In Search of the Best Insulation Method in Ontario
While looking for the proper insulation method that guarantees the best for your living and storage space, you will encounter three main insulation methods. Spray Foam Insulation, Fiberglass Insulation, and Cellulose Insulation. Sure, there are other insulation methods and materials out there, however, these three are the most commonly used among insulation contractors in Ontario. Fiberglass and cellulose feature an affordable solution and they can be applied to almost every space of your building. On the other hand, spray foam is relatively more expensive, but its features and the sustainability it delivers make it a worthwhile investment. In this article, we will review fiberglass insulation and cellulose insulation, considered the most affordable insulation systems in Ontario and beyond. We expect that by the end of this article you will be more informed and determined about the insulation that suits your project.
Fiberglass Insulation in Ontario
Fiberglass insulation is a popular insulation method in Ontario that is usually installed as blown-in insulation or in batts. It is made of recycled glass and sand; therefore, the material is an eco-friendly insulation solution. If properly installed, by only a professional insulation crew, fiberglass insulation guarantees an air barrier that eventually will lower your monthly utility bills. Moreover, batt insulation can resist water absorption and serve as an effective soundproof barrier as well. However, water leakages or a wet perimeter and similar issues have to be addressed prior to installing the fiberglass insulation. Otherwise, it can result in early deterioration of the entire insulation system.
Fiberglass insulation material is treated with boric acid, a harmless ingredient that helps the entire insulation system be less exposed to instant fire. Furthermore, boric acid is the number one enemy of pests and rodents. Applying fiberglass insulation to your building will help keep the tiny intruders far from your living and storage space perimeter. Cellulose and spray foam insulation material offers the same property.
Fiberglass insulation benefits:
+ Energy efficient
+ Soundproof properties
+ Eco-friendly insulation material
+ Affordable insulation method
+ Can be applied anywhere
+ Fireproof
Disadvantages of Fiberglass Insulation
+ Prone to deterioration with the passing of time
+ Delivers a relatively low insulation R-Value
Cellulose Insulation in Ontario
Same as with fiberglass, cellulose also is an eco-friendly insulation material. It is made with post-consumer recycled products (like newspapers) and is treated with boric acid to reduce risks from fire. The installation process is of the utmost importance when it comes to insulation, therefore it is best to be handled by industry professionals only. See, if a wet perimeter or issues with water leakage are not addressed prior to starting to insulate, tremendous problems will appear within the first months.
As an Ontarian homeowner, it is up to you to decide which is the best and the most effective insulation method for your home. Cellulose, for example, when compared with fiberglass, is more cost-effective as it delivers a higher R-value for the same inch of thickness. Simply put, R-Value is a direct measuring unit that determines the capability of an insulation system to hold the warm air in and the cold air out in winter, and vice versa in the summer. Eventually, we can all agree that cellulose insulation is more energy-efficient than fiberglass insulation. The cellulose insulation cost might be slightly higher, but the initial investment will eventually pay for itself throughout the years.
Cellulose Insulation Benefits
+ High R-Value per inch of insulation thickness
+ Environmentally friendly product made of recycled products
+ Fireproof and Insect repellent
+ Soundproof properties
+ Easy to install
Disadvantages of Cellulose Insulation
+ Can sag or settle if not properly installed
+ Has an estimated lifespan of 25 to 35 years
Best insulation methods (Comparison table)
Rating | Fiberglass Insulation | Cellulose Insulation | Spray Foam Insulation | ||
R-Value (per inch of thickness) | R-2.2 to R-4.3 | R-3.1 to R-3.7 | R-3.5 to R-6.5 | ||
Lifespan | 20 to 25 years | 25 to 35 years | 80 to 100 years | ||
Reduce of energy bills (%) | by 20% | by 25% | by 40% | ||
Payback time | 3 to 4 years | 3 to 4 years | 3 to 4 years | ||
As you can see from the above comparison table, spray foam insulation is the most energy-efficient method of insulation. Followed by cellulose and then fiberglass. Spray foam also is a more durable material and its lifespan is estimated to be at least 80 years. On the other hand, cellulose and fiberglass materials tend to deteriorate within the second decade of insulation. Both materials can sag or settle, however, with little maintenance and the proper installation, their lifespan can be increased significantly.
As for the payback time, all three insulation methods mentioned above will return the initial investment cost in an estimated period of 3 up to 4 years. Reasonably, payback time may vary from a building to another. Factors that affect directly are the installation process, the insulation thickness, the material being used, and the building condition among others.
Advice to Ontarian Homeowners
As the property owner, it is up to you to determine the best insulation solution for your living, working, or storage space. If you are looking for an affordable solution that will also keep your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer, fiberglass or cellulose is what you need. Anyways, as mentioned above, these insulation methods tend to deteriorate with the passing of time, and if not maintained properly, their deterioration will soon cause issues to the rest of the building.
With spray foam, you don’t have these types of issues. The material is durable and does not sag or settle. Moreover, spray foam insulation delivers the highest R-Value per inch of insulation thickness which is translated to lower energy bills. It is true that the initial Spray Foam insulation cost is relatively higher when compared with cellulose or fiberglass, but keep in mind that you are putting your money on a worthwhile investment.
Why Ecostar?
Ecostar insulation company is proud to be serving the Greater Toronto Area and the suburban communities since 2008 with excellent insulation products and materials. Our team of professionals will guide you from the consultation to the execution stage, to help you determine the best insulation solution for your building.
Contact us today for a free estimate!
