Improve Your Energy Efficiency & Increase Your Cost-Savings
For Toronto homeowners shopping for attic insulation, there are two primary considerations: which insulation product to install AND which insulation contractor to hire. Here, it’s important for the homeowner to be informed and educated so that better decisions can be made. And with attic insulation, it’s not any different. Every manufacturer has the “best” brand and every installer has the “best” approach. In the end, it can be more confusing for a homeowner than informative. But with a good insulation contractor on hand, product recommendations, from spray foam insulation to blown-in insulation can be made easy.
Embrace Attic Insulation for a Healthier Home
Building a house is not as simple as constructing four walls and laying brick around it. Many design features are built into the layout to improve efficiency and protect the inside while keeping outside elements from coming in. At EcoStar Insulation, attic insulation isn’t just about adding or removing insulation. The attic and roof cavity are considered a “system” – and that means blocking airflow (the air barrier), stopping moisture from gathering (the vapor barrier), and ensuring appropriate levels of ventilation and air circulation. In short, the “system” gets properly sealed, properly insulated, and properly ventilated. Crawlspaces and attics are not just "dead space". They serve important functions in the overall livability of the home. Unrestricted airflow and unintended moisture can result from faulty and non-functioning attic insulation and can cause a variety of efficiency and quality of life problems for homeowners. Attics and crawlspaces that are not maintained will end up costing more in the short and long term. On every project, EcoStar installers work to code, without taking any shortcuts, and following the manufacturer’s product specifications. The job is done right from the start.
Old Technology Makes Way for New Solutions
Most older and even newer homes use older technology when it comes to insulating. Fiberglass insulation was the mainstay for builders as the fibrous material was cheap, easy to acquire and could be installed quickly. Unfortunately, this insulation type has a defined shelf life and can be easily damaged leading to rapid deterioration of the home’s insulating capabilities. While easy to cut and shape, fiberglass insulation cannot fill every crack or crevice especially when it comes to filling irregularly shaped attics. Newer technology such as spray foam insulation and blown-in insulation is easier to apply and its foam nature allows it to seep into areas that could not traditionally be covered by fibrous material. The pliable nature and fast application of spray foam insulation means complete and total coverage of the area. When it comes to attic insulation, the industry consensus is that Spray Foam Insulation is the best product for the job. It’s an application that requires specialized equipment and expertise, and therefore a project for professionals.
Spray Foam Insulation is initially applied throughout a space as a thick, flowing foam, after which it hardens into a blanket of attic insulation. The beauty of Spray Foam Insulation is its capacity to seal and insulate the entirety of the attic space: the attic beams; the plumbing pipes; the electric wires; and all of the HVAC ductwork. Spray Foam Insulation is the ultimate air barrier/vapor barrier/insulator. At EcoStar Insulation, we offer free spray foam insulation cost estimates, contact us to get started.
Enjoy the Benefits of Upgrading to Spray Foam Insulation for Your Attic
Attic insulation that is poorly installed, old or water damaged can cause problems for your home from the top down. Homeowners that upgrade to spray foam insulation in areas such as basements, crawlspaces and attics will immediately see the benefits as the spray foam technology creates an airtight seal filling in hard to reach areas of the home that could be prone to airflow and moisture. Maintaining and controlling airflow in basements, crawlspaces and attics will result in lower energy consumption as heat and air conditioned air will not be able to escape and the home can maintain an ambient temperature without overusing the HVAC system. With EcoStar, attic insulation in Toronto and throughout the GTA is about satisfying homeowner needs with the best product options and the highest quality installations.
Attic insulation products are recommended based on the condition of the attic space, while installation options are recommended based on long-term product performance (as well as project budget). More importantly, EcoStar is committed to high standards of installation, including sound product warranties, and a money-back guarantee. EcoStar also provides post-installation service, in the event that any problems or issues arise.
Replace Your Old Attic Insulation
Certain spaces within the home have minimal traffic from occupants and, if left untouched, could become a haven for elements from the outside. Attic insulation is sometimes an afterthought when building a home and poor or lack of material could leave holes and openings for insects and animals to enter and wreak havoc. Installing spray foam insulation effectively fills all holes and crevices that prevent outside agents from entering the home. Controlling and preventing the entrance of air, moisture, critters and sounds will enhance the quality of life for residents as well as reduce home operating costs.
Your First Choice for Spray Foam Attic Insulation
In the Toronto area, EcoStar Insulation offers a number of spray foam products that are ideal for attic insulation. These products meet the standards of the National Building Code of Canada, and are approved by the Canadian Construction Material Centre. For the professionals, Spray Foam Insulation is regarded as the most energy-efficient product available. Well installed, this product delivers both energy efficiency and home comfort to the entire building structure. There is no other insulation product that can compare with the short term and long term performance.
Spray foam insulation is the absolute best choice for homeowners who need to replace or upgrade their home’s insulation. The benefits of upgrading your insulation can result in energy cost savings and an improved home environment. Considered an investment, spray foam insulation should only be installed by trusted professionals who have the residential expertise to deliver excellent results. EcoStar is the premier spray foam installer and has consistently executed jobs at the highest level ensuring 100 percent client satisfaction.
An Alternative for When One Size Does NOT Fit All
For some attic insulation projects, Spray Foam Insulation may not be suitable in terms of project cost. Here, the team at EcoStar can offer a practical alternative – blown-in insulation. This application will provide an effective blanket of insulation that will enhance R-Values, provide long-term thermal insulation, along with a cost-effective installation. Professionally installed, and with some additional sealing, blown insulation is a reliable, satisfactory approach to attic insulation.
Is Attic Insulation Really Worth it?
When it comes to home renovations, a new kitchen or bathroom might be one of the nicest luxuries around - but one of the best long term renovations you can do for your home is install new insulation. Like renovating the kitchen, new insulation will help increase the resale value of your home - but it also does far more than that! Insulation will help you regulate your indoor environment all year round, keeping you and your family comfortable. By insulating better, you also save money on your heating and cooling costs - perhaps helping you save better for that new kitchen!
Insulation will also improve your home life by:
- Making your home quieter by dampening exterior noises.
- Improving your indoor air quality.
- Controlling humidity, which can cause problems like mold growth.
- Reducing the wear and tear on your HVAC equipment.
When it comes to adding home insulation, a word we’re not afraid to use at EcoStar is revolutionize - because that’s really what new insulation can do! When it comes to renovations, we truly believe that adding insulation is one of the top things a homeowner can do, that changes not only one room, but every room - and for the better.
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Insulation?
If you’re curious about adding new insulation to your home, the best and fastest way to know if you need an upgrade is to call a professional - we can help determine the age, condition, and R Value that your insulation is providing and help you determine what sorts of changes you could make to increase your energy efficiency. But there may already be a few signs that you need new insulation and by paying attention, you can act quickly to prevent any problems before it’s too late.
Signs You Need New Insulation:
- The age of your home: Since insulation is easy to forget about, older homes tend to have insufficient or damaged insulation. Some older types even contain dangerous substances like asbestos. If it’s been 20+ years since your last insulation installation, you probably don’t have enough insulation to really protect your home from exterior temperature changes anyway.
- Water damage: The best time to change your insulation is when you’re working on your roof, especially if you’ve recently had water damage. Water in your home is never a good thing - it compresses and damages insulation, making it inefficient and useless, and it’s the key ingredient in mold growth too.
- Pests: Uninvited guests of the four, six, and eight legged variety can leave your insulation looking like tornado has just gone through. Live pests also leave behind feces and other bodily functions. Dead ones leave behind something even more unpleasant and unsanitary. If you notice any unusual sounds, noises or activity in the attic, it’s best to get rid of them and have your insulation assessed as soon as possible.
- High utility bills: One of the biggest complaints our customers share with us is that their heating and cooling costs are astronomical - and can usually be greatly lessened or even fixed by an insulation replacement. If there’s a problem with your insulation, there’s usually also a lot of air leakage going on in your home, which makes for high bills and discomfort indoors.
- Drafts: This sign is related to the last problem - if your conditioned air is escaping your home, that likely means that air can also come INTO your home, resulting in hot or cool spots and drafty rooms. Re-insulating often completely eliminates these problems.
What are the Benefits of Removing Old Attic Insulation?
Sometimes a clean slate is the best approach to installing attic insulation. Not only does it allow us to thoroughly assess your attic for cracks, gaps, and other leaks or problems, but it offers an excellent opportunity to address moisture or air flow problems too. When you completely remove old insulation before adding new insulation, we often find you have:
- Fresher indoor air: Small particles from broken-down old insulation can affect indoor air quality.
- Improved health: Not only will better indoor air quality have a big effect on your overall health. Some kinds of old insulation are known to contain carcinogens and toxic substances like asbestos.
- Increased value: A home with a complete attic overhaul and fresh insulation is a huge bonus to a potential buyer and can help raise the resale value of your home.
- Lower utility bills: By increasing your energy efficiency with new insulation, you benefit every month by seeing lower bills.
How Long Does Insulation Last in the Attic?
When is it time to change your insulation? This is a difficult question to answer without a professional assessment of your attic and insulation, since every home has a unique ecology and factors that contribute to the longevity of insulation products. But there is a wealth of information out there about new, modern insulation, and the benefits and longevity of products like cellulose insulation that can tell you a lot about what to expect when you install new insulation in your home.
Depending on the type of insulation you choose, modern insulation can last from 80-100 years in ideal conditions. Problems like moisture, pests, and weather can all affect the lifespan for the majority of homes. This range is perfectly attainable, making insulation a smart renovation choice that will likely outlive the years you spend in your home.
Do You Need a Vapor Barrier for your Attic?
When adding new insulation to your attic, the question of whether or not you also need to install a vapor barrier varies depending on the material that you choose to install. When it comes to spray foam insulation, a vapor barrier is usually unnecessary, since the product naturally acts like one. But some homeowners may be surprised to learn that insulation like blown in cellulose doesn’t need one either - despite the fact it’s made up of paper (or perhaps because of it!) cellulose actually helps to wick and diffuse excess moisture in the attic. Adding a vapor barrier in this case would actually trap more moisture in the space and prevent that diffusion from happening which would lead to dangerous moisture buildup.
What is R-Value and How does it help in Insulation?
In any career, you’re likely to come across specialist terms or jargon that can make your first foray into the field a bit daunting. Like any other business, insulation installation also has those words, and one of our most frequently asked questions is about the term, R Value.
Insulation works by preventing air from one side of a structure moving to the other side. The way we measure how good it is at preventing this movement is called R Value. The higher an insulation’s R Value, the better it’s going to be at preventing exterior air from moving into your home (and vice versa!).
R Value recommendations are constantly being changed in the Ontario Building Code, so even if you live in a newer home, you may be under-insulated by today’s standards. If your home hasn’t been insulated in the last two decades, it’s definitely going to be time to top up or replace your attic insulation.
Which R Value do you need for the attic?
If the higher the R Value, the greater its ability to slow heat loss is true then the bigger the number, the better right? This is a common misconception in the home insulation trade. The true answer to this question lies in three main qualities: the unique needs of your home, the material you choose to use, and, of course, guidance from the Ontario Building Code.
Why You Need to Replace Old Insulation
Replacing older insulation eliminates a number of problems in the home that are caused by old and decayed insulation, such as mold, asbestos contamination, pest waste, and drafts. Old insulation is often compressed or damaged, which leaves you vulnerable to heat loss and the kind of structural and comfort issues that a lack of insulation brings.
Why Attic Insulation is Important
Attic insulation is one of the smartest renovations a homeowner can do for themselves, and is more important than insulating any other part of the home. This is primarily because heat rises, and, just like a wooly cap does for your head, insulation protects all that heat from streaming out of the top in the winter months (and prevents it from bearing down on the house during the summer).
This makes your whole home more comfortable year round, but also has a number of other important benefits that includes everything from saving you money to helping the environment. Heating and cooling costs for the average Canadian home accounts for about 50-70% of energy usage. If that energy (or conditioned air) is escaping out of the home through the attic, you’re losing that valuable air to the exterior. That’s why high energy bills is one of the major signs that you need better attic insulation - your furnace or air conditioner needs to constantly run to keep the thermostat level.
By increasing your attic insulation, you not only save money, but you also help protect the environment, since energy efficiency plays a big part in efforts to reduce our collective carbon footprint. Better attic insulation also has huge positives on other things like the wear and tear of your appliances, your indoor air quality, and the longevity of your home - all things that keep you happy, healthy, and safe in the long term.
Save Money with Insulation Uprades for Your Attic
Attic insulation is one of the best money saving renovations that you can do in your home! By having a professional attic assessment and insulation installation, the average homeowner can expect to see 15-20% of savings on their annual heating and cooling costs. Beyond that, new attic insulation also helps to reduce wear and tear on your air conditioner and furnace, and helps prevent problems like mold that often need expensive fixes. Insulation not only saves you money but it also helps bring you money as well, since insulation is a renovation that raises the value of your property.
Improve Winter Heat Rentention
When it comes to adding insulation to your home, adding it in the attic is one of the best places to help prevent heat loss during the winter months. While insulation also plays an important role in keeping you cool in the summer, it’s the winter months where it really shines. Attic insulation will help you do a number of things during the winter:
- Helps to lower your heating bills. Like a hat, insulation keeps a lid on the heat in your house, preventing it from escaping into the attic and out of your home.
- Helps to keep you comfortable on all floors. Heat likes to rise, and when it encounters a barrier, it will stop. Insulation provides that barrier which can help distribute air more evenly around the home.
- Prevents drafts and cold spots. If there’s a particularly cold room or part of your home, it could be due to air leakage and insufficient insulation.
- Less maintenance on your furnace: Let’s face it - in a Canadian winter when you and your family are home, the furnace is likely to be running. If a lack of insulation means that your furnace needs to work twice as hard to keep you warm, it also means that you’re going to be paying more for maintenance and might need to start thinking of replacing it sooner than you’d like.
Can You Put New Insulation Over Old?
One of the benefits of modern insulation methods and the kind of science-led research that is now available for homes, is that attic insulation no longer needs to be fully replaced. When it’s inadequate for your needs (or is no longer up to code), insulation can often just be topped up instead of replaced entirely.
Factors like age, type of insulation, and condition all need to be taken into account. Some types of insulation don’t play well with others - and insulation that is wet or has been damaged is usually better off completely removed. This is why it’s important to get a professional opinion and installation, since we can help guide you through the process and offer our knowledge and experience.
Why You Should Work with EcoStar Insulation
EcoStar Insulation has been hard at work helping families in the Greater Toronto Area get the most out of their homes since 2008. We specialize in installing new insulation in your attic, basement, or other areas in your home, and can safely remove and dispose of old materials. Our mission is to provide our customers with practical and affordable solutions for the unique needs of their homes. We want to help you save money and live smarter, healthier, and safer all year round.
By working with us, your home will be looked after by highly experienced, trained, and qualified technicians with solid on the job experience. We guarantee a high quality installation with as little mess and disruption to your daily routine as possible.
When it comes to improving your home, let us tell you about the many benefits that insulation can bring to you and your home. Our experts are friendly, helpful, and will help you feel informed about your options and the whole installation process. If you don’t believe us, just visit our HomeStars page to read first hand just how much our recent customers enjoyed working with us!
If you have any questions about something you’ve read today or about any of the products and services you may be interested in, give us a call!
