The Importance Of Effectively Insulating Crawl Spaces

insulation crawl space ottawa

Crawl spaces are an essential part of a home’s foundation. They provide access to plumbing, electrical, and other components that are vital for the home’s functionality. However, crawl spaces are often overlooked when it comes to insulation. This is unfortunate because proper insulation of crawl spaces can make a significant impact on a home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and overall health. In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of insulating crawl spaces and provide five tips for effectively insulating them.

Importance of Insulating Crawl Spaces

Crawl spaces are typically located beneath a home and above the soil. They are exposed to varying temperatures, humidity levels, and moisture. Without proper insulation, crawl spaces can become a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and pests. In addition, they can contribute to heat loss, making your home less energy-efficient and increasing your energy bills.

Insulating your crawl spaces is a crucial step toward maintaining a healthy, comfortable, and energy-efficient home. Proper insulation can prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. It can also improve your home’s indoor air quality by reducing the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens that enter your home through the crawl space. Additionally, insulation can help regulate the temperature in your home, making it more comfortable and reducing your energy bills.

5 Tips to Effectively Insulating Crawl Spaces in Your Home

The following five tips will help you insulate your crawl spaces effectively:

Tip #1: Seal air leaks

Air leaks can significantly reduce the effectiveness of insulation in crawl spaces. It’s essential to identify and seal any air leaks before insulating your crawl space. Use caulk or foam to seal any gaps or cracks in your crawl space walls, ceiling, and floor. You should also consider installing an air barrier to prevent air leaks from entering your home through the crawl space.

Tip #2: Choose the right insulation material

When it comes to insulation materials, there are several options available. However, not all insulation materials are suitable for crawl spaces. The best insulation materials for crawl spaces are those that are resistant to moisture, mold, and pests. Closed-cell spray foam insulation is an excellent choice for crawl spaces because it can expand and fill any gaps or cracks, creating a complete air barrier.

Tip #3: Insulate the crawl space walls and floor

To effectively insulate your crawl space, you need to insulate both the walls and floor. Insulating the walls will prevent heat loss through the crawl space walls, while insulating the floor will prevent cold air from entering your home. Use a combination of insulation materials to create a complete insulation system that covers all the crawl space walls and the floor.

Tip #4: Install a vapor barrier

Crawl spaces are often prone to moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth and damage to your home’s structure. You should install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from entering your crawl space. A vapor barrier is a plastic sheet that is installed over the insulation to prevent moisture from entering your crawl space. Make sure to use a high-quality vapor barrier that is resistant to tears and punctures.

Tip #5: Hire a professional

Insulating crawl spaces can be a complex and challenging process. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, it’s best to hire a professional insulation contractor. A professional contractor will have the necessary skills, tools, and experience to properly insulate your crawl space, ensuring maximum energy efficiency, comfort, and health benefits. Contact our team for a free insulation estimate today. 

How To Properly Maintain Your Home Insulation

attic insulation ottawa

As the weather changes, it becomes more important to properly maintain your home insulation. With winter approaching, it is essential to ensure your home is well-insulated to keep the cold out and the heat in. Poor insulation can lead to high energy bills and a lack of comfort in your home. In this blog post, we will share five proven tips to properly maintain your home insulation and keep your home cozy and energy-efficient all year long.

5 Proven Tips to Properly Maintain Your Home Insulation

The following five proven tips will help you maintain your home insulation; do try to implement these all for your purposes:

Tip #1: Check for Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the main causes of energy loss in a home. These leaks can be found in various areas of your home, including around doors, windows, and electrical outlets. To check for air leaks, hold a lit incense stick near these areas. If the smoke moves horizontally, it means there is a draft. Once you identify air leaks, use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them.

Tip #2: Keep Your Attic Insulated

The attic is an important area to insulate, as heat rises and escapes through the roof. Insulating your attic properly can prevent this from happening and keep your home warm. Make sure your attic insulation is at least 12 inches thick, and if not, consider adding more. Additionally, make sure there are no gaps or holes in the insulation, as these can allow heat to escape.

Tip #3: Insulate Your Pipes

In colder climates, pipes can freeze and burst, causing significant damage to your home. To prevent this, make sure your pipes are properly insulated. You can purchase foam insulation sleeves from your local hardware store and install them on your pipes. This will help keep your pipes warm and prevent them from freezing.

Tip #4: Maintain Your HVAC System

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is crucial in maintaining your home’s insulation. It is important to regularly maintain your HVAC system to ensure it is working properly. This includes changing air filters regularly, cleaning the ducts, and scheduling regular maintenance checks with a professional.

Tip #5: Monitor Your Energy Usage

Monitoring your energy usage can help you identify any areas where you may be losing heat or using too much energy. Consider investing in a smart thermostat that can track your energy usage and adjust the temperature accordingly. You can also look for energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs to help reduce your energy usage.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining your home insulation can help keep your home cozy and energy-efficient all year long. By following these five proven tips, you can ensure that your home is well-insulated and that you are not wasting energy or money. Remember to check for air leaks, keep your attic insulated, insulate your pipes, maintain your HVAC system, and monitor your energy usage. With these simple steps, you can enjoy a comfortable and energy-efficient home. Contact our team to learn more.

 

What is the Most Efficient Home Insulation?

types of insulation ottawa

Is your home sufficiently insulated? If not, you could be costing yourself a lot of money in heating and cooling bills. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of insulation available and what is the most efficient form of insulation for your home.

What is Home Insulation?

For your information, home insulation is defined as any material used to reduce heat transfer between two objects. In other words, it helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by trapping air and preventing it from escaping.

Types of Home Insulation

There are many different types of insulation, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of insulation is fiberglass, followed by cellulose, spray foam, and then rigid foam.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation. It’s made from recycled glass and sand that’s been melted down and spun into fibers. These fibers are then woven together to create a mat, which is then used to insulate your home.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper products, like newspapers and cardboard. The paper is shredded and then treated with chemicals to make it fire-resistant. It’s sometimes treated with pesticides to prevent pests from eating it.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation is made from two liquids that are mixed and then sprayed onto your walls. The resulting foam expands and hardens, creating a barrier preventing air from escaping.

Rigid Foam

Rigid foam insulation is made from various materials, including polystyrene, polyurethane, and phenolic resin. It’s available in sheets or boards that can be cut to fit your walls.

Which Insulation Should You Choose?

You read that fiberglass batts and blankets, cellulose, spray foam, and rigid foam boards are the most common types of insulation used in homes. But which one is the most efficient?

 

Fiberglass batts and blankets are the least expensive option and are typically used in attics and walls. Cellulose is made from recycled paper products and is often used in attics. Spray foam is applied wet and expands to fill any gaps or cracks. Rigid foam boards are often used in basements, crawl spaces, and exterior walls.

 

So, which one is the most efficient? The answer is spray foam. Spray foam has a higher R-value than any other type of insulation, meaning it is better at trapping heat inside your home. It also does not settle over time like fiberglass or cellulose, so it will continue to be effective for years to come.

Conclusion:

Spray foam insulation is the most efficient type of insulation for your home. It has a higher R-value than any other type of insulation, meaning it is better at trapping heat inside your home. It also does not settle over time like fiberglass or cellulose, so it will continue to be effective for years to come.

 

For your information, Ottawa Insulation provides different types of insulation services that will be perfect for your home. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!



Getting Ready to Sell Your House? Do This First

ottawa insulation

Don’t Spend Much Money on Improvements

Spending much money on improvements right before selling your house is never a smart move; at least the profit will be much bigger. For example, if the bathroom needs a $2,500 reform, the market gain should be $10,000 to justify the price.

Remodeling is even more stressful than selling, and it can bring many additional costs, so be careful when deciding what must be reformed before selling a residence. Remember that buyers will ask for specific repairs after the inspection.

Don’t Ask for a Higher Price

You may want to ask for a higher price to get more money, but in reality, no one will buy your home. The housing market is incredibly competitive, and real estate speculation plays its part in everyone’s life. It would be best to ask for what your house is worth, not more. It is already going to be hard to sell a home in most places because of the state of the world. Don’t make it harder.

Also, people will try to negotiate the price. Be open to that, but don’t sell the house for less than it is worth.

See All Details

You must pay attention to all details in your house before bringing buyers to it. For example, remember that odors linger. Clean the place carefully and solve the bad smell that rugs, carpets, cigarettes, and refrigerators can leave.

Make sure to clean all windows, doors, furniture, etc. A clean, cared, and loved house is more valuable and makes the buyers want to have it. Don’t forget to take out your personal belongings before showing the house, like college diplomas, family portraits, political banners, etc.

Have Good Photos

The internet is essential in any market nowadays, and houses are no different. You can promote your home through many social media and websites, like Instagram. However, take good pictures with good illumination and quality. If you don’t know how to take good pictures, hiring professional real estate photographers may be a great solution.

Have Proper Insulation

Proper insulation is a great plus for any residence you are trying to sell. It values the house, and buyers prefer places with insulation since the installation can be complex depending on the insulation type. Also, insulation reduces energy costs and brings many benefits, making it a win-win for buyers.

Ottawa Insulation is a local insulation company that can help you install insulation in your house. It can help you save up to 50% off your heating and cooling costs. Besides, it makes your home more valuable. See their services and get your personalized quote right now.

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Home

ottawa insulation

Insulation is a need in many households; that’s a fact. It has several benefits like reducing energy costs, emissions of pollutants, noise levels, offering more fire protection and safety, and many more. However, it is necessary to know which insulation type is the most suitable for your residence. See 5 tips for choosing the right insulation for your home and start working on it right now.

  • Think About Your R-Value

The R-Value measures how much insulation can reduce the rate of heat flow under specified test conditions. The Department of Energy determined the best R-Value for each country area, so check out which one is the best for you.

The chart also specifies some details about the insulation, like insulation in attics or walls, etc. The R-Value is also about proper installation, so remember that insulation is never a DIY project. You must let certified, and professional specialists do the installation. A lousy insulation installation is as harmful as bad-quality insulation.

  • Choose the Right Materials

So, let’s see which materials are the right ones for insulation. The most used materials are spray foam (usually polyurethane), mineral wool, fiberglass, and cellulose. Each one is great under specific conditions, so it is best to use the suitable one for your house and purpose.

Fiberglass insulation is very popular and can come in many forms. It is very cost-effective but may not be the best choice when the matter is freezing weather. Fiberglass can be used everywhere. The mineral wool insulation has a high R-Value and fire resistance, which is eco-friendly. It is very versatile and sturdy.

The spray foam insulation has a high R-Value since it can get into small spaces, and it is very resistant to insects, mold, and moisture. Finally, cellulose insulation is eco-friendly, and it is great for extra insulation inside walls and attics.

  • Understand the Installation Process

Each insulation type has a different installation process, and it is essential to know them so you can choose the best one. The installation will depend on the material selected and the space where the insulation will be installed. Even though some are easy to install, most are complex and need the help of professionals.

  • Plan Your Total Cost

The total cost is significant, so think about your budget and plan your total cost. Choose the insulation that will bring you the most cost-effective solution. Consider the price of the materials and the spaces where you need to install the insulation.

  • Talk With an Expert

Lastly, it is necessary to talk with an expert to clear all your doubts and do this vital step without any questions. The expert will help you choose the best insulation type for your house and help you make the best choice budget-wise.

Ottawa Insulation is a local insulation company that can help you choose and install the right and proper insulation in your home. Go to their website and request your personalized quote.

Choosing The Right Spray Foam Insulation

insulation ottawa

Here are the most important things you need to know when choosing the right spray foam insulation for your building.

Tip #1. Consider all insulation options available and select the insulation that best suits your needs. Review what each insulation product offers. Consider R-Value and air sealing properties, long term performance and energy efficiency.

Icynene spray foam insulation provides long-term R-Value and air-sealing to help save as much as 50% off heating and cooling bills every month.

Tip #2. Use review sites to research contractors.

Tip #3. Beware of ‘too good to be true’ quotes.

Icynene spray foam is not a DIY product and requires a certified professional to apply. Icynene spray foam is a premium product that provides a return on investment typically within three-four years.

Tip #4. If you chose spray foam, make sure you stay out of your home for at least 24 hours.

Vacating ensures that no one will be exposed to the foam insulation before it has fully cured. Once Icynene spray foam is cured (always within the 24-hour period immediately after spraying is complete), the house or building is sage for re-occupancy.

Tip #5. Check Installer’s credentials to ensure they are certified and licensed.

All Icynene spray foam contractors are trained through a third-party QAP provider, Intertek, and complete comprehensive training and testing prior to being licensed by Icynene.

Tip #6.  Ask the installer about their experience, previous jobs and liability insurance.

An experienced, licensed installer will be able to answer any of your questions regarding their past experience, their guarantees and their insurance coverage.

Tip #7. Ensure there is a product warranty and know what it covers.

Icynene warrantees its insulation for the life of the building, and this warranty is transferable from one owner to the next. Check all your insulation alternatives – you probably won’t find such a comprehensive warranty from any other manufacturer.

Why Do Ice Dams Form?

ice dams

Winter comes with ice dams – chunks of ice that form on the edge of a roof. What causes them?

Ice dams develop when heat rising from an attic (32 degrees or higher) melts the snow outside. Water then trickles down to the eaves and gutter where temperatures are colder. There, the water refreezes creating icicles and trapping ice underneath the shingles. Additional melting water can seep through the roof and exterior walls.

 

Ice dams represent 40-50% of new insurance claims related to winter storms and can affect any improperly insulated building.

While Ice dams can be removed manually, it is dangerous work, even for professionals. The snow has to be shoveled from the roof and the ice removed with either heat, chemicals or by chipping.

You Can Decrease Your Utility Bills

utility bills

We all are looking for ways to go green and cut costs. How to decrease utility bills?

Of course it all depends on the condition of your house. Generally speaking, reducing air leakage by air sealing, insulating your home, and replacing or improving your heating systems can definitely help reducing your bills.

Gaps and cracks in your home’s traditional insulation can lead to air leaks that make your home an energy hog. Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) turns your home into an energy efficient and comfortable living space while helping you save money each month.

Did you know?

  • More than 40% of a home’s energy loss due to air leakage is through its walls, floors and roof. Eliminating air leaks with spray foam insulation can reduce monthly heating and cooling costs.
  • Upgrading HVAD to energy efficient systems can save you up to $200 on energy bills every year.
  • With a reduced load requirement, HVAC sizing can be reduced as much as 35% without the loss of efficiently and comfort.
  • High R-value spray foam insulation fills and seals gaps in walls, ceilings, crawlspaces, around detailing, light fixtures and electrical outlets.
  • Energy Star estimates that by adding high performance insulation and sealing air leaks, you could save up to 20% on monthly energy bills.
  • Government and utility tax credits, rebates and other incentives can save you even more.
  • The Appraisal Journal says energy efficient upgrades can increase home value by $20 for every $1 reduction annual utility bills.