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 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

4 Steps to Safely Hanging ( and Removing ) Your Holiday Lights

This holiday season you may want to hang some festive holiday lights on your home You may already have! . Lights really take your holiday decorating to the next level! However, they can also be a safety hazard for a few reasons. Follow our simple step-by-step guide to ensure you are protecting yourself, your family, and your home.

1. Plan your design. There are so many options when it comes to hanging your lights. By planning ahead you can minimize the time spent on the ladder and your roof. Here are some ideas for where to hang your lights:

• Along your roof/ eavestroughs
• Wrap around posts and pillars
• Along your planters and window boxes
• In trees and bushes
• Other architectural features

It is also a good idea to measure the length of the strands you will need, don’t forget to measure to the outlet. No point in hanging nice lights if you can’t turn them on!

2. Choose your lights. there are so many types of lights to choose from! They vary in size, color, shape, lighting pattern, and light type. Most people who want to save energy and electricity bills will opt for LED’s as they use less power. They also run a bit cooler and therefore might be considered a bit safer. Do your research on which kind of lights you want to have in your design. It is really important to make sure that whichever lights you do choose are rated for outdoor use.

3. Test your lights. Before you hang your lights, make sure to test each strand. CHeck over the wiring for any frayed or exposed wire. This can be a huge safety hazard so make sure to discard of any damaged strands properly. It is also a good idea to check your extension cable (should be rated for outdoor use)  and the outlet you plan to use. Make sure it is a GFCI outlet so that instead of overloading and catching fire, it will shut off. Be careful not to overload the outlets. It is a good idea to not have more than 300 lights on a single outlet.

4. Hanging Safely. Once you have planned your design and tested your lights you are ready to hang. It is a good idea to avoid hanging lights by yourself. Have someone there to spot you, hold the ladder, or assist you if needed. Make sure to use a sturdy ladder planted firmly in the ground. Never step on the top of the ladder, and always hold on with at least one hand if you can. Before standing on your roof, make sure there are no rotten spots or loose shingles. There are universal light clips you can use to attach the strands to either your gutter or shingles.

It might also help to have an outdoor timer attached to your lights so that you can time them for dusk, and not have them running all night. This will also save you time and money on your electricity bill!

Last but not least, it should go without saying that you should take all necessary steps to fireproof your home in the event that something does go awry. Georgian Insulation offers a fireproofing service. Having your home properly insulated will also help to reduce energy costs so you can feel free to run those lights a bit longer each night!

Happy Holidays!!

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. 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 - Call 1-866-576-9338

4 Tips to Preparing Your Roof and Home for Winter

It’s November, which means it's time to get your house ready for the winter conditions ahead; snow, freezing rain, sleet, cold wind, and 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. Here are some things you can do to prepare your roof and home for winter:

• Remove any dead trees or tree branches that could fall on your home now before the weather makes this task more difficult. Ice build up on these weakened branches can cause severe damage, especially in high winds.
• Inspect your roof thoroughly, look for missing or damaged tiles/shingles, warped or missing flashing.
• Clean off any built up debris and clean out the gutters to keep melted water flowing. Check that your gutters are clear by running water through from the roof surface.
• If you had an area of icicles hanging down from roof eaves last winter, 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.

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.

If you need roof repairs, contact a licensed 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 turning 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 drywall.

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 websitewww.georgianinsulation.com and fill out our form.

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.

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.