What Insulation Should You Use in Your Attic? 

Published on October 15, 2019

If you’ve decided that your home needs an insulation upgrade, then it’s time to find a reputable installer amongst the many insulation contractors in Toronto. Finding a good insulation company in Toronto will ensure the highest standard of workmanship and the highest quality products.

Choosing the best attic insulation product for your needs can be a challenge, especially with so much industry marketing and advertising. However, once you choose your preferred insulation company in Toronto, you’ll be on the receiving end of professional advice and recommendations.

Choosing the best attic insulation product: Cellulose - Fiberglass - Spray Foam

Once you’ve chosen an installation company (from the many insulation contractors in Toronto) it’s important to choose a product that will satisfy your needs. Here, it’s best to have your attic professionally inspected so that the contractor can recommend the best insulation product.

With attic insulation, the best results are derived with a quality product and quality installation. This is the optimum approach to reducing seasonal energy bills and improving indoor comfort in winter and summer. In the attic, there are three options – spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose.

CELLULOSE insulation is probably the most common material for insulting attics. This product is typically available as blown-in material and is a very cost-effective installation. If you’re shopping for blown in insulation in Toronto, cellulose may be the answer (but it still requires air sealing).

FIBREGLASS is another insulation product commonly used in the attic. The material is made of fine glass fibres and provides satisfactory performance at a cost effective price. However, because the installation does not prevent airflow, proper air sealing is still required throughout the attic.

SPRAY FOAM is a high performance material that seals and insulates in one application. It is a premium product (more costly) but seals and insulates better than other insulation products. Spray foam is fire-rated, water proof, and will not promote the development of mold or mildew.

Choosing the best insulation for existing walls: Blown-in cellulose or Injection Spray Foam

When it comes to insulating existing walls, it’s definitely a project for a contractor with expertise. If you’re choosing an insulation company in Toronto, the installers should have the experience to do the work. The good news about insulating existing walls is that very little damage has to occur to either the drywall or the plaster. Finishing off after installation is minimal and inexpensive.

While there are a host of insulation contractors in Toronto, it’s important to choose installers who will guarantee their work. Whether the installation method includes injection spray foam or blown-in cellulose, the specialized “Drill and Fill” method requires proficiency – anything short can pose big problems. Professionally managed, this method has excellent long-term outcomes.  

“Drill and Fill” is a method whereby small holes are drilled into existing wall cavities, allowing the insulation material to be injected (spray foam) or blown-in (cellulose). The wall cavity (usually an exterior wall) fills with insulation, after which all the holes are plugged, and the walls are refinished to original condition. The home is insulated to the max – with exceptional R-Values.

Insulating existing walls blocks heat transfer and air flow – both of which negatively impact the indoor comfort and energy efficiency of your home. Your contractor will recommend the better choice between injected spray foam and blown-in cellulose. Both options have credible benefits, and both will depend on a professional assessment of the home, vis-à-vis the physical structure.

Choosing insulation materials for crawl spaces

Depending on the layout of your home, there are crawl spaces throughout that can have a great impact on energy efficiency. The problem, of course, is accessing those crawl spaces, and then properly insulating them. As such, homeowners often overlook crawl spaces when insulating.

Once you’ve chosen a reputable insulation company in Toronto, it’s important to include crawl space insulation when doing any upgrades. Regardless of the insulation product chosen, the key to insulating a crawl space is to block airflow, provide effective R-Value, and block moisture.

With most crawl spaces located in the basement, cold floors are symptomatic of a space that is under-insulated. Another symptom of under-insulation is the prevalence of musty odours. When installing improper crawl space insulation, there is a tendency for mold and mildew to develop.

Once your insulation contractor has assessed your crawl space, it’s easier to choose an insulation product that will perform. The truth is, older traditional installations simply didn’t do a good job. Today’s approach is the seal the space, prevent moisture accumulation, and provide insulation.

Choosing the best product to insulate rim joists

Insulating rim joists is specialized work, and therefore best left to a professional installer. Most professionals will install a vapour barrier and/or air barrier throughout the installation space, regardless of the insulation product being used. This serves to control both airflow and moisture.

If you’re working with a good insulation company in Toronto, various options will be suggested for insulating rim joists. Naturally, this will depend on the size of space and the location so as to provide the utmost thermal protection. In fact, a combination of products may be recommended.

The important thing when insulating rim joists is to ensure that the space is properly air-sealed. In a basement location this is essential – undesirable airflow must be restrained and air moisture must be prevented from accumulating. This is where product choice can be a determining factor.

Like other parts of a home, a well-insulated crawl space can make a big difference in improving energy efficiency. It’s not an area that should be overlooked, and it should be done right the first time. With a professional contractor on hand, the right product and installation can be assured.

Choosing from the best insulation contractors in Toronto

When it comes to home insulation, EcoComfort Insulation & Contracting does it all. We install a range of insulation products but we highly recommend blown-in cellulose for various parts of the home. Whether it’s the attic or crawl space, you can count on EcoComfort for quality installation.

If you’re specifically shopping for blown in insulation in Toronto, contact EcoComfort to inquire about an installation to suit your needs. Call us at 416-333-4554 and arrange for a FREE estimate or visit our website to learn more about our products.