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.

Blown Cellulose or BIBS Fibreglass? Choosing the Best Insulation For Your Home

Blown Cellulose and BIBS Blown-in Fiberglass (BIBS) are two commonly used insulations types applied in home installations. When selecting insulation for your home, you are making an investment that will give you years of comfort in your home. But what type of insulation should you choose? 

We’ve compared Blown Cellulose and BIBS fibreglass insulations to help you make the best decision for your home.

R-Value

Cellulose insulation has a high R-Value and performs best even under the most demanding of conditions where there extreme differences between inside and outside temperatures. Cellulose has the lowest cost per square foot per R-Value.

The R-Value of fibreglass can change with density, however, unlike batt fiberglass insulation which may leave voids affecting the thermal efficiency, BIBS completely fills the space to ensure that your home is draft-free. BIBS has the highest R-Value rating of R24 in a 2x6 wall.

If you’re not sure what an R-Value is, please check out our blog, "What is an R-Value."

Air Infiltration

Cellulose is an effective choice for sealing your home against air infiltration. With its higher density and ability to seamlessly cover and fill difficult spaces like pipes, electrical wiring and other mechanical areas, you receive an amazing barrier to air flow. Cellulose creates a 100% seamless seal that prevents air infiltration.

Likewise, BIBS fills gaps and voids for thermal efficiency. It completely fills any space, including cathedral ceilings, vaulted ceilings, under floors or any other seemingly difficult area to insulate.

Environmental Impact

Cellouse takes less energy to make than any other insulation material. Since it uses the largest amount of post-consumer recycled content in the industry, it prevents the release of greenhouse gases such as methane. While Cellulose is one of the greenest products on the market, BIBS also has some major environmental benefits.

BIBS contains no formaldehydes and does not support mold growth. It does not settle or separate, corrode pipes or wires, or produce mold or mildew.


Both types of insulation have many benefits, however, they are only effective when installed correctly. Georgian Insulation is one of the few contractors in Central Ontario certified to install BIBS Blown-in Fiberglass, and has more than 20 years experience installing all types of insulation.

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.

Top 3 Reasons Why BIBS® is Best For Your Home

You may think your cathedral ceilings or cantilevered floors will prevent you from having the cozy, warm home of your dreams, since custom features often present unique insulation challenges due to their abundance of cavities and access limitations. 

Fortunately, the BIBS® system of insulation is the perfect solution to this problem, allowing you to have custom features throughout your home, and thermal efficiency to keep you warm and toasty. 

What is BIBS® ?
BIBS® is a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, custom fit insulation process that “blows” specially manufactured fiberglas into building cavities using special equipment.  The BIBS system allows us to blow insulation into cavities behind netting, ensuring a seamless, custom fit.

Check out our video to see how it works:

BIBS is the perfect insulation choice for homes that require a custom fit and sound attenuation. 

Here are the top 3 reasons why you should choose BIBS for your home:

1.  Versatility.  The BIBS system is a proven option for any configuration or custom situation.  Cavities, curves, vaulted ceilings, crawl spaces or custom windows – BIBS will fill gaps and voids for thermal efficiency.  BIBS is an ideal option for insulating under floors or in ceilings for acoustic control.  BIBS blows in easily, fills completely, and lasts for the life of your home.

2.  Efficiency.  Not only is BIBS quick and easy to install, it completely fills all spaces, controlling sound attenuation and reducing air infiltration in the wall cavity. Your house will be snug, secure, thermally efficient and draft-free.  With an R-value of R24 in a 2x6 wall, BIBS is an efficient insulation choice.  

3.  Safety.  BIBs is the most widely accepted and independently tested blown-in-wall system.  Its high-density properties ensures it will not settle, shrink, separate, or corrode pipes or wires.  In addition, it contains no formaldehydes and does not support mold or mildew growth. 

Georgian Insulation is one of the few contractors in Central Ontario certified to install the BIBS system.  Certified installation guarantees that voids and gaps are completely filled to maximize the insulation’s protective properties.  Our certified technicians are experts in vital areas of thermal installation, sound attenuation, air infiltration, moisture migration and ventilation.

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 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.