5 Steps to Inspect & Spring Clean Your Roof

Spring is officially here. Flowers will soon start poking up from the ground and trees will start to bud. Hopefully we don’t get much more snow! With the weather starting to warm up, you might be getting the urge to give your house a good spring clean. While you’re working through the inside of your home with tasks such as dusting and organizing closets and cupboards, it’s easy to forget about the outside of your home.

Your roof is an important structure that needs just as much attention as the inside of your home. Inspecting and cleaning it should be a priority on your spring cleaning list.

Spring roof inspections & clean ups are important because your roof will have taken a beating during the winter months. Built up snow and ice can prevent pools of water from properly draining off your roof, not to mention expanding ice can damage tiles. You can inspect your roof for signs of damage that go deeper than just roof tiles.

Here are 5 steps you can take to make sure your roof can make it another year, or find out if it’s time to replace it.

1. Take a Walk

Before you actually take out your ladder and climb up, it’s a good idea to just do a visual inspection from the ground. In fact, if you are nervous on a ladder, you can do the entire inspection from the ground with a pair of binoculars. Look for obvious signs of damage, blockages, and debris.

2. Inspection

If you have a sturdy ladder handy, and another person to help spot you, you can climb up for a closer look. Keeping ladder safety in mind, take a close look at your roof for any cracked caulking or rust, curling, buckling, or missing shingles, or any bubbling or blistering.

3. Remove Debris

Remove any debris that may have collected on the roof during the winter months. This includes leaves, branches, pine needles, pine cones, and anything else you find that doesn't belong! Now is also a good time to inspect your gutters and clear out debris that may prevent water from properly draining.

4. Trim Branches

Look for any trees that have branches touching or coming within a couple feet of your roof or home. It’s a good idea to carefully trim these areas back as loose branches can cause damage to the shingles. The close shade of a tree can also promote the growth of mildew on the roof.

5. Look For Signs of Mould

Mould, mildew, lichen, and algae can cause some serious damage to your roof. They can be signs of rotting and water damage that can go deeper into your home and cause not only structural issues but also health issues.

It’s always a good idea to have a professional inspect your roof if you suspect it might need to be replaced or repaired. You should also consult a professional if you think there might be issues that go deeper into your home, such as in the insulation or structure.

A part of inspecting your roof should also be inspecting your attic for signs of mould, mildew, and even animals that may have made your attic into their winter home. All of these things can compromise your insulation, costing you money on power bills and possibly affecting your family’s health and safety.

If you suspect an issue with your insulation, feel free to contact us at Georgian Insulation. We can inspect your insulation and help you come up with a solution to ensure your home is properly insulated for the warmer months.

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

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 Proper Insulation Protects Your Home in the Winter

As winter approaches you want to make sure your home ( and the people inside!) are protected against the winter elements.

 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." 

 Some of the winter threats to your home include ice dams and heat loss. Ice dams may lead to costly damage on your roof and eavestroughs as well as interior water damage. Heat loss reduces your home's efficiency and leads to higher heating costs.

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. 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

 With the extremely cold weather trend in previous winters, 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.

 Signs of Insulation Problems in the Winter:

• walls cold to touch 
• cold floors 
• high heating costs 
• uneven heating levels within building 
• mould growing on walls

 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. You can see how making sure your home has proper insulation is very important to protecting your home and loved ones, and keeping costs down.

 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 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

8 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Insulation

Adequate insulation is your best defence against the cold weather. It keeps your warm air from escaping and prevents cold air from seeping into your home. But how do you know if you should add or replace your insulation?

If you’ve ever wondering why it’s so cold in your house, you may already be suspecting that it’s time to add or replace your insulation. But there are some additional signs you can look for that would indicate it’s time for change:

• High energy bill. There is absolutely no reason why you should accept a high home heating bill! If you’re not sure if your energy bill is high, consult with your neighbours and see what they’re paying per month. Most likely, the cause of a high energy bill is poor or damaged insulation. The good news is … updated insulation can reduce your energy cost up to 50%.
• Roof ice dams. Ice dams are formed when heat escapes from the home and causes snow to melt. The water formed from this heat loss will then freeze as it flows from the roof, causing ice dams and icicles. This is a dangerous situation that can be costly – and it’s also one of the most visible signs of poor insulation and ventilation.
• Changing temperatures within your home. Does your home feel hot at one minute, and then cold shortly after? This can be a sign that your home is allowing cold or warm air to enter or escape, often through the attic or basement, and sometimes even through the walls.
• Inconsistent temperatures in different rooms. What if you’re living room is warm and cozy, but your bathroom or bedroom are freezing cold? This is a sure sign of an insulation concern.
• Wet insulation. If you’ve recently had a flood or leak, it’s imperative that you allow your insulation to dry out completely. If your insulation does not dry properly, it can lead to mould.
• Damaged or aging insulation. Insulation used in older homes may not be as effective as the insulation available today. Not to mention that many types of older insulation, such as vermiculite, is considered unsafe to use today. If your experiencing the signs of poor insulation and/or have notice damage to your current insulation, it’s time to move forward with a retrofit.
• Cold drafts, cold floors or cold walls. If your floors or walls are cold to the touch, or you notice a cold draft when all windows are doors are closed, your insulation is not preventing cold temperatures to entering your home.
• No “air barrier”. The purpose of an air barrier is to prevent the movement of interior or exterior air through the insulation system. Homes lacking an air barrier (most older homes were not designed with air barriers), or homes that have a improperly installed barrier, should investigate insulation options to prevent air leaking to and from the home.

If you experience any of the signs of poor insulation listed above, it’s time to insulate your home before the cold weather hits again.

Ready to get started? Contact us today 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.

What Should You Do If You Find Vermiculite Insulation?

Summer is a peak season for renovations. Many people choose to include new insulation in their renovation plans since it goes a long way in reducing your energy consumption and can increase your home’s resale value.

But what should you do if you discover vermiculite in your attic or inside your walls?

Vermiculite insulation was used for many years as home insulation. It was installed in thousands of homes in attics and walls. For years it was believed to be a safe and harmless product. Several years ago researches discovered that some of the vermiculite contained low levels of asbestos.

What is Vermiculite Insulation?

Vermiculite was mined from the Libby Mine in Montana and from several mines in South Africa. It is the vermiculite that came from the Libby Mine that contains harmful asbestos fibers.

There are two distinct types of Vermiculite insulation. It may resemble expanded multi coloured “popcorn” or “chopped brown rice”. The smaller chopped brown rice style is typically from the Libby mine and may be contaminated with asbestos. However, the only way to be sure is to have a sample analyzed at an approved laboratory.

What Should You Do If You Discover Vermiculite?

Asbestos fibers may be disturbed during renovations, electrical projects, or entry into the attic. Air leakage from the attic into the occupied areas of the home may also allow asbestos fibers into the home. It is very difficult to completely seal all attic penetrations. Air leakage around the attic trap-door, wiring, chimneys, exhaust pipes, vent pipes and penetrations through the top plate of the wall can all allow asbestos fibers to enter the occupied area of the home.

If you find vermiculite, you should contact a professional vermiculite removal company.

How Will You Remove the Vermiculite?

We have developed a safe and efficient way to mechanically remove the vermiculite insulation.

Utilizing a truck mounted, HEPA filtered vacuum system and ministry approved abatement procedures, the vermiculite insulation is quickly and safely removed from your home. The power of the 85 hp diesel vacuum system ensures that all vermiculite material is extracted from your attic through a vacuum hose. 

Other companies manually shovel the vermiculite into garbage bags for disposal.  This can release large amounts of asbestos fibers into your home. The garbage bags are then carried through the house for placement in a dumpster, these bags may tear releasing asbestos into the occupied area of your home.

Our vacuum truck system protects you and your home.

Contact us today for a free quote or for more information on vermiculite removal.

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.

If you discover pests in your attic you may need to replace your insulation

This spring if you discover that you've had unwanted guests over the winter in your attic you may need to have your insulation removed and replaced.

In addition to insulation getting damaged from fire, water, and mould, animals such as bats, birds, racoons or rodents can cause a big problem.

Bats are common in Southern Ontario and they are commonly found residing in attics. The colony size can vary from a few to several thousand. They are known to help control the mosquito problem. In fact, everyday they consume their own weight in mosquitoes. This can lead to huge waste problems if bats choose your attic for a roost. Bats can squeeze through a roof vent or a small hole about the size of a quarter. Typically bats tend to live in colonies and often these colonies can grow to number in the thousands. Large numbers of bats if left unchecked can leave behind large mounds of faeces and urine in your attic. Hot summer temperatures can cause a distinct unpleasant smell in your home. Furthermore, bat droppings may contain parasites harmful to human health. These parasites can cause diseases such as Histoplasmosis, when workers are exposed to elevated concentrations. Personal protection and good hygiene measures should be followed whenever bat droppings are removed or disturbed. Pigeons and other birds can cause similar damage, and also may be harmful to your health. Our employees are fully trained and protected with the appropriate personal protection. 

Wildlife animals such as squirrels or raccoons may be enticed to live in an attic. It is a warm, dry and comfortable habitat. However, these animals can do a lot of damage to your home and the insulation. They tend to move the insulation around; leaving cold, bare spots that can lead to ice damage, water intrusion, mould and general discomfort in your home. Furthermore, animals leave behind urine and faeces which can also lead to foul smells and water stains on ceilings. These droppings must be treated with the utmost care. Parasites and bacteria within the waste, can lead to severe illness if inhaled or ingested.

If wildlife has been living in your attic the insulation should be removed and all electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrician.

Georgian Insulation Systems', modern removal system and trained professionals will quickly and safely remove your old insulation. All debris is safely vacuumed from your attic, eliminating the risks associated with old fashioned manual removal methods. Other companies manually scoop the insulation into plastic garbage bags. These bags are then carried through your home they could potentially burst or tear, releasing contamination into the occupied space.

Georgian Insulation Systems, utilizes a 95 hp custom built; truck mounted vacuum system to remove all types of old or damaged insulation. The insulation is vacuumed through an eight inch hose, and then pumped into an enclosed disposal container. The container is fitted with high efficiency filters that ensure a clean safe operation. HEPA filters can be added for hazardous materials. Once removed the insulation is properly disposed of at a suitable waste recycling facility.

Give us a call to investigate any problems you have with attic insulation.  1-866-576-9338. Or visit our website and request a call-back quote.

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