because it prevents mold and moisture to form in your home. Even reduces energy bills and keeps your home at an ideal temperature. Besides, its easy application process is convenient for homeowners.
The basement area of your home, especially the walls are required to be insulated especially when basements are finished. By insulating the walls of your basement, homeowners can turn their basement into living areas. Apart from its thermal efficacy, we can also sound proof walls and ceiling to reduce noise from occupants upstairs, appliances, pipes, and other sources of exterior sound. Basement insulation also prevents condensation which makes it desirable and ideal for your home.
PLEASE SEE OUR VIDEO ON INSULATION INSTALLATION:
Celluloseman has the expertise and extensive experience in attic insulation installation. Call our insulation experts and have the major areas or spaces of your home well-insulated with the best prices offered.
The R-Value Factor
The resistance of an insulating material to heat flow is measured on the basis of thermal resistance or R-value. This value is vital as the higher value will lead to greater insulation or its effectiveness. It varies in terms of an insulation type or density. While in some insulations it depends on its age and temperature or moisture. The more insulation is installed, the greater resistance to heat flow will be. Other factors like where and how the insulation is installed are crucial. Homeowners must remember that to determine or understand the R-value of insulation, an insulation contractor must be considered. The R-value of insulation that your home needs is dependent on the building code standards of Ontario.
What are the types of Insulation?
Before diving further into insulation installation, knowing about the types of insulation can help you understand the needs of your home.
Blanket: Batt and Roll Insulation
Widely used and available insulation which is found in the form of batts or rolls. Blanket insulation is also the most common type which is made of flexible fibers- fiberglass. Blanket insulation is installed in unobstructed spaces of your home. This includes unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. Batts and rolls are also made of mineral wool (rock and slag), plastic and natural fibers like cotton and sheep’s wool. Batts are usually blankets of 4-foot or 8-foot length with standard widths of 16 inches or 24 inches. This measurement is best for wood framing. These come in 3 inches, 6 and 9 inches in thickness. There are other blankets with 1-inch version especially for narrow spaces within masonry walls of your home. Blanket insulation come with a standard R-value ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8. Others with a high-performance range between R-3.7 and R-4.3 per inch thickness. Blanket insulation hugely depends on the appropriate installation for good thermal performance. It is highly recommendable to consult insulation expert and get it done professionally. The cost of blanket insulation is comparatively lesser than other insulation.
Foam Board or Rigid Foam
Foam board or rigid foam insulation is known as insulating boards. It is easy-to-work-with insulation. It can give you higher R-value per inch thickness and keeps your home at a comfortable temperature. Foam board insulation is moisture resistant. This insulation works effectively on the exterior wall or interior sheathing of basement walls along with attic hatches. If moisture is the bothering factor for you, then this insulation can be effective. The cost of the foam board is slightly higher than other insulation.
Loose-Fill and Blown-In Insulation
This type of insulation is made of small fiber particles, foam and other materials. Loose-fill insulation fits into any space leaving the structures undisturbed. The ability to conform makes it favourable for homes. Loose-fill insulation consists of the most common types of materials such as cellulose, mineral wool, fiberglass insulation. Loose-fill insulation is preferably installed in walls and spaces such as attics. About 22% of insulation is provided by this type of insulation which is good for your home.
Spray-Foam Insulation
Spray foam and foamed-in-place insulation can be sprayed or injected. Usually installed into spaces such as attic surfaces or floors and walls. It reduces air leakage. With a higher R-value, it can fill up the tiniest cavities. Spray foam insulation acts as an effective air barrier and can be used in places like window and door frames or even electrical and plumbing areas.
Rigid Fiberboard Insulation
Rigid fiberboard withstands high temperatures and can be used for insulating air ducts in your home. It consists of fiberglass or mineral wool. Rigid fiberboard reduces a structure’s energy use and controls the indoor temperature.
Cellulose Insulation Services
To get the right amount of insulation and make your home ideal, choose the right insulation installation and insulation removal specialists. Proper insulation helps you save money on heating and provides comfortable and healthy living space. Celluloseman provides loose-fill blown-in and spray foam insulation installation across the GTA. We also offer insulation upgrade or top-up to meet the R-values required by the provincial building codes.
Cellulose insulation offers the following advantages:
- It is a safer, cheaper, more efficient and longer-lasting alternative than most other residential insulation products
- Cellulose is a green, non-toxic material
- On top of managing a constant temperature, it manages moisture and blocks sound
Looking for insulation installer? Celluloseman offers a professional insulation installation services in across Canada which includes installation of cellulose, fiberglass, attic, wall, basement insulation. We provide a range of other services which is essential for your home. We believe in your satisfaction as homeowners and provide the best offers and services that you are looking for. Contact Celluloseman today and make your home a comfortable and healthy space.
FAQs:
How do I know if my insulation needs to be removed or upgraded?
The best way to determine if your insulation needs to be replaced or upgraded is by setting up an appointment with one of our home comfort specialists to conduct a free and no obligation assessment. One of our inspectors will attend to the site to determine what necessary changes or improvements are required to enhance their living environment. If the insulation is not damaged nor contaminated, the insulation may only require an upgrade. In this instance, our technicians can provide different material options to maximize the efficiency and thermal comfort of the property.
How can we prepare for insulation installations/upgrades?
- Our clients will be educated and reminded how to best prepare for any service that we offer. The most common preparation steps that we ask our customers include (but are not limited to):
- Ensure that the access to the workspace or attic hatch is free from any obstruction (furniture, shelving, personal belongings, and so on)
- Determine what is safest and most efficient route to run our hoses through (normally front bedroom window closest to where our truck will be parked)
- Cover and/or more belongings or furniture within close proximity of the workspace
- Have your children and/or pets stay in a secluded and safe area far from the work space
- Allow our technicians park on the driveway or designated parking space closest to the establishment/property
Is there a lot of dust and debris when installing insulation?
Our technicians are trained to ensure that we leave the property in the exact same condition or cleaner than it was before we entered. We may need to move and cover furniture (damage prevention), setup containment (work area isolated from living space), and floor carpets or plastic to prevent any of our equipment from damaging or leaving residue on carpet or any type of flooring.
What areas of the house can we insulate? What is the required R-Value (R-factor)?
Celluloseman can insulate several parts of an establishment depending on the requirements based on the Ontario Building Code. We can specialize in attic insulation, but also all exterior walls, basement walls, ceiling, and interior walls for soundproofing. As of recently, attics require R-60 of blown-in or batt insulation (or both). Consult with one of our home comfort specialists to determine and plan how we can maximize the efficiency of your property.
Can I install insulation in garage walls and ceiling?
Garage walls and ceilings can definitely be insulated, especially if it is a commonly used area. A common problem with most homeowners is the room above the garage. In this case, we can insulate the garage ceiling to reduce the sound transference and achieve a comfortable room temperature.
What is the average cost of insulation installation?
The average cost insulation installations can vary depending on various factors. The range for an install (empty) or upgrade can vary from $700 to $2,000 (plus HST). Some factors include ,but are not limited to:
- Size of the property
- Type of structure (bungalow, 2 storey, 1.5 storey, etc.)
- Pitch of the roof
- Ventilation requirements
- Location/ Proximity
- Type(s) of current insulation installed
- Depth or R-value of current insulation installed
- Other requirements such as setup, additional materials, attic repairs, and so on
What are baffles (rafter ventilation)? Do I need them?
To maximize the energy performance of your insulation, Celluloseman installs rafter ventilation/ baffles to allow airflow from the soffit vents to enter and exit through the roof ventilation on the roof. By installing baffles, we can ensure there is a clear and direct air channel from the exterior to move into the attic space and out through the ridge, gable, dormer, static, or turbine vent. It is important to have a minimal difference in temperature from outside and inside the attic space to prevent any type of moisture build-up. Check out our blog post to find out more information on attic rafter baffles : https://celluloseman.ca/blog/what-is-attic-rafter-ventilation-and-its-purposes/
Which insulation is better? (Cellulose vs. Rock Wool vs. Fiberglass)
All insulation types have their own sets of features and performance benefits. A homeowner, contractor, or engineer may have their own preference. Each part of a building or home requires different R-factors which is dependent on the building code for the specific state or province. Although our name has “cellulose” in it, we install all types of material depending on the requirements and where it needs to be installed. For instance, Rock Wool is a great insulator and also better for sound proofing since it has acoustical properties. Cellulose is versatile and is applicable in almost all parts of a property, whether it is installed in walls, floors/ceiling, and most importantly attic spaces. To find out more information, check out our blog post at: https://celluloseman.ca/blog/what-is-attic-rafter-ventilation-and-its-purposes/
Do basement ceilings need insulation? (No, but it is good for sound proofing)
Basement ceilings do not necessarily need insulation. However, it is ideal when soundproofing is required. All homes generally do not have ceiling insulation since it is not a requirement according to the building code. When there is noise transferred from one level to another, it may be required to reduce or eliminate acoustic transmission. Over the years, we found that multi-leveled properties with renters who reside on each level found this extremely beneficial or large homes with many occupants (especially children).
What is a vapour barrier? Do I need it?
Vapour Barriers is any approved material (typically plastic or foil sheets) that significantly reduces transfer of water or moisture through building cavities (walls, floors, ceiling, crawl spaces or roof assemblies). Water normally travels via air currents, diffusion through materials, and by heat transfer which accounts for 98% of moisture movement in a building envelope. All modern homes are normally required as per provincial/state building codes. Consult with one of our representatives to find out more information about your property.
Get In Touch for Insulation Installation
Do you have any questions you’d like to ask us? We would love to hear from you. Fill out our online form or give us a call and we can discuss your future project.