How much insulation do I need in my attic?

According to the Ontario Building Code homes in central Ontario should have a minimum of R32. This is the bare minimum that many builders install. However to prevent excessive heat loss and roof ice your attic should have an R50 value, as recommended by EcoEnergy Canada. R50 is equivalent to approximately 13 inches, depending on the type of insulation.

How much insulation should I have in the walls?

Exterior above grade walls require R20. A 2x6 wall will accommodate R20 of batt or blown insulation.

My walls are only 2x4, how do I achieve R20?

There are several ways to achieve R20; you could strap the walls out to 2x6 to accommodate more fiber based insulation. This can be time consuming and quite costly as you will have to restructure all window and door frames as well as reposition plumbing and electrical receptacles. You could also add two inches of Styrofoam to the face of the wall; this will give you an additional R10. This will also require repositioning the utilities or removing the exterior finish. However the best and least expensive way is to remove the old insulation and replace it with polyurethane spray foam. The high value of R6 per inch will easily provide you with R20 in a 2x4 wall. Spray foam also provides a complete air and vapour barrier and it can increase the structural strength of the building up to 300%.

How do I insulate my basement or crawl space?

Georgian Insulation Systems, does not recommend the use of fiberglass insulation in a basement or crawl space. These areas are prone to moist damp conditions. Moisture in fiberglass insulation can lead to reduced R values and mould. Some people use styrofoam sheets placed against the exterior wall. This is better then fiberglass. However it is almost impossible to completely insulate 100% of the wall surface with this method. Even the most careful installation will leave gaps in the seams. The best method is to insulate with polyurethane spray foam. Spray foam will stick tenaciously to the walls and ring joist providing a complete insulation and vapour barrier. It does not support mould growth and is not damaged by moisture. Spray foam will also help to prevent moisture intrusion through the walls. In a basement we recommend that the walls be studded with 2x4's prior to the application of spray foam. Be sure to leave a 1.5 inch gap behind the studs, this allows the foam to flow behind the studs creating a complete thermal break.

Why are my floors cold?

Cold air often infiltrates basements and crawlspaces through the ring joist and poorly insulated basement or crawl space walls. These walls can actually account for up to 40% of heat loss in a home. The ring joist is often insulated with fiberglass batts and an inadequate vapour barrier. The cold air leaks into the home causing cold floors and an increase in heating costs. The ring joist and basement walls should be insulated with spray foam.

Why do I have mould in my basement?

We at Georgian Insulation Systems, often see mould in basements and it is usually because of poor quality fiberglass insulation and poorly sealed vapour barriers. In the ring joist area there are many crevices that have to be completely sealed from air infiltration and heat loss. This is virtually impossible to do with fiberglass and a plastic vapour barrier. Warm moist air leaks past the vapour barrier, through the fiberglass and then meets the cold surface of the ring joist. The moisture then condenses on the surface, eventually leading to mould and rotting of the ring joist. This can easily be prevented with the use of spray foam insulation.

Why do new home builders insulate only the top half of the basement walls?

The Ontario Building Code allows basement walls to be insulated with a fiberglass blanket and plastic vapour barrier. This blanket provides approximately R8. Bear in mind that is the minimum code requirement and it does not mean that it provides an efficient insulation system. We do not recommend the use of fiberglass against a concrete surface. the vapour drive in a basement is from the outside to the inside as moisture travels from the damp ground to the drier interior. This moisture can reach the vapour barrier and become trapped leading to mould issues. Years ago the general thought was that the lower half of the basement wall be left uninsulated this was to protect the footings from frost damage. many studies have since disputed this myth. Modern building science now recommends that the walls be fully insulated from the plywood floor above down to the concrete. The best way to insulate a basement wall is with closed cell spray foam.

Reduce your energy costs up to 50%, create a healthier environment and improve the comfort of your home. Call Georgian Insulation Systems, insulation contractors in Barrie, today.