When Is the Best Time To Get New Insulation?

Insulation for your home

You know you have to get new insulation for your home, but you are not sure when to do it? The answer is timing. If you manage to get your new insulation at the right time of the year, you will be able to save money on energy bills and keep you and your loved ones cozy and warm inside.

insulation ottawaTiming is Everything

When deciding the best time to replace your home’s insulation, you need to consider time of the year, whether you plan on remodeling some part of your home, and the time of the year when you are going to purchase the insulation.

Time of Year is important to consider. If you live in colder climate where the winters are rough, it is a good idea to improve your insulation prior to the colder months of the year. The best time of the year to install new insulation is during the spring, since it will help you save up during the summer months and into the colder months.

The Best Time to Buy insulation really depends on the homeowner. Usually, most retail places tend to have sales during the colder months. This is because a majority of people tend to have already added insulation to their homes and there is less of a need for it. However, the sooner you can buy and get the job done the better. Insulation helps your home stay cozy and helps you save money on energy bills.

During a Remodel is a good time to install new insulation because it will be easier and more convenient to do so, since you already have work being done in the house. If you add insulation and remodel after, you might damage the insulation and end up having to spend more of your budget adding insulation.

Types of Insulation

Before you decide on when to get new insulation, you must decide on what type of insulation you’ll use. There is a wide variety of insulation types in the market, but the ones that stand out the most are blown-in and spray foam insulations because of their durability and effectiveness.

Blown-in Insulation

This type of insulation is fire-resistant with the assistance of cellulose. This type of insulation is good for any spots in your home where traditional insulation is restricted, since it could be flammable. Blown-in insulation is made of fiberglass with is durable but needs to be inspected every 15 to 20 years to make sure that it is in good condition.

Spray Foam Insulation

This type of insulation can last you a lifetime and helps you save money. This is because the spray foam insulation does not allow air flow to go through your house’s walls and ceiling, keeping it warm during the winter and cool during the summer. You will see the difference in your energy bills and feel it when relaxing at home with the family.

Choose Ottawa Insulation

At Ottawa Insulation, we provide a wide variety of services for all your insulation needs. Our team of experts can inspect your entire home to figure out if there are any issues before they become dangerous to you and loved ones. Additionally, we offer a wide variety of insulation services, including blown-in and spray foam insulation, floor and attic insulation, and insulation removal. To get a free quote from one of our representatives, access our website.

Does My Attic Need New Insulation?

Need New Insulation

It is in your best interest to keep your home in good shape and fixing issues right away. This is because it will be better for your bank account to fix one issue at a time than multiple at once. Another good way to make sure that your home is in good shape is by doing yearly inspections to fix any issues for the colder months of winter. Insulation helps your home stay warm during the winter months and keeps it cold when you have your AC on. But when should you replace your insulation?

Types of Insulation

There is a wide variety of types of attic insulation that will last you different amounts of time. Some can last you your whole life while others last 10 to 20 years.

Spray Foam is extremely durable, reliable, and lasts you your whole life. This type of insulation is mold resistant and does not hold moisture, meaning that it will stay put for a long time. In this case, the only time people have to replace their insulation is in the event of inclement weather, bugs, or construction.

Fiberglass Insulation is a great choice if you are on a budget. This insulation can last you 80 to 100 years. But the insulation can start falling from fiberglass batts after 15 years of installation, meaning that you need to inspect your fiberglass insulation every 15 to 20 years to make sure that it is still in good condition.

Cellulose Insulation is an eco-friendly option that blocks air better than other insulation options. However, this type of insulation decays quickly and can last 20 to 30 years, but some degradation can begin in the 15-year mark as well.

Mineral Wool Insulation is quite durable, but the lifespan will vary depending on the product used. This type of insulation can last you a couple of decades.

Warning Signs

If you are not sure whether your insulation needs replacement, there are some warning signs that can help you be sure that you need it to be replaced. Because insulation helps your home stay warm during the winter months, if you feel as if the temperature in your home is uneven or your home is drafty, it could be due to the insulation. If your insulation is not working properly, you often see a spike in your energy bill or you will struggle to get the house to be at a comfortable temperature.

Other warning signs are if people in your home are often suffering from allergies or feeling ill, which could be due to mold and bacteria growing in the insulation. Additionally, you might need to replace your insulation if you have to deal with leaks and condensation problems often. If you go up to your attic and your insulation appears to be wet, thin or falling, you definitely need to change it.

Contact Professionals for Your Insulation in Ottawa

If you identify any of the warning signs in your attic insulation, you most likely need it to be replaced. Ottawa Insulation’s team of experts can inspect your home, take care of any roof, pests, and ventilation problems. If you think you need to replace your attic insulation or need an inspection, contact us for a quote.

The Benefits of Blown in Insulation

blown in insulation ottawa

Whether you are building a new home, removing old insulation and upgrading your old home or the like, you will find that there are various types of insulation out there. When people think about insulation they often think about huge rolls of insulation that are rolled out, cut, and then stuffed into place. However, the latest insulation trend is blown in insulation. Blown in insulation in Ottawa is becoming the go-to method for those building a new home or adding insulation to an existing home. Why is this? Because if offers tons of benefits!

More Energy Efficient

Blown-in insulation in Ottawa is more energy-efficient than the rolled insulation of the past. Studies have shown that blown in insulation is often working twenty to thirty percent better than traditional insulation. When this is blown into an area it hits all those little cracks and crevices, which is something that rolled insulation has a hard time of doing unless you really pay attention.

Easy to Install

blown in insulation ottawaWhen using blown in insulation in Ottawa, it is much easier to install than traditional insulation. You will find that professionals will get this job done in almost half the time when using blown in insulation. In most cases, your average-sized house can be done in a few hours by just two professionals!

More Fire Protection

Blown in insulation has been shown to be the better insulation when it comes to being fireproof. The combination of elements in the blown in insulation is shown to greatly reduce the risk of fire because these elements create an airtight seal.

Better Soundproofing

Tired of hearing every little step throughout your house, then it could be your insulation is to blame! And imagine if it is not blocking sound, what are the chances that it is energy efficient? Blown in insulation in Ottawa has been shown to help create tighter seals in a home, which helps to mute noise not only from the outside but throughout the home and room to room.

Reduces chances of Condensation

For anyone who has had to replace insulation due to considerations setting up and causing mold and mildew to grow, they realize just how annoying this can be. The good news is that blown in insulation in Ottawa has been shown to reduce the chances of condensation. This goes back to this creating that airtight seal that helps to keep condensation and other types of moisture out completely.

Blown in insulation in Ottawa is the most effective insulation that you can have in your home or business. When you compare the old insulation to the newer blown in insulation, you will find that it is superior in all ways. When it comes to blown in insulation in Ottawa, we are the professionals to call to handle this for you. We offer free estimates for those who are looking to have this installed in their home, whether this is an established home or a new construction home. Contact our team to learn more today.

Looking for Insulation Removal?

insulation removal ottawa

When you find yourself in a situation in which you need insulation removal in Ottawa, we are here to make it happen! Insulation removal is not something that you want to do on your own. Why is this? Insulation, especially if you do not know when this insulation was put into your home, has been shown to cause issues for a lot of people. Many people tend to itch like crazy if they touch this. It can also become timely to get every piece of old insulation removed. For those who have breathing issues, insulation can take their breath and send them into a coughing fit. That is, when it comes to insulation removal you want the pros to handle this as we are equipped with the right tools and protective equipment to do this without harming ourselves or your home.

Why Consider New Insulation?

insulation ottawaFor many people who consider insulation removal in Ottawa, they are doing this to upgrade their home or business to the latest insulation that is out there. But, why should you consider removing the old insulation? You may find that installing new insulation can help save on your energy costs in your home or business, paying itself within a few months of having the old removed and the new installed. We use a safe, Eco-friendly product to ensure that there will be no issues for those who live in this location.

When Do You Need Insulation Removal?

While many people remove insulation and have newly installed for energy purposes, there are also times that you need insulation removal in Ottawa. For example, asbestos insulation was used in a variety of older homes for years. Sadly, despite the health effects known of breathing in asbestos, many people are still dealing with this in their homes. Asbestos has been shown to increase the chances of having cancers when it is left in homes or businesses, thus removing this should be on the top of your list of things to get done.

Has your insulation been wet recently? Many times a roof leak can lead to insulation becoming wet. When insulation gets wet, it can be dried out. However, the problem is that when it comes to a leak, most people do not know that they have this until the insulation has been wet time and time again. This encourages mold and mildew to set up in this insulation. Mold and mildew can cause massive breathing issues and allergies for those who live in a home and it must be taken out. Insulation removal in Ottawa is the only way to have clean air again when this is the issue.

Have you had pests invade your attic or walls? This can happen, ranging from mice to bats, or even squirrels. The problem is that these pests nest into the insulation because it is warm. They then bring in food, defecate, and the like inside this insulation. This can lead to odors in the house or even breathing issues. In this case, insulation removal in Ottawa is the healthiest route to take for your home or business. Contact our team to learn more.

Why Should you Remove Your Attic Insulation?

attic insulation removal ottawa

Do you use your attic or is it just a space that is for collecting junk or maybe it is nothing more than a crawl space? Whatever the purpose of your attic, can you tell how long it has been since insulation has been changed? You will find that most people don’t really worry about attic insulation, as it is something that is out of sight and out of mind. However, more people are getting attic insulation removal and then having this insulation upgraded. Is this something that you should consider as well? Chances are yes! We highlight the reasons why you should consider attic insulation removal!

attic insulation removal ottawa

  1. Helps with temperature regulation throughout the home.

When you have the old attic insulation removed, and it replaced with the latest insulation out there, you are going to see a difference in the temperature throughout your home. Most people don’t realize that old insulation loses its potency over time. If you have never had the insulation replace in the attic since you purchased your home or you do realize that the insulation is the old type out there, then attic insulation removal could be one way to save on your energy bills. Plus, you will find that this can help with the noises throughout the home and those that are coming from the outdoors as well.

  1. Do you smell mold or mildew when you are in the attic?

This is a sign that the insulation has gotten wet over time and this has set up with mold or mildew. Even a damp smell could be a warning sign that your insulation is damaged. When insulation in the attic has become wet, then you will find that the smells that set up here are going to travel throughout your home. In addition, having mold in your home can be highly dangerous for those with allergies or asthma. And even if you are completely healthy, mold is not something to mess around with. In this case, attic insulation removal is needed to ensure your health!

  1. How old is the current insulation?

Insulation, no matter how great it is, can and will wear down over time. Most people find that after 15 years, insulation needs to be removed and replaced. When you consider how much insulation is doing for your home, it makes sense that this will break down over time. And with attics being one of those forgotten rooms, chances are the insulation has not been added to or upgraded since the home was built. In these cases, attic insulation removal can aid in a number of ways throughout the home.

The good news is that we offer attic insulation removal that you can count on. We can come to your home, inspect your attic and give you the recommended course of action to help your entire home. Attic insulation removal is a job for the pros to ensure that this meets building codes and does its job, so be sure to contact us if you question the insulation in your attic.

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

spring home maintenance checklist

Spring is here, and that means that you should have a checklist of all that you need to do to ensure that your home is ready for warmer weather and functioning at its best! Here is a small maintenance checklist to use for your home this spring to ensure that you are can sit back and enjoy this warmer weather.

1. Time to check the insulation in your home

When was the last time that you checked your insulation? Most people think that insulation is something that you can place into your home and just forget about it. But, that is not the case! After 15 years, most insulation loses the ability to perform as it did before. When this happens, you could see higher energy bills and other issues. So, take the time to check the insulation throughout your home, including the attic insulation. If you find that you are smelling something damp or mildew, chances are it could be insulation that has become wet and set up mildew, or in worse cases mold. If you do find that the insulation or the attic insulation needs some TLC, then we are the pros to call to get it taken care of.

2. Check your windows.

buy home insulation ottawaDo you feel air coming in around the windows? Then this could be an insulation problem as well as a window repair needed. Check for cracks, breezes and other issues when checking the windows throughout your home.

3. Change your HVAC filters.

This is something that you need to do every month in most cases, but is also something to remember to check in the Spring. You will find that when you have tip top insulation in your home that your HVAC unit may not work as hard, which often means that your filters can last a bit longer each month.

4. Check the roof and gutters around your home.

When spring hits, then it is time to check the roof and gutters for any damage that they may have sustained over the winter months from winter storms that may have hit the area. Remember, the roof and gutters are your first line of protection from moisture getting into your insulation and home. When these are working properly, your entire home will be in much better shape.

5. Get ready for pests that may be coming into the home during the Spring.

Spring is not only a time that it gets warmer, but it is also the time that many people start to see pests coming into their home or leaving their home as they spent the winter there. Be sure that you are prepared for this. Have your home sprayed to avoid ants and other insects getting into the home, and be sure to check for any holes in which mice and other critters could get into. The last thing you want is a mouse getting into the attic insulation and bedding there!

Everything that you check for during the Spring is a way to protect the valuable asset that is your home. And we are here if you find that the insulation needs some professional work! Contact our team today.

What You Need to Know About Spray Foam for Your Home

spray foam insulation

What you need to know before choosing a particular spray foam for your home

If you’ve found your way to this blog, you’ve probably already read about the particular benefits of using spray foam: it fits a diverse set of needs, saves energy, is economically friendly, and can easily uniform to different locations in your home. 

It’s a pretty great option to choose for your project, no doubt. But what about the different kinds of spray foam? Now that we’ve touched on the general benefits of spray foam, let’s go ahead and get a little more specific: 

High density ADF advantages 

Here we have the densest option. Think of this one for your roofing or exterior insulation needs.  Spray foam in general can be a game changer when it comes to conserving energy, but the high-density option in particular will save costs over a roof’s lifetime, as it has high thermal resistance properties. 

You’re also going to get great protection against water and air infiltration. This will increase your building’s ability to withstand damage that may be caused during periods of high winds. 

spray foam insulation ottawa
https://ottawainsulations.ca/spray-foam-insulation/

Medium Density ADF advantages

Here we have a type of insulation better suited to interior wall cavity fill, continuous insulation, and applications in unvented attics. 

This level of density acts as a water and air barrier, as well as—get this—a potential option for reducing noise. 

The benefits of this spray foam can depend on the particular climate and type of building, so make sure to discuss this with your contractor. 

Low Density ADF advantages 

And finally, let’s talk about your lowest density option. Why go for a lower density option? It can actually remain relatively soft and flexible after curing, providing heat insulation, and the sealing of airflow cracks, joints and seams. 

Choose this option for your walls, unvented attics, to ducts and ceilings. It will also be permeable to vapour and moisture. 

And again, another delightful consequence is the absorption of sound. 

There you have it—your different kind of spray foam. Which one sounds the most enticing for your project? Are you thinking more about resistance to heat, or the resistance to sound? These are important considerations for your home or buildings, and our Insulation teams in Ottawa are available to discuss them with you. Contact us to begin this conversation.

Reasons Foam Insulation is Right For You

ottawa insulation service

There is a range of options to choose from when it comes to your insulation needs. Foam insulation, in particular, is a unique and flexible solution. Ottawa insulation services are at the ready and available to provide you with this service—you don’t have to worry about that part; you just have to consider all the awesome benefits that foam insulation will allot you.

Here are just a few:

  • Easy to install

The really great thing about spray foam is that it is easy to install, and dries quickly. You won’t have to wait very long to return to your home, and the insulation can reach those tricky areas that you have in mind, such as your attic or crawl space. Insulation teams around Ottawa are experts in quick application of the product, so you can rest easy knowing that the job will be done quickly and soundly.

  • Improves air quality

If you’ve ever struggled during allergy season, you are going to love what spray foam can do to reduce pollutants in your home. Allergens such as dust, mildew, mould, pollen etc. will be blocked from travelling through walls by the spray foam. Rodents will also find walls less attractive, as spray foam doesn’t provide an ideal nesting location.

Insulation Service Ottawa
  • Reduces sound

Who doesn’t want things to be a little quieter sometimes? Noise from traffic and neighbouring rooms will be dulled and/or sound proofed by spray foam, as it absorbs the sound waves. Have a better sleep or just get a break from outside noise pollution!

  • It’s environmentally friendly

Ottawa insulation is considerate of their clients’ desire for creative alternatives. Spray foam maintains the integrity of the insulation, for the Ottawa insulation team and the clients they serve.

Ultimately, spray foam will help you reduce your carbon footprint as you are consuming less energy.

  • It’ll save you money

Last, but certainly not least, foam insulation is going to save you money. It may seem expensive initially, but if you count up all the money you’ll be saving long-term, this one is a no brainer. It also might just improve the pricing of your home, as energy-efficient homes are very attractive to prospective buyers. If you’ve read this, and felt that feeling that foam spray is for you, don’t hesitate in getting in contact with foam installation experts near you in the Ottawa area. There are many great experts who would be happy to discuss further benefits of spray foam with you.  You can find more resources here to get in touch with our Ottawa insulation team today.

What’s it like to have spray foam installed in your home – a day in the life of a homeowner

ottawa insulation services

Insulation teams in Ottawa don’t want this process to be a mystery for you; you should be well informed of the process before, during, and after.

Find out what this process will look like for you as a homeowner after you’ve contacted us to install insulation in your home:

So you’ve chosen your insulation, now what?

Before taking time out from your building to allow the team to install the insulation, touch base with the person supervising the project. Supervisors should take you through a run down of the process, and introduce you to who exactly will be carrying out the installation. This may not be the supervisor, himself or herself. If not, don’t be shy in asking any questions you might have about their qualifications.

Residential insulations teams in Ottawa are certainly qualified, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, definitely check in.

The prep before the installation

The foam insulation team will first carry out some important prep work. This prep work entails managing ‘overspray.’ Overspray is the accumulation of airborne SPF particles on surfaces around where the application will be laid.

What will this look like? There will be the sealing off of areas with masking tape and plastic sheeting, as well as other surfaces that shouldn’t be covered in SPF overspray.

There will also be consideration paid to extinguishing any ignition sources in the vicinity of the spray area.

spray foam installed

Ventilation

Alongside the prepping process, they are also going to set up important ventilation. This will depend on the location and context of the installation, but imagine fans and flexible tubing around the areas without immediate accessibility to windows.

No need to stick around

During the actual application, feel free to head out and grab a coffee or do some shopping; you shouldn’t be present while the application is being carried out, anyway.

If you happen to be within sight of the area, you’ll see the team outfitted in their protective gear (PPE) during this process.

When can you re-enter?

Your insulation team will let you know when specifically you can re-enter. Expect to hear something around 24 hours for a high-pressure application, and as low as 60 minutes for a low-pressure application.

The factors that may alter the amount of your time before you can re-enter your home come down to the material used itself, or environmental conditions.

If you re-enter and notice any suspicious odours hanging around, definitely contact the insulation team right away; after curing, the insulation shouldn’t be producing any fumes.

Clean-up…

Of course you’ve thought of this already, but your home should be just as beautiful as you left it that day of installation. The supervisor of the project should let you know of an action plan that can be implemented if you notice the installation itself is a bit of, and not aesthetically pleasing. Definitely get in touch with them if you are not satisfied.

Finally, after a day or so, you’ve received your insulation. What a relief to have had that carried out so quickly. Ottawa insulators near you want you to have this level of ease to the project. We ‘ll take you through each step of the process, and be available afterwards to discuss your feedback. Here’s a link for you to start your day of insulation:

Find out what this process will look like for you as a homeowner after you’ve contacted us to install insulation in your home:

So you’ve chosen your insulation, now what?

Before taking time out from your building to allow the team to install the insulation, touch base with the person supervising the project. Supervisors should take you through a run down of the process, and introduce you to who exactly will be carrying out the installation. This may not be the supervisor, himself or herself. If not, don’t be shy in asking any questions you might have about their qualifications.

Residential insulations teams in Ottawa are certainly qualified, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, definitely check in.

The prep before the installation

The foam insulation team will first carry out some important prep work. This prep work entails managing ‘overspray.’ Overspray is the accumulation of airborne SPF particles on surfaces around where the application will be laid.

What will this look like? There will be the sealing off of areas with masking tape and plastic sheeting, as well as other surfaces that shouldn’t be covered in SPF overspray.

There will also be consideration paid to extinguishing any ignition sources in the vicinity of the spray area.

Ventilation

Alongside the prepping process, they are also going to set up important ventilation. This will depend on the location and context of the installation, but imagine fans and flexible tubing around the areas without immediate accessibility to windows.

No need to stick around

During the actual application, feel free to head out and grab a coffee or do some shopping; you shouldn’t be present while the application is being carried out, anyway.

If you happen to be within sight of the area, you’ll see the team outfitted in their protective gear (PPE) during this process.

When can you re-enter?

Your insulation team will let you know when specifically you can re-enter. Expect to hear something around 24 hours for a high-pressure application, and as low as 60 minutes for a low-pressure application.

The factors that may alter the amount of your time before you can re-enter your home come down to the material used itself, or environmental conditions.

If you re-enter and notice any suspicious odours hanging around, definitely contact the insulation team right away; after curing, the insulation shouldn’t be producing any fumes.

Clean-up…

Of course you’ve thought of this already, but your home should be just as beautiful as you left it that day of installation. The supervisor of the project should let you know of an action plan that can be implemented if you notice the installation itself is a bit of, and not aesthetically pleasing. Definitely get in touch with them if you are not satisfied.

Finally, after a day or so, you’ve received your insulation. What a relief to have had that carried out so quickly. Ottawa insulators near you want you to have this level of ease to the project. We ‘ll take you through each step of the process, and be available afterwards to discuss your feedback. Here’s a link for you to start your day of insulation: https://ottawainsulations.ca/

Types of Insulation in the Ottawa Area

Types of Insulation in the Ottawa Area

If you’re looking to choose insulation for your home, the first two questions on your mind should be where you want that insulation to be located, and what purpose you want that insulation to serve in your building. 

With that in mind, what better way to consider your choices than a breakdown of each type of insulation and the purposes they could serve for your project. There are lots of services available to you from residential insulation companies around the Ottawa area. 

ottawa insulation

Let’s start with getting to know different types of insulation you can expect, where you’ll find them and what they can do for you: 

1. Blanket: batts and rolls

  • You’re going to find this type of insulation for your unfinished walls, floors and ceilings. 
  • This is the most common insulation, and also one of the cheapest. It is very energy efficient, and serves as a sound reducer. 

2. Concrete Block insulation

  • Also standard for unfinished walls, but also can be used for construction or major renovations. 
  • With this one you’re going to get ten times the insulating value that you would with a traditional concrete, and it can also moderate indoor temperatures.

3. Foam Board or Rigid Foam

  • Use this for your unvented low slope roofs, as well as your floors, ceilings and unfinished walls
  • With this option, you’ll block thermal short circuits if you continuously install it over frames or joists

4. Insulating concrete forms (ICFs)

  • Another option for your unfinished walls, but this one will be directly built into the home’s wall, creating a high thermal resistance.

5. Loose-fill and blown-in 

  • This option is to enclose existing walls, or perhaps you would like to open new cavities. You’re also going to use this for unfinished attic floors, and other hard to reach places. 
  • Think of this option in particular for adding insulation to existing finished areas, or irregularly shaped areas. 

6. Reflective system 

  • This one is also effective for unfinished walls, ceilings and floors, as well as being an appropriate bubble form for irregular framing alongside your more standard framing needs. 
  • If you’re looking to prevent downward heat flow, this choice is for you! 

7. Rigid Fibrous

  • Use this option for ducts in unconditioned spaces, and for other spaces that require insulation but can notably withstand high temperatures.
  • That resistance to high temperature is the key here and the reason why you’d pick this option. 

8. Sprayed foam 

  • Sprayed for enclosing existing walls, as well as opening new wall cavities, and unfinished attic floors. 
  • It’s good for adding insulation to those already existing finished areas, and can handle irregularly shaped areas, including being placed around obstructions

9. Structural insulated panels (SIPs)

  • And finally, use this option as well for unfinished walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs for new constructions. 
  • It will provide more superior, uniform insulation and will take less time to build.  

We’d love to discuss your insulation needs with you further. We can discuss which insulation best suits your situation. Find further information and contact our team here.