What Are the Signs of Insulation Problems in the Winter?

This winter's temperatures were all over the place. One day it would be in the minus 30’s and the very next week it would rise back up to the pluses. Maybe these temperature extremes made you realize that your insulation isn’t up to par. In order to provide a comfortable environment throughout the varying temperatures, your home needs to be well sealed, well insulated, and properly ventilated.

More extreme temperatures often see higher energy bills. The bigger the difference between your indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy is needed to regulate the indoor temperature. This is only exacerbated by poor insulation and poor ventilation.

So what are some signs of inefficient insulation during the different seasons?

Signs of Insulation Problems in the Winter:

1. walls cold to touch
   
2. cold floors
   
3. high heating costs
   
4. uneven heating levels within building
   
5. mould growing on walls
   

Signs of Insulation Problems in the Summer:

1. uncomfortably hot inside air
   
2. high cooling cost
   
3. ineffectiveness of air conditioning system
   
4. mould growing in the basement
   

If you have any of these problems, you should look into inspecting the insulation system in your home.

CIMAC lists these points as being part of an effective insulation system.

Effective Insulation Systems:

• have an air barrier which prevents the movement of interior or exterior air through the system
  
• have carefully filled cavities which leave no gaps in or around the insulation and do not compress the insulation
  
• have a minimum of thermal bridges. These are parts of the wall that, with a lower R value extend from the warm side to the cold side of the insulation (giving heat an easy escape). Structural members in the wall will often act as thermal bridges.
  
• have a vapour retarder such as polyethylene sheeting, which prevents moisture from moving from warm interior spaces into a colder building envelope where it could condense
  
• have drying potential - which is the ability of the insulated assembly to release any moisture that gets into the system
  

The right insulation system can not only reduce the amount of energy you use and save you money, but make your home more liveable and enjoyable. It's an important upgrade or reno project and you want to be absolutely sure you have professional advice and excellent options. We have decades of experience evaluating homes in central Ontario and would be pleased to come out and take a look.

Georgian Insulation Systems, the area’s leading insulation contractor will work with you to achieve the highest level of efficiency in your home.  Call us for a free estimate on your project.

1-866-576-9338

How to Find & Fix Air Leaks In Your Home

You're at home, getting warm and cozy, and all of a sudden you feel it; a cold breeze against your skin. But where is it coming from? Air leaks and drafts can be a mild annoyance to a major problem- especially if you’re also feeling the draft in your wallet when it comes time to pay bills.

The first step in fixing a draft or air leak is locating them. There are some common areas to check in your house for air leaks.

Doors & Windows

These are your most obvious places to check first. Windows are going to be the most common area where you’d feel a cold draft. You can run your palm along the seals to feel for any breezes coming in, or you can use a candle or burning incense and watch for the flame/smoke to flicker. Mark the leaks with a sticky note or piece of masking tape.

Sealing these leaks can be as easy as purchasing some heavy curtains, weather sealant, or caulking for a DIY job. An under door “sweep” can also be installed to stop drafts. A more severe leak might require the purchase of a new window or door- but this can get pricey and is often unnecessary. While doors and windows might seem the most obvious- sealing them won’t save you the most on your energy bills.

Chimneys

Chimneys are another obvious one. technically they are drafty by nature! Examine the area for any abnormal draft activity, and usually covering the fireplace up when not in use will prevent any major drafts.

Outlets & Fixtures

Electrical outlets and lighting fixtures are common areas for air leaks- especially in older homes. Examine these areas carefully and if needed you can purchase draft-proof gaskets.

Attics & Basements

This is where we save you some money on your energy bill. Attics, Basements, and crawlspaces can be the worst spots for uncomfortable ( and expensive) air leaks and drafts in your home. It is important to inspect these areas carefully as insulation might be damaged or improperly installed. In these cases, replacing the insulation with better, more energy efficient insulation can make the biggest difference in prevent drafts and keeping heating costs down.

Thermal imaging is one of the most efficient ways to find areas of heat loss and air leaks in your home. Georgian Insulation Systems utilizes a Flir Thermal imaging camera to discover insulation and building envelope concerns.

The right insulation system can not only reduce the amount of energy you use and save you money, but make your home safer and more enjoyable. It's an important upgrade or reno project and you want to be absolutely sure you have professional advice and excellent options. Georgian Insulation Systems, the area’s leading insulation contractor will work with you to achieve the highest level of efficiency in your home. Call us for a free estimate on your project. 1-866-576-9338