5 Reasons You Should Insulate Your Home This Summer

Many people know that insulation helps keep your home cozy and warm during the colder winter months. But did you know that proper insulation also keeps your home cool during the summer? Spring and summer are popular renovation seasons, and many people opt to improve their home’s insulation for many reasons. New insulation can increase your home’s resale value, and certain types of insulation can reduce your home’s eco-footprint. Proper insulation can also greatly reduce your heating and cooling bills, and make your home a more comfortable environment.

Here are 5 reasons why you should insulate your home this summer:

1. Insulation in the walls and attic prevent outdoor heat from entering your home. This helps you more easily maintain your indoor temperature making your home more comfortable and controlled.

2. Attic insulation creates a barrier between the sun and roof and your home. Without adequate insulation, the sun heats your attic and will allow sweltering temperatures to seep into your home, increasing the demands on your AC, thus increasing your bills.

3. Insulation reduces trapped heat in your attic, allowing you to decrease your air conditioning system usage & save money.

4. Lack of proper insulation can lead to high levels of moisture in the air, which can eventually lead mould growth. Mould is a major allergen and can cause respiratory illness and damage to your home.

5. Decreased use of your air conditioning system not only saves you money, but also contributes to a quieter environment. Insulation can also act as a sound barrier between you and the outdoors, making your indoor environment more peaceful.

If you were thinking of doing some home renovation this year, it is worth considering updating your insulation. Increasing your home’s resale value, reducing your eco-footprint, and saving money are all great reasons to insulate your home. If you have any questions about which insulation is best for you or would like a quote, please contact us today!

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.

Increase The Value of Your Home By Going Green

Are you thinking of renovating your home this spring? If you are, you might be considering specifically green updates and upgrades that not only can save you money and protect the environment, but also can increase the resale value of your home. Green home features and building designs are becoming increasingly popular. New homeowners or those in the market to buy a new house are looking for features that are eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.


The first step in ensuring your home is eco-friendly and efficient, is making sure that it’s well sealed and properly insulated. A poorly insulated home will drive heating and cooling bills through the roof. A well-insulated home will allow you maintain your home’s temperature easier. Your energy bill will decrease since your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard – proper insulation prevents hot air from entering your home in the summer months, and also prevents the comfortable, cooled air in your home from escaping.


While any new insulation properly installed can increase the value of your home, there are insulation products that are a notch above the rest when it comes to being green and eco-friendly.


Blown Cellulose


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


Walltite Eco Spray Foam


Walltite Eco is made from renewable vegetable oils and recycled plastics, and blended into a high performance spray polyurethane foam.
Monthly energy and utility savings of 40% or more can be achieved when compared to the traditional fibreglass products. The cost of insulating with spray foam insulation can often be recovered in less than 5 years, simply through energy savings alone.
As a lower density, closed-cell foam, it takes less material to produce the performance you need. It burns less fuel during transportation because it’s transported as a liquid, then expands over 30 times its volume during application.
Walltite Eco contains significant rates of recycled content. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is among the most common plastics used for packaging, bottles and containers. Post-consumer and post-industrial recycled material is processed to make raw material for new applications.


Choosing one of the two types of insulation above is a huge step towards making your home the most efficient and green that it can be. It might not make as big of a visual impact as a new kitchen or deck- but buying trends in the house market show buyers leaning towards greener features that will save them money in the longrun.

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

Protect Your Home or Commercial Building with Grace Monokote Fireproofing

A fire is one of the most devastating and destructive disasters that can happen in your home or business. That’s why protecting a building from a fire is serious business.

Modern building codes require fireproofing in new buildings as a thermal barrier over spray foam. While spray foam has fire inhibitors blended into the material, it can still burn if other combustible materials are burning. So if spray foam is exposed to an occupied area of a building, it must be covered with a thermal barrier. This thermal barrier adds an extra line of defence to protect the building and its occupants.

Fireproofing products are used to prevent or delay the failure of steel and concrete structures exposed to fire. They insulate the structure during the event of a fire, delaying loss of the integrity of the structural membranes.

We offer Fireproofing Service using Grace Monokote® Fireproofing.

Grace Monokote® spray applied cementitious fireproofing is specified by architects and favoured by applicators to protect a building's structural steel from failure in the event of fire. Recognized worldwide for their in-place performance and superior durability, Monokote products can be found in all types of buildings including high-rise construction, manufacturing facilities, schools, hospitals, airports and sports facilities.

We will assist you in choosing the correct Fireproofing product to protect you home or commercial building. We consider the size of the building, exterior exposure, building materials and type of room.

Click here to learn more about Grace Monokote® Fireproofing or contact us today for more information.

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.

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.

Increase Your Home’s Value with Green Insulation

Spring is a popular time for home renovations, and one of the best investments you can make in your home is new insulation. While this type of “behind the scenes” renovation may not produce the same interest as a brand new kitchen or bathroom, it can have a huge impact on your family’s comfort and dramatically reduce your home’s heating AND cooling bill.

A well-insulated home will allow you maintain your home’s temperature easier. Your energy bill will decrease since your furnace and air conditioner won’t have to work as hard – proper insulation prevents hot air from entering your home in the summer months, and also prevents the comfortable, cooled air in your home from escaping.

Replacing your insulation can also increase you home’s resale value. And if you choose “green” insulation, your home’s resale value will increase even more! Homebuyers are becoming increasingly interested in green features that have proven value. 

New insulation is already a value-added feature, but choosing an eco-friendly insulation option will increase the value of your renovation even more.

There are many environmentally friendly insulation options on the market. Our top two choices are:

Blown Cellulose

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

Walltite Eco Spray Foam

• Walltite Eco is made from renewable vegetable oils and recycled plastics, and blended into a high performance spray polyurethane foam.
• Monthly energy and utility savings of 40% or more can be achieved when compared to the traditional fiberglass products. The cost of insulating with spray foam insulation can often be recovered in less than 5 years, simply through energy savings alone.
• As a lower density, closed-cell foam, it takes less material to produce the performance you need. It burns less fuel during transportation because it’s transported as a liquid, then expands over 30 times its volume during application.
• Walltite Eco contains significant rates of recycled content. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is among the most common plastics used for packaging, bottles and containers. Post-consumer and post-industrial recycled material is processed to make raw material for new applications.

Both Walltite Eco and Blown Cellulose can be used in a variety of applications. Contact us today for more information or 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.

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.

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