Proper insulation can save you a lot of money in utility costs and protect your home from highly destructive moisture damage. When dealing with Ontario’s cold and humid climate, you’ll want to make sure you don’t fall prey to these four common misconceptions about insulation.
The higher the R-value, the better
R-value is the standard way to measure the thermal resistance of insulation materials. The higher a material’s R-value, the better it is at preventing heat from escaping. While it may seem straightforward, the problem is that R-values are measured in a laboratory setting that eliminates airflow from the equation. This means fluffy insulation materials have lower real-world performance than their R-value might suggest. On the other hand, spray foams tend to perform better, since they don’t allow air to pass through.Spray foam is dangerous
Because early forms of spray foam used in the 1970s proved to be hazardous, some people remain wary of using this form of insulation. However, modern spray foams are entirely safe and typically offer superior air sealing performance.A vapour barrier should trap moisture
The purpose of a vapour barrier is to stop the warm, humid air inside your home from entering fibrous types of insulation. This is because in cold weather, warm air infiltration leads to the formation of condensation, which can harm insulation and cause structural damage in the long run. A good vapour barrier should prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity and allow trapped water to escape.Batt insulation is great for cathedral ceilings
The common practice of installing rolls of batt insulation between rafters and covering them with a vapour barrier may be less effective than you think. The problem is that air leaks are common in roofs. This means that warm inside air is likely to come into contact with cold outside air and cause condensation — not a good thing! Using spray foam is a much more effective and cost-efficient solution for insulating these kinds of ceilings.
Insulation contractor in the Toronto area
Properly insulating your home is crucial to protect it from the elements but can be a complex process. The best thing to do is to work with professional insulation installers. With 46 years of experience, you can trust Reitzel Insulation to deliver professional service and high-quality work. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial insulation services. Call us today to get a free estimate or to learn more about how we can help you keep your home comfortable year-round.
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