Expert Plaster and Drywall Services in Scugog, ON

The R values between blown in cellulose insulation and fiberglass insulation are the same but the thickness varies. On average, blown in cellulose insulation is 2-3 inches thinner than fiberglass insulation when both have the same R values. However, in a retrofit situation, blown-in cellulose insulation is the method of choice. Blown in cellulose insulation easily flows around obstructions, penetrates odd shaped cavities and it easily conforms around wires, electrical boxes and pipes. Blown in cellulose insulation is also 2-3 times denser than fiberglass insulation. Studies comparing cellulose insulation to fiberglass showed that cellulose insulation was 38% tighter and required 26% less energy.

Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Much of the existing housing stock in Canada was not insulated to the levels used today. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer homes, leading to higher heating and air-conditioning bills

When moist air touches a cold surface, some of the moisture may leave the air and condense, or become liquid. If moisture condenses inside a wall, or in your attic, you will not be able to see the water, but it can cause a number of problems. Insulation is an important part of your building envelope system, and all parts of that system must work together to keep moisture from causing damage to the structure or being health hazards to the occupants. For example, mold and mildew grow in moist areas, causing allergic reactions and damaging buildings.

Because heat rises, the first area to consider is the attic for adding insulation. Basement walls also can radiate cold into the house, so unfinished basements should be insulated with rigid foam as another basic form of heat loss protection. Installing insulation in the cavity of exterior walls is the most difficult. However, since exterior walls comprise the largest area of potential heat loss in any home, it is a good idea to consider adding thermal insulation within the wall cavities as a source of the greatest potential energy savings and increase in comfort. Noise reduction from adjoining neighbours, busy streets or barking dogs is an added bonus to insulating the exterior walls of your home.

Cellulose has been around for 60+ years. With increased awareness about being environmentally responsible and reducing energy costs and the ease with which it can be installed in hard-to-reach areas, homeowners, architects, engineers and builders have discovered that cellulose is a superior approach to traditional glass or mineral fiber insulation.