Insulation

*   Denotes where insulation adjustments are permitted with the addition of an HRV.
** Denotes relaxation of RSI 0.16 (R-0.91) for building envelope assemblies adjacent to unconditioned enclosed spaces.

Benefits of Insulation:

Throughout this guide, we’ve touched on some of the key benefits of proper insulation for Canadian homes:

• Improved Comfort: Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent and comfortable temperature inside your home year-round, especially during harsh winters.
• Energy Savings: Insulation reduces heat transfer, making your heating and cooling systems work less and lowering energy bills. This is especially important in Canada, where winter heating costs can be significant.
• Reduced Noise: Insulation can also act as a sound barrier, helping to reduce noise from outside and between rooms.

DIY or Professional Installation:

• DIY-Friendly Options: Some types of insulation, like fibreglass batts in unfinished attics, are relatively easy to install.
• Professional Expertise: Hiring a certified insulation contractor is recommended for complex installations, like spray foam insulation or work requiring access to walls or crawl spaces. Professionals have the experience and equipment to ensure proper installation according to Canadian building codes and avoid costly mistakes.

Installation Area:

• Targeting Your Needs: Identifying the areas you want to insulate is crucial. Are you insulating the entire house, focusing on the attic, or tackling the garage? Different areas may require different insulation types and R-values.
• Preparation Considerations: Consider any prep work needed before insulation. Do you need to remove walls or fix existing damage? Knowing this upfront will affect project costs and timelines.
• Garage vs. Home: Remember that garage or outbuilding insulation might differ from residential insulation. You’ll likely use different materials or R-values.

Budget:

• Cost Considerations: Setting a budget for your insulation project is important. We’ll provide average costs for popular insulation materials to help you plan. Remember that professional installation will add to the overall cost compared to DIY projects. However, professional installation ensures optimal performance and avoids potential issues that could cost more in the long run.

Types of Insulation

Many insulation types are available, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options to help you choose the right one for your Canadian home:

• Spray Foam: Excellent for attics and hard-to-reach areas in cold climates. It provides soundproofing and moisture resistance. Due to its application method, spray foam requires professional installation.
• Fiberglass: Affordable and easy to install yourself (batts). Fire-resistant and good for heat transfer reduction. It is not ideal for very cold climates and can be irritating if inhaled.
• Mineral Wool: Superior insulation for cold climates due to high density and R-value. It is fire-resistant and offers soundproofing. It is difficult to install and more expensive than fibreglass.
• Foam Panels: Suitable for both interior and exterior walls. They reduce heat loss through walls and structural elements. However, they are not ideal for metal buildings, and installation requires some expertise.
• Cellulose: This eco-friendly option is made from recycled materials. It is affordable and easy to install (loose-fill) in attics and horizontal spaces. However, it is more prone to mould and mildew growth than other materials.

Insulation Continuity

Continuous exterior insulation is a highly effective and affordable path to home energy efficiency. It reduces reliance on a home’s mechanical systems and lowers energy demand. In addition to providing better thermal performance, quieter spaces, and greater occupant comfort, homeowners can also reap considerable savings on annual heating and cooling costs.

Continuous insulation is defined as being continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to any opaque building envelope surface.

Continuous exterior insulation comes in a variety of types, sizes and compositions. As a non-structural exterior sheathing board, continuous insulation is significantly more dense and rigid than common batt insulation. It affixes over a home’s exterior sheathing and weather-resistive barrier (WRB) to create, as the name implies, a continuous and uninterrupted blanket of insulation around the outside of the dwelling. Often likened to a warm sweater or jacket, the exterior insulation helps achieve a higher-performance building envelope and protects the structure, making it more durable.