What Is an R-Value?

If you’re considering renovating your home or adding in new insulation, you have likely come across descriptions using “R-Value.”  But what is an R-Value and what does it mean for your home?

What is an R-Value?

R-Value is the measurement of insulation effectiveness  – a high R-Value means the insulation will be an effective insulator with a high capacity to resist movement of heat. Insulation type and installation can both effect the R-Value rating, so its important to not only choose quality insulation, but also choose an experienced, knowledgeable company to install it, since compression and air spaces can have a huge impact on effectiveness.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has listed a table with characteristics of common insulation materials, including their R-Value. Its definitely worth checking out on their site. I have also include a portion of the table below:

What products have a high R-Value?

We offer a variety of insulation products with high R-Value.  Our cellulose insulation has an R-Value of R 3.8 per inch.  Cellulose is a great insulation choice as the R-Value remains consistent unlike some other insulation types, such as fiberglass, which loose R-Value in extreme temperatures. 

Cellulose has additional benefits aside from a high R-value.  It is an environmentally friendly as it takes less energy to make compared to any other insulation material.  In addition, it is made from recycled newsprint, diverting waste from landfills and prevent the release of greenhouse gases when newspaper decomposes.

It is also a cost-effective choice as it performs well with a 100% seamless seal, helping keep your utility costs low.  Cellulose insulation also has the lowest cost per square foot per R-Value.

Contact us to learn more about cellulose insulation for for a free quote!

Georgian Insulation Systems is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338.

Prevent Roof Ice Dams and Heat Loss with Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is the most effective preventative measure for avoiding the build up of ice dams.

If you had issues with ice dams last year, November may be your last chance to prevent higher energy bills this winter and avoid costly water damage caused by heat loss.

What are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are formed when heat escapes from the home and causes snow to melt. The water formed from heat loss then freezes as it flows down the roof, closer to cold edges, causing ice dams and icicles. This ice build-up can create a dangerous situation for homeowners and their visitors.

Ice dams can also be costly, as the ice can damage the roof and eavestrouphs or cause interior water damage.

Signs of Ice Dams

1.  Icicles or ice form on the edge of your roof or the front edge of your gutter.
2.  Ice or water comes through your soffit or forms behind your gutters.
3.  Ice or water on forms on exterior walls, or on door or window frames.

Common Causes of Ice Dams

The most common cause of ice dams is heat loss from attics, frequently caused by poor insulation.  25% of home heat loss occurs through the roof/attic. 

Home heat loss can also occur in the following areas:

• More than 40% of all the heat lost in an average home is through the loft space and walls


• Up to 45% of heat is lost through uninsulated solid walls


• More heat is lost through walls than any other route – approximately 33% in an uninsulated home


• Up to 20% heat loss is through doors and windows.


• Up to 20% of all heat loss in the home is through ventilation and draughts.
  
                                               Source: National Insulation Association.

Ice Dam Prevention

Attics require proper insulation and ventilation to function correctly.  Your attic should have approximately 15-20 inches of insulation, in addition to adequate ventilation through soffits and at the top of the attic.  

Some recommendations for ice dam prevention may include:

• Adding insulation or ventilation
• Air sealing the attic floor
• Locating problem heat loss areas 

Don't wait until you see visible ice dams this winter - call Georgian Insulation for a free consultation on roof ice prevention.


Georgian Insulation Systems, is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338.

Combating a Cold and Moist Basement With Proper Insulation

As the temperature drops, you may find yourself avoiding your once beloved basement.  The cold and damp atmosphere which you enjoyed throughout the summer months has become uncomfortable, preventing you from enjoying your rec room, playroom or even guest room.

While there may be many contributing factors to a chilly basement, the number one cause is typically poor insulation.

Ontario Building Code previously recommended only the top half of basement walls to be insulated with a fiberglass blanket and plastic vapour barrier (see photo). This minimum code requirement does not provide an efficient insulation system as fiberglass is not recommended against a concrete surface. In addition, moisture can reach the vapour barrier, travelling from the outside damp ground to the drier interior, becoming trapped and leading to mould issues.

Modern building science now recommends that walls be fully insulated from the plywood floor above, down to the concrete. This is now code in new construction, however, if you live in an older home, you may find that your basement is often damp and cold.

Closed cell spray foam is the best way to insulate a basement wall. Not only can it seal your home from air moisture intrusion, it also protects your home from mould, airborne pollutants and other allergens.

Spray foam can be installed in many places, including:

• Basements
• Walls
• Attics
• Crawl Spaces
• Garage Ceilings
• Concrete Slabs
• Cathedral Ceilings

The cost of insulating with spray foam insulation can often be recovered in less than 5 years, simply through energy savings alone. 

Georgian Insulation offers Walltite Eco Spray Foam, made from renewable vegetable oils and recycled plastics, blended into a high performance spray polyurethane foam. 

Walltite Eco = High R-Vale
Achieve monthly savings of 40% or more 

Walltite Eco Spray Foam has a high R-Value, enabling it to provide more thermal resistance with less material than any other type of commercial insulation. Compared with traditional fiberglass products, you may save 40 per cent or more on your monthly energy and utility bill.

Georgian Insulation Systems, is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338.

Keep the Heat Where it Counts - Thermal Scanning Can Find Insulation Problems

Using Thermal Scanning to Locate Heat Loss in Your Home

Reducing the amount of heat loss in your home can have a huge impact on your monthly heating bill while improving the comfort of your home. While a chilly basement or a drafty room may be obvious signs of heat loss, Thermal Infra Red imaging is an option for quickly identifying problems that are not easily recognizable. This non-invasive technique can locate missing insulation, air leaks, moisture intrusion, wildlife, and even some structural problems.

How does it work?


The Thermal imaging camera shows the different temperatures of objects and surfaces with an easy to view image. Missing insulation or moisture in a wall can be quickly identified without damaging the surface. The image will show variations in colour that indicate temperature.  See some examples here.



Infra Red Imaging can be used to diagnose building problems such as:

• Detecting missing insulation
• Locating moisture problems, leaks, condensation etc.
• Detecting overloaded electrical circuits
• Detecting air leakage
• Verifying solar panels are functioning correctly
• Remotely and safely measuring temperatures
• Finding hot spots on equipment
• Verifying radiant in floor heating is working
• Locating missing heat registers
• Locating leaking plumbing and air ducts
• Detecting moisture intrusion in a foundation wall

Determining where heat loss occurs is the first step to making your home more comfortable. Once you have identified the problem, you can select the appropriate solution such as installing additional insulation. Georgian Insulation has several insulation options that will help you maintain a comfortable and energy efficient home.

Georgian Insulation Systems, is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338.

Why Insulation Might Be Your Best Bet For Home Reno

Homeowners across the country are spending money on their homes. Given the price of real estate, your home is likely your biggest personal investment and it deserves maintenance and upgrades.

Many people will think of up-grading their kitchen because we've been told by real estate agents over the years that this is where you can re-capture some of the renovation costs when you re-sell your home.

If you are thinking about where to put your renovation budget this year, think about insulation.  Insulation is the "behind the scenes" renovation that may not produce the same oohs and awes as a new appliance, but will give you a smile when you look at your home heating bill every month!

A well insulated home is more comfortable for your family. Temperatures are more even and easier to maintain. The home vents properly in the summer so your air conditioning doesn't have to work as hard and the right amount of insulation keeps the heat from escaping too quickly during the winter. The bottom line is real savings and genuine payback!

Don't think that money spent on insulation won't increase your home's re-sale value. Potential buyers want to know what's in the attic and what the heating costs are like. A home with superior insulation costs less per month to run and a purchaser will be interested in that advantage.

Choosing the right insulation means speaking with a knowledgeable contractor to find out what they recommend and what the benefits are for different options. Unlike other types of renovations that require design choices, selecting upgrades to your insulation is based on material properties, cost, and performance. Give us a call and find out more about upgrading your home's insulation.

Georgian Insulation is our family business. We've been helping homeowners upgrade or install new insulation for decades. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Bibs (blown in blanket), Walltite, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling.

Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338

Get these benefits by improving your home's building envelope

Residential insulation is a key element for a more comfortable and energy efficient home. You need a continuous boundary of insulation between the conditioned, indoor spaces and the unconditioned, outdoor spaces. This boundary is referred to as the “building envelope” and it includes the walls, floors, and ceiling or roof. Inadequate insulation levels and space in the insulation materials provide paths for heat loss from your home.

Building codes typically require a minimum insulation level for each component of the building envelope. When building a new home it is both easy and cost effective to increase these insulation levels beyond the minimum code requirements of most climates. For an older home, it is easiest to increase insulation levels in the attic.

There are many types of insulation materials and at Georgian we offer several choices. Insulation is rated according to the materials ability to resist heat flow. This thermal resistance rating is commonly known as an “R-value”. The higher the R-value of a material, the better its ability to resist heat flow. The reciprocal of the R-value is the U-value, which characterizes the rate of heat loss.

What are some of the benefits of improving your home's building envelope with increased insulation?

1. Improved comfort; Increased insulation reduces conductive heat losses and gains resulting in warmer interior surfaces in the winter and cooler interior surfaces in the summer. Approximately 40 percent of our physical comfort in homes is due to radiant heat exchange between our bodies and the surrounding interior surfaces. Increased insulation reduces this radiant heat exchange and minimizes temperature differences between rooms, thus maintaining a more consistent level of comfort throughout a house. 
2. Improved indoor air quality; When a house has been air sealed and insulation has been increased and properly installed, there are fewer gaps and voids through which unconditioned air can leak into a house. This helps avoid dirt, dust, and other impurities that can negatively affect indoor air quality. A tight building envelope is a critical component to ensure good indoor air quality.
3. Increased construction quality; Building codes establish the legal minimum construction standards. Increased insulation levels with a higher R-value or increased thickness of the building envelope component results in better quality construction. This is particularly true in cases where special care is taken during installation to insure no gaps or voids are left in the insulation. 
4. Reduced obsolescence; Based on recent trends for improved efficiency, building envelopes with increased insulation levels are expected to become industry practice. It is more cost effective to increase insulation levels during the original construction. 
5. Lower energy bills; More than 40 percent of the energy consumed in a typical household goes to heating and cooling. Increased insulation reduces this energy consumption which lowers energy bills.

"Insulation," says Bob Vila, host of the nationally syndicated TV program that bears his name, "is the most efficient energy-saving expenditure." Vila says homeowners should check attics to determine the amount of insulation already installed. "Most homes built before 1980 have inadequate insulation," he said, noting that if insulation between the joists of the attic floor comes only to the top of the joist, it probably makes sense to install more insulation. (source: EnergyStar.org)

Georgian Insulation Systems, is Central Ontario's premium spray foam insulation contractor. We're recommended by leading custom home builders, commercial design/builders, architects, home inspectors and our many customers. We provide Polyurethane Spray foam, Cellulose, Fibreglas, Roxull, Fireproofing, Insulation Removal, concrete slab lifting with injected polyurethane and epoxy crack filling.

 Contact Us for a Free Quote - Or Call 1-866-576-9338

7 Key Benefits of BIBS The Blow-In-Blanket® System Premier Insulation

The Blow-In-Blanket System (BIBS®) is a proven, time-tested, premium insulation that fits any configuration, any custom situation, any size home.

KEY BENEFITS OF BIBS

1. Contains no formaldehydes| 
2. Will not support mold growth 
3. Highest installed R-values, R24 in a 2x6 wall 
4. Seamless installation, no gaps or voids 
5. High density, will not settle or shrink 
6. Superior sound deadening 
7. Optimum comfort and performance

It blows in easily, fills completely and lasts for the life of your home! BIBS Fills gaps and voids for thermal efficiency. Unlike batt insulation systems that may leave voids or gaps, BIBS completely fills the space, which controls sound and reduces air infiltration in the wall cavity. So your house is snug, secure, thermally efficient and draft-free.

 BIBS is safe and easy to install. Developed almost 25 years ago, BIBS is the most widely accepted and independently tested blown-in wall system used today. Little wonder - it's easy to apply, clean, fast and effective. With BIBS, loose-fill insulation is blown behind netting, using specific installation techniques. BIBS is licensed to independent contractors so only qualified installers can apply it. Only approved insulation products may be used.

 BIBS offers optimum comfort and performance. It's simply superior, from top to bottom. In addition to sidewalls and metal framing, BIBS is ideal for under floors, in ceilings and wherever acoustic control is needed. BIBS is the perfect insulation for today's custom homes. It offers outstanding thermal performance and high R-values, cutting utility bills and leaving you with an energy-efficient home. It never settles or separates, corrodes pipes or wires, or produces mold or mildew.

Georgian Insulation Systems is one of the few contractors in Central Ontario, that is certified to install the BIBS system. Our installers have completed the BIBS training program and continually test their applications to ensure the Blow-In-Blanket System is properly installed guaranteeing the R-values in your home. Certified personnel have expertise in the vital areas of thermal insulation, sound attenuation, air infiltration, moisture migration and ventilation.



No other product in your home is as critical to the overall comfort and energy efficiency for the life of the home. Blow-In-Blanket is a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, custom fit insulation process utilizing specially manufactured fiber glass blowing wools that are installed in your home by BIBCA certified professionals. This process provides you with the highest effective R-values attainable today. There is no substitute for quality in your home. We ensure peace of mind for you and your family..

Georgian Insulation Systems, the areas 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

Go GREEN with Blown Cellulose Insulation - here's why...

Cellulose insulation is one of the greenest products on the market today and will allow you to make a positive contribution to the environment without sacrificing performance.

Save money on utility bills and keep your family warm and comfortable, safe in the knowledge you have made the smart choice. Cellulose insulation can be blown into your attic or cathedral ceiling and injected into wall cavities.

Getting the Value for your Money... cellulose has the lowest cost per square foot per R-Value

Everyone knows that properly insulating a house or building will save on utility costs. But not all insulations are created equal. Cellulose insulation performs best even under the most demanding of conditions where there are extreme differences between inside and outside temperatures.

When comparing the price of cellulose to other products, it is important to compare the extra benefits, such as sound insulation and the environmental benefits. Cellulose Insulation has the lowest cost per square foot per R-Value.

When Cellulose is used, it creates a 100% seamless seal, which makes a home up to 36% tighter than fiberglass. With its higher density and ability to seamlessly cover and fill those difficult spaces like pipes, electrical wiring and other mechanical areas, you are getting an excellent barrier to air flow, excellent sound insulation and excellent insulating properties even in the most difficult environments.

“Going Green” is about Facts...

Cellulose takes less energy to make than any other insulation material.

These are the key “Green” facts about Cellulose insulation. Don’t be fooled into thinking that all products are “green” just because they say they are - check the facts.

1. Cellulose has the largest amount of post-consumer recycled content in the industry - up to 85% recycled newspaper. Paper is the largest component of landfills and producing Cellulose insulation diverts waste from the landfills thus saving valuable space.

2. Cellulose takes less energy to make than any other insulation material. In green circles this is known as “embodied energy” which is the energy required to transport raw materials and the energy used to make the final product. Fiberglass, the most widely used insulation, has 10 times more embodied energy than cellulose.

3. Making cellulose insulation from newsprint prevents the release of greenhouse gases such as methane, which is released as newspaper decomposes in landfills.

4. Cellulose insulation has an R–value of R 3.8 per inch, this R-value remains consistent. Unlike fiberglass insulation which actually looses R value in extreme temperatures, resulting in the least performance when you need it the most.

Georgian Insulation Systems, the areas 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

Did you Discover an Insulation Problem This Winter?

This winter has been extremely cold.  That feels like an understatement! On Feb. 28th the Weather Network reported that at least 24 communities in southern Ontario had set new record low temperatures. Toronto and Ottawa had seen their coldest winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) in 20 years.

Along with the cold weather goes higher heating costs, and the size of your bill will be effected by how well your home is insulated. To provide a comfortable environment throughout the seasons, your home needs to be well sealed, well insulated, and properly ventilated.

The Canadian Housing and Mortgage Corp. describes a well insulated house like dressing for winter.

"A wool sweater will keep you warm if the wind is not blowing and it is not raining. On a windy, rainy day, wearing a nylon shell over your wool sweater helps keep you reasonably dry and warm. A

house is similar. On the outside underneath the brick or siding, there is an air barrier that does the same thing as the nylon - it keeps the wind from blowing through. Then there is the insulation (like your sweater) and a vapour barrier, which helps keep moisture away from the house structure."

Are you happy with the comfort level of your home and your heating or cooling costs?  What are some of the signs that there is a problem with your insulation?

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. mold 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. mold growing in the basement

If you have any of these problems, you should look into the insulation system in your home. We have decades of experience evaluating homes in central Ontario and would be pleased to come out and take a look.

You should also learn more about insulation types and benefits. We have many options and top quality products to choose from.

The CMA 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 envelop 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.

Georgian Insulation Systems, the areas 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

Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home with Insulation

Anyone who owns a home or commercial building wants to improve the energy efficiency of the structure to reduce energy costs and provide a comfortable interior environment.

With the extremely cold weather this winter, many older homes that are lightly insulated are having a big problem with energy consumption and cold drafty areas. Homes built prior to 2010 might use upwards of 25% more space heating energy than newer homes.  This is because of recent improvements in the building codes for insulation and airtightness levels.

In Canada over 60% of residential energy use goes to space heating, so a good portion of your energy bill is impacted by insulation problems or poor quality materials that aren't doing the job.

To reduce energy costs you can look at adding insulation and reducing air leaks. A well insulated home will reduce your energy heating costs in the winter and your cooling costs in the summer.

There are many good options on the market - each with different features and advantages. Determining where to upgrade and the type of material to use requires some technical understanding of your building and knowledge of materials.

We have the experience to help you make the right decision and start saving money on your heating bills. Georgian Insulation has been helping home owners and building owners for over 20 years in the Simcoe County region.  Give us a call and get the advice you need.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation has information online providing some details about energy efficiency and home insulation. Read More..

Below is a diagram from CMHC showing exterior and interior building areas that could be targets for retrofitting insulation.

1. Roof or Attic
2. Above-Grade Walls
3. Windows & Doors
4. Below-Grade Walls
5. Basement Floor Slab

Georgian Insulation Systems, the areas 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