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

Learn more about BIBS Blown in Blanket System

BIBS The Blow-In-Blanket® System - Premier Insulation

Blow-In-Blanket insulation works with any blueprint, fits any configuration. Cavities. Curves. Vaulted ceilings. Crawl spaces. Custom windows. The Blow-In-Blanket System (BIBS®) is a proven, time-tested, premium insulation that fits any configuration, any custom situation, any size home. 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.

Certified Installation

When you select Blow-In-Blanket insulation for your home, you are purchasing peace of mind.
Insulation is only as effective as it is installed. If voids and gaps are left unfilled, heat and sound can pass from inside to outside and from room to room thus negating much of the insulation's protective properties. Therefore, it is paramount to use the finest quality materials combined with trained and certified people to install your home's insulation.

When you are building a home, it is important to have contractors of integrity who are committed to keeping the project on schedule while delivering the finest quality installation. The Blow-In-Blanket Contractors Association (BIBCA) is an international trade association whose membership comprises industry professionals who are serious about delivering a perfect product. BIBCA members voluntarily pledge to abide by a strict constitution and a comprehensive set of bylaws.

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.

KEY BENEFITS

• Contains no formaldehydes|
• Will not support mold growth
• Highest installed R-values, R24 in a 2x6 wall 
• Seamless installation, no gaps or voids
• High density, will not settle or shrink
• Superior sound deadening

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

Roof Ice Prevention Services with Georgian Insulation

Ice build up on roofs can present a dangerous situation to the homeowner, visitors and those passing by. Not only is it unsafe, but it causes damage to the roof and eave-troughs. Melt-water from ice build up can cause interior water damage. Call us for a free quote to handle this situation at your home, cottage, or commercial building.

During the winter, snow accumulates on the roof. On many homes this snow starts to melt, resulting in ice dams and icicles. There are many causes for the snow to melt, the most common cause is heat loss from the house into the attic. Warm air passes through the ceiling and insulation into the attic space. The warm air raises the temperature inside the attic to above the freezing point. It rises to the peak where it causes the snow to start melting. The warm melt-water flows down the roof to the colder edges where it re-freezes, causing ice dams and icicles.

As this cycle continues, the ice can form massive ice dams and icicles. Eventually the ice becomes so thick that the melt-water has no place to go. It starts to creep under the shingles and finds it's way into the home below. Valleys and a complicated roof design can exagerate the problem, as more melt water is concentrated into a smaller area. The damage can become significant, wet insulation, wet drywall, water stains on ceilings and walls. In some cases there can be so much water entering the house that ceilings can collapse, hardwood floors can buckle and contents can be ruined. This water entry may show up in the room below the attic, or even two or three floors further down. It is not unusual to see water in the basement from ice dams.

The damage may be covered by your home insurance, and there are lots of great companies that specialize in restoring your home. However, the root cause of the problem has to be addressed to prevent this happening again next time it snows.

Other factors may contribute to the ice dam problem. Warm day time temperatures and cold night temperatures, incorrectly placed exhaust vents, other sources of heat such as a BBQ on a covered deck, soffit pot lights, open windows and the orientation of the building. There are many other potential causes. As stated heat loss is often the biggest culprit.

Your attic requires insulation and ventilation to function correctly. If either are inadequate, then eventually ice dams will occur. There should be approximately 15-20 inches of insulation in your attic, (depending on the type of insulation). There should also be adequate ventilation in the soffits and at the top of the attic. Air is drawn in from the soffits and exhausted through the roof vents, pulling warm air with it.

You may need additional insulation, and ventilation. Air sealing to the attic floor is also recommended. This involves removing the existing insulation, locating the points of air leakage and sealing those leaks with spray foam or caulking. A thermal Infra red scan can also be performed to help pin-point problem areas. 

 

We can help you solve these problems and provide advice on how to prevent this from happening again. Contact Us for a Free Quote - Call 1-866-576-9338 or go to our website www.georgianinsulation.com and fill out our form.

Get Ready for Winter - Inspect Your Roof & Get Advice on Insulation

In November it's time to get your house ready for the holidays and for the winter conditions ahead, snow, freezing rain, sleet, winter storms. Your roof protects your home against harsh weather conditions and it is essential that it's in good condition to keep your family comfortable and your energy costs low.

Roof winterization means not only a visual inspection of your roof surface, but also preparation of the areas around your house that might impact your roof in a winter storm. Ice build up on tree branches that come down during high winds can do a lot of damage to a roof. Remove any dead trees or tree branches that could fall on your home now before the weather makes this task more difficult.

Did you have a roof ice dam last winter? If you had an area of icicles hanging down from roof eaves then you should address the problem before you end up with water damage in your home and damage to your roof. Roof dams are often caused by inadequate ceiling insulation, or poor soffit and ridge ventilation. (Image: source Home Construction Improvement.com)

We can help you evaluate the condition that caused the ice dam. Thermal imaging can pin-point areas of heat loss. Insulation can be added to stop the flow of heat out of the weak area. It's not always the case that you need to add more insulation - you might need a different type of insulation, so it's important to have professional advice.

When inspecting your roof look for missing or damaged tiles/shingles, warped or missing flashing. Clean off any built up debris and clean out the gutters to keep melt water flowing. Check that your gutters are clear by running water through from the roof surface.

If you need roof repairs, contact a liscensed roofing contractor right away, and if your roof looks fine, remember it is a good idea to have a roof expert take a look at it every 2 or 3 years to confirm its condition.

As a homeowner getting ready for winter means more than turing off the exterior water, putting away the patio furniture, and firing up the snow-blower. Inspecting the overall condition of your roof and addressing any issues with your home insulation will help you fix problems causing snow and ice builds up. Don't wait until the damage is done. Ice dams not only cause roof damage but interior water damage resulting in the expense of replaced dry wall.

Georgian Insulation is based in Oro Medonte. We cover all regions around Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Bradford, Alliston, Midland, Gravenhust, Simcoe County, Muskoka, Haliburton, Dufferin, North York, Grey and Bruce.

Contact Us for a Free Quote - Call 1-866-576-9338 or go to our website www.georgianinsulation.com and fill out our form.

Recent CBC Marketplace Program About Spray Foam Insulation - Not Representative of the Industry

Recently CBC Marketplace aired a program about spray foam insulation.  You may have seen it - but I believe it was not well researched and was based upon just one incident in Canada by an untrained installer.
This is how they promoted their program: 

CBC Marketplace: Renovation Nightmare

"Canadians are installing spray foam insulation in their homes in ever-expanding numbers. It’s sold as energy-efficient, easy-to-apply solution, but when the job goes wrong, it can be a nightmare for homeowners. Tom Harrington takes you inside the walls and up into the attic to explore a home renovation horror story, a foul-smelling foam job that’s driven a family from its home."

Ed Brassington, President and owner of Georgian Insulation (www.georgianinsulation.com) covering Barrie and central Ontario, is a well respected and a longtime spray foam insulation expert and advocate.  Ed has responded to the CBC market place program - with the following detailed overview of where they went wrong. Spray foam insulation is safe - when it is properly installed by well trained, certified professionals.

So make sure you get credentials and references before you buy spray foam insulation services. The CBC Story Was About An Application Mistake And Should Not Have Been About Dangerous Spray Foam Insulation.

If spray foam is installed in applications that are too thick, usually depths that are greater than two inches, then the foam will not cure properly.  The foam cures from the outside - in, and as it cures it creates heat, this heat becomes trapped inside the foam (because foam is a great insulator). The resulting exothermic reaction distorts the cell structure resulting in soft, uncured foam.  This can result in odours. 

This issue on CBC Marketplace was simply because the installer installed the foam incorrectly, it was applied too thick - in one pass. It is crucial to allow the foam to cure between layers and this was the application mistake.

Canadian Spray Foam Has Higher Standards. Spray foam in Canada has to have a CCMC certification number.  This means that it has been tested and meets the criteria of the National research council of Canada ( NRC) .  The Canadian testing standards are among the highest in the world.  However, some unscrupulous installation companies are bringing in cheap  non certified foam from the USA and offshore.   Spray foam in the USA is literally half the price of spray foam in Canada, because it has not been tested to our high standards and may not meet the Canadian requirements.  

Not All Spray Foam Insulation is Bad. There are tens of thousands of buildings in Canada that have been successfully sprayed with remarkable results and extremely satisfied customers.  CBC had to go all the way to Florida to find another similar story - In my opinion that does not indicate a problem with spray foam insulation usage in Canada. It indicates a problem with one unscrupulous company that did not ensure it's applicators are properly trained.

Spray foam in Canada has to have a CCMC # from the National research council of Canada before it can legally be sprayed. The manufacturer and the installation company and the installer have to be certified through CUFCA or Morrison Herschfield or an equivalent quality control organization. It is through the efforts of these third party organizations that spray foam has gained the popularity and trust that it has.  All Reputable Companies are Certified and Trained to Install the Product Properly.  Somebody messed up in this CBC case, as with all industries and trades out there, somebody did not follow the product installation guidelines. It does not make all spray foam insulation bad.

How many buildings have failed because of poorly installed fiberglass insulation? Where is the news story on those buildings?  How many walls have rotted because of warm moist air passing through fiberglass insulation, condensing on the exterior surface and leading to rot and mold issues.  How many attics have mold because the fiberglass insulation is not able to properly stop the heat passing through into the attic space? The Installation Company Should Have Taken Responsibility The company installing this product should have stepped up and taken care of the issue, they obviously did not. CBC Marketplace should have allowed CUFCA or BASF to present information on the quality control programs that they have in place in order to present a true balanced story. Both CUFCA and BASF have insurance programs in place to help remedy situations like this, to the best of my knowledge neither organization has ever had to use this fund to take care of a problem.

Spray Foam Insulation is one of the Most Tested and Scrutinized Construction Products on the Market. Spray foam is not Urea Formaldehyde, it is not fiberglass. It is far superior and is in a class of it's own. I am proud to sell and install spray foam insulation every day, it is simply the best product to hit the construction industry in a hundred years.  I am disgusted by the companies that do not train their installers properly, and those that refuse to follow the guidelines and recommended protocol, and those companies that do not stand behind their work. Either do the job properly or get out of the business and leave it to those of us that truly care about improving the efficiency of buildings, and that care about our customers well being. 

Georgian Insulation is based in Oro Medonte. We cover all regions around Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Bradford, Alliston, Midland, Gravenhust, Simcoe County, Muskoka, Haliburton, Dufferin, North York, Grey and Bruce.

Contact Us for a Free Quote - Call 1-866-576-9338 or go to our website www.georgianinsulation.com and fill out our form.

Georgian Insulation Systems utilizes a Thermal imaging camera to discover insulation and building envelope concerns.

Infra Red Thermal Scanning - We can help you locate areas of heat loss in your home or office.

Thermal Infra Red imaging, is a non invasive way to locate missing insulation, detect air leaks, moisture intrusion, wildlife, and even some structural problems. Thermal imaging can quickly identify problems in your home or commercial building.

All objects and surfaces emit different temperatures.  The Thermal imaging camera shows these differences in an easy to view image. Missing insulation or moisture in a wall is quickly identified without damaging the surface.

Infra Red Scans are useful for diagnosing building problems such as;

1. Detecting missing insulation,
2. Locating Moisture problems, leaks , condensation etc.
3. Detecting overloaded electrical circuits.
4. Detecting air leakage.
5. Verifying solar panels are functioning correctly.
6. Remotely and safely measure temperatures.
7. Finding hot spots on equipment.
8. Verifying radiant in floor heating is working.
9. Locating missing heat registers.
10. Locating leaking plumbing and air ducts.
11. Detecting moisture intrusion in a foundation wall.

There are many applications for this modern technology.  A quick scan of a building can quickly identify problems, often resulting in considrable cost savings over traditional invasive investigations.

Georgian Insulation is based in OroMedonte. We cover all regions in Simcoe County, Muskoka, Haliburton, Dufferin, North York, Grey and Bruce.

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