The thermal envelope on the other hand is composed of insulation and air & vapour barrier systems. These air barriers prevent the unwanted outside air from entering the house. They also prevent any air leakage of the indoor conditioned air. 

An exterior air barrier can consist of any solid material. This barrier will prevent the flow of air between conditioned and not conditioned spaces. Some examples of air barrier systems controlling the flow of air are:

• drywall 
• rigid foam insulation or 
• flexible air barriers (house wrap)

An effective air barrier needs to be continuous for yielding the best performance and energy efficiency. Building Codes dictate that exterior and interior air barrier systems must be fully aligned with the home’s layer of insulation. 

An air barrier needs to be continuous. For that, you need to air seal any seams between the structural sheathing, joints, vapor barrier, and the transition membrane.

Where Should An Air Barrier Be Installed?

The air barrier may be installed on the outer side of the inner side of the insulation. That depends on the materials comprising the building and the weather of the location.

The air barrier in walls should be positioned on the outer vertical surface of the insulation. That is valid for every type of weather, including Toronto. 

For the floors also the air barrier needs to be positioned on the outer vertical surface of the insulation.  There are cases where the floor stands above an area with no conditioned air. In this case, the subfloor needs to be aligned with the inner horizontal surface of the insulation. 

The insulation layer of the building can be easily seen by everyone. But it might be difficult on the other hand to determine what comprises the air barrier of a building. This can be especially true where building components meet each-other. 

This might be problematic. For the air barrier to be effective, it needs to be continuous around the entire building envelope. You have to anticipate that since the design stage. 

Take a copy of your residential home or commercial building drawings. In that, you can highlight all the parts that will form the air barrier on each floor.

Movement in Air Pressure Resulting in Infiltration and Exfiltration

Movement in air pressure on your home is caused by three main forces:

• Pressure caused from the Wind
• Stack pressure or the chimney effect
• HVAC system pressure

Pressure Caused from the Wind

Wind pressure can have a really big impact on the building’s energy efficiency. It affects the air leakage and the moisture conditions of the building. 

Wind puts a positive pressure when hitting the facade of the building. But as the wind slips the surface and reaches the corners of the building, it creates a cavity. At this point the wind moves very quickly, resulting in strong negative pressure at the corners. The pressure is less strong on the rest of the building such as walls and roofs. 

Stack Pressure or the Chimney Effect

The difference in temperature between the top and the bottom of a building creates different atmospheric pressure. This difference in atmospheric pressure is called the stack pressure, or the chimney effect. That in itself puts a different weight on the indoor and outdoor air columns in the winter. 

The stack pressure in winter results in air infiltrations at the bottom of the building and air infiltration at the top of it. The opposite is valid during the warm season and when air conditioning is used. 

HVAC System Pressure

The HVAC system can cause the so-called Fan Pressure. This system puts positive pressure on the inside of the building. That works perfectly for the warm weather season. But it can create serious enclosure problems towards the wind and stack pressures. 

HVAC technicians use the Fan Pressure to block air and outdoor pollutants infiltrations. Recent estimates put the percentage of additional energy needed to heat and cool buildings due to air infiltration and exfiltration between 10% in cold climates and up to 42% in hot climates. 

Eco Spray Insulation to the Rescue

Are you planning on insulating your home? Want to know if your home requires an air barrier or a vapor barrier? Do you have any questions regarding spray foam insulation products, cost, and prices? 

Are you in between closed cell and open cell insulation? Do you need the opinion of an insulation contractor? 

Then give us a call today at (416) 860-6664 or send us an email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca with your insulation requirements and we will be happy to assist you.

Cellulose and fiberglass insulation can also compress or settle down with the passing of time. This will result in the loss of heat insulation qualities.

Exterior wall insulation problems directly affect the comfort of your home. They make it harder to control the indoor climate, causing the HVAC system to work extensively and resulting in higher energy costs.

Another problem compromising the exterior wall insulation efficiency is the quality of doors and windows installation. When areas around windows and doors are not properly sealed, they leave room for air and vapour leakage.

To mitigate the exterior wall insulation problems, make sure that all the wall cavities have been properly insulated. An air barrier would do pretty good work in limiting or blocking the flow of indoor warm air inside the walls. This will prevent the condensation of the indoor warm air in contact with the outside cold walls. It will also minimize the conditions for mould growth.

Some of the main problems related to exterior wall insulation include: 

• moisture in exterior walls, 
• settling of insulation over time,
• condensation on exterior walls, 
• ventilation issues, 
• cracks and mechanical damages.

Moisture in Exterior Walls

Exterior walls cannot function properly if moisture finds its way and infiltrates the wall system. Moist walls create an ideal environment for mould growth. We find moisture in two different forms: water and vapour.

There are several paths through which water can infiltrate exterior walls systems. Water that comes from rain can find its way through cracks or other defects in the roof and around doors and windows.

Groundwater that is found around the house can penetrate the wall structure through capillary suction. During this process, water is suctioned through the wall capillaries from below and transferred into higher parts of the wall.

And there is water in the form of vapour, which doesn’t need any cracks or breaks to penetrate the wall. Water vapour diffuses through the wall materials and gets condensed in contact with cold wall surfaces.

If moisture finds its way inside your walls, then conditions are met for the mould and mildew to flourish. Certain insulation materials like fiberglass and cellulose insulation are known to retain moisture and thus, serving as mould growth promoters.

The best solution, in this case, would be to make sure that the wall cavities are properly filled with insulation. The best type of insulation to isolate your exterior walls is spray foam insulation. SF insulation is dense, has a high thermal resistance value, and does not retain moisture.

Old Insulation in Exterior Walls

There are two types of loose fill insulation materials: blown in cellulose and fiberglass insulation. These insulating materials tend to settle and sag over time. 

If insulation sags, then it loses its thermal insulating properties. Thus, it is not able to preserve the energy of the building. Outside cold air will penetrate the exterior walls while warm indoor air will leak outside. This will cause the HVAC system to work intensively, making it harder to control and maintain the required indoor climate.

If your exterior wall insulation has lost its thermal insulating qualities then it might be time for a replacement. You can either replace it with the same material or opt for a better option such as injected spray foam insulation. The latter does not settle nor sag. It does not retain moisture and is dense enough to retain its shape and thermal insulating properties.

Fiberglass and cellulose blown in insulation on the other hand are not a good option for the exterior walls. They come in the form of loose fill insulation which has the tendency to settle over time. These insulating materials have a low thermal resistance value per inch. Thus, exterior wall insulation with loose fill insulation would not achieve the required R-Value.  

Condensation on Exterior Walls

In places with cold weather such as Ontario and the greater area, condensation on exterior walls is a known problem. This is the result of indoor warm air coming into contact with the cold surfaces of the exterior walls.

Condensation on exterior walls is prevented by using air barriers to stop the flow of indoor warm air. Vapour barriers on the other hand are used to limit the vapour diffusion.

But condensation does not happen from the inside only. There is also condensation that comes from the frost generated on the outside of the walls during the colder months. Frost generated on the outside will thaw comes the warm weather. The liquid water can thus find its way inside of the exterior walls.

If cavities on the exterior walls are not properly insulated then the condensed moisture can cause the walls to rot or to generate mould and mildew.

Exterior Walls Ventilation Issues

Ventilation ducts are installed for certain reasons. Instead of covering them up, they need to be extended further in order to properly exercise their function.

Ventilation ducts serve as air passage channels to control the indoor climate and air quality. That being said, you must be careful to not cover them up as it might cause condensation.

If inside dry air is an issue, then you should turn to innovative ventilation equipment. They will prevent air from drying out and at the same time allow air circulation.

It is very important to understand how the exterior wall insulation will affect the ventilation of the indoor environment. It will be easier for you to control the air circulation and maintain the required indoor climate.

Installed ventilation boxes need to be checked for installation quality and functionality. If you do not have any ventilation equipment in place, then you should contact an insulation expert. They will assess the areas which need ventilation and will install them properly.

Cracks and Damages on Exterior Walls

These types of damages do not appear themselves on the exterior walls. It is however possible for them to occur due to external factors. It can be from extreme weather conditions, hard objects hitting the exterior walls, or even vehicles being clashed on your walls.

Though appearing rarely, these types of problems occur and we are here to address them. In case of exterior wall cracks and damages be quick to contact an emergency response contractor. They can have a detailed look and offer the correct solution to repair your walls.

A quick response is crucial to preventing further damage to the exterior wall structure. An open wall is more prone to moisture penetration and mould growth as a consequence.

Other areas that require special attention are the openings and air leakages around the windows and doors. The silicone used to seal them loses its function over time. Functionless silicone will not be able to block outside air and moisture infiltration. It is best to minimize silicone usage and replace this with adequate beads and trims.

Exterior Wall Insulation Problems Solved

To overcome exterior wall insulation problems it is important to first understand how each insulation material works and what their insulating properties are.

Loose fill insulation such as blown in cellulose and fiberglass have a lower thermal resistance value per inch. Thus, more material is needed to achieve the required R-Value. They also tend to settle and sag over time. This will result in loss of the thermal insulating qualities.

Spray foam insulation on the other hand is a dense material with a higher thermal insulating value per inch. It does not retain moisture and also maintains its shape and form over time. These qualities make spray foam the best insulation material for your exterior walls.

Do your exterior walls feel cold to the touch? Do you need new insulation or replace the old insulation on your exterior walls? Do the exterior walls show any sign of moisture accumulation or mould growth? Call us at (416) 860-6664 or send us an email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca for a free estimate.

If you will add additional insulation to the outside walls of an older home while revamping or renovating, you should realize that this is an extraordinary method of improving a home’s warm presentation and reducing energy use while reducing heating bills, carbon impression and improving a building’s comfort level. It might look simple to go get a few packs of rigid insulation panels down at the neighborhood home improvement shop and screw them to your walls, however except if you see how your current walls are manufactured and how they “work” regard keeping moisture, warmth, and cold where they ought to be for sturdiness, the protection boards probably won’t be the main things you’re messing up!

Adding protection to the outside of a home accurately begins with setting up what climate zone you are working in and how the current wall is worked to ensure you are not making a condensation point at a dangerous place within the wall assembly, or keeping interior moisture rom the occasional leak in the exterior skin from running away, so the wall structure can dry out. . 

The exterior walls, on the other hand , you should insulate them. It is very important to insulate the space between the living space and unconditioned areas like garages or attic storage spaces. There is no need to insulate between areas that are both conditioned. 

If you’re adding a room or finishing a previously unfinished area, be sure to insulate the exterior walls. If you’re remodeling and your project involves removing interior drywall or other finish material, be sure to insulate the walls before installing the new interior surface.

For recently added walls or redesigns where the wall cavities are uncovered, the simplest material to use is fiberglass batts. Make certain to utilize the right thickness – compacting a six-inch batt to fit a two by four wall cavity will really bring about a lower R-value than a standard three-and-one-half inch batt. Be sure the coverage is finished – slice the batts  You should also install a vapor retarder directly behind the drywall or interior finish material to prevent any moisture migration into the wall cavity. Blown-in protection is normally utilized when the walls are completely enclosed. Materials include free fiberglass, cellulose, and a few kinds of foam-in-place insulation.

What is the right amount of insulation for the walls?

The best amount of insulation for the walls is decided by our professional team, by determining your climate zone will help decide on an appropriate amount of wall insulation for your home, whether you are in a heating or a cooling climate. You can accumulate a short rundown of the sorts of insulation that best suits you by figuring out what your greatest concerns are, but the best choice is that our experts check the place and give you the best solution.

How to Insulate Walls in an Old House

Many homeowners have made the mistake of drilling holes in walls, blowing in cellulose insulation and tightly sealing walls back up.This is not a DIY project.The best way to not spend your money for nothing and not wasting your time, is contacting us and let us do the whole process.Moisture can build up, eventually leading to mold, wood rot, and foggy windows.

The Eco Spray team has a lot of tools and experience in insulating the walls and not only. One of the ways that we use to insulate walls of an old house is to focus on the home’s exterior:

1. Our experts will apply a house wrap/vapor barrier to exterior walls.
2. Then they will attach 1-inch foam board insulation.
3. After that, they will Install siding over the insulation.
4. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient units.
5. Using weatherstripping to reduce air leaks
6. They will remove the weather barrier and cladding before drilling holes.
7. Replace single-pane windows with energy-efficient windows.
8. Replace or add water-resistant flashing.
9. And the last thing but not least, they will blow in loose foam insulation, and seal drill holes.

Choosing Interior or Exterior Insulation: The Pros and Cons

Advantages of insulation on the exterior of basement walls:

1. Minimizes thermal bridging and reducing heat loss through the foundation.
2. Protects the waterproofing membrane from damage during backfilling.
3. Serves as a capillary break to moisture intrusion.
4. Protects the foundation from the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle.
5. Reduces the potential for condensation on surfaces in the basement.
6. Conserves indoor space, relative to installing insulation on the interior.

Disadvantages of insulation on the exterior of basement walls:

1. Costs may be high depending on materials and approach selected.
2. Expensive for an existing building unless a perimeter drainage system is being installed at the same time.
3. May be susceptible to insect infestation, however, Mar-flex offers insect resistant materials.
4. Contractors may be unfamiliar with proper detailing procedures that are critical to the performance.
5. Buildings with high radon will need a radon mitigations system to use exterior insulation.

Advantages of insulation on the interior of basement walls:

1. Interior insulation is much less expensive to install than exterior insulation for existing buildings.
2. Almost any insulation type can be used, however rigid foam EPS is recommended.
3. Space is isolated from colder earth more effectively than when using external methods.

Disadvantages of insulation on the interior of basement walls:

1. Many types require a fire-rated covering because they may release toxic gases when ignited.
2. Reduces your usable interior space by a few inches.
3. Doesn’t protect the waterproofing coating like exterior insulation.
4. May become damp if perimeter drainage is poor.

Cost vs. Savings

While retrofitting exterior wall insulation can be difficult and costly, it can often pay for itself in reduced energy bills. The more you spend on annual space heating and cooling energy costs, the more you’ll save and the faster you’ll recover the cost of installing the insulation.

Reasons why you should insulate your exterior walls!

With regards to introducing home insulation in Toronto, the storage room appears to get all the consideration. This consideration is justified – all things considered, hot air rises, and in the event that it effectively escapes through your rooftop, at that point your heater will be running much more than it would something else. In any case, the attic isn’t the main aspect of the home that can profit by having insulation introduced. For example, protecting the outside walls are similarly as essential to bringing down your energy charges as protecting the storage room may be. Here’s a gander at why, just like the advantages of doing as such.

Why Insulate The Exterior Walls?

Insulating the exterior walls is beneficial for two main reasons when it comes to conserving energy:

• It helps significantly with air sealing, so certain rooms don’t feel drafty when compared to others.
• It helps to disrupt the heat loss/heat gain cycle that can occur year round.

While the previous motivation to protect outside walls is genuinely obvious, the last point may require a smidgen more clarification to comprehend. In the winter, the inappropriate fixing can make heat get away from the house and cold air to come into the home, which isn’t incredible with regards to energy preservation. Protecting outside walls helps in the late spring as well, as the sweltering sun thumps on the house, warming it. Similarly, as chilly air can go into the house and sweltering air can get away from it in the winter, the inverse can occur in the mid year, putting a strain on the A/C unit and not helping your service bills. 

• While there’s no real bad time to insulate the exterior walls, ideal times for convenience’s sake may include when you’re doing any major exterior home renovations, such as replacing the siding.

We listed the two main benefits of insulating the exterior walls as it pertains to conserving energy and saving you money on utilities, but there are other benefits too. These include:

• Sound barrier: Good insulation doesn’t just prevent heat or cool air from escaping, it also creates a nice sound barrier between your home and whatever is happening outside. So with the right insulation, you’ll hear less outside commotion of cars going by, kids playing and dogs barking. It works both ways, too, as your neighbors won’t hear you cheering so loudly for your favorite sports team during the big game.
• Energy tax credits: As if the ROI of installing insulation isn’t already attractive enough, it’s likely that any new insulation you add to your home qualifies for an “energy efficiency improvement” tax credit. You may even be able to get a grant for new home installation to further sweeten the pot.
• Reduce moisture intrusion: Under the right conditions, a lack of proper insulation has the potential to cause moisture intrusion in the home. This can eventually lead to mold growth, which is an even bigger problem.

Q: Does external wall insulation cause mould?

A: Buildings need great ventilation so as to protect indoor air quality and furthermore to prevent condensation, which can prompt moistness over the long haul. There’s no motivation behind why strong wall insulation ought to keep a property from breathing, however. A good external wall insulation installer will leave holes around air vents and utilize breathable render. This means that, while the insulation will slow air transfer in and out of your home (therefore keeping it warmer in the winter), it will still allow the house to breathe.  Clearly, you’ll actually need to guarantee ventilation through opening windows and utilizing extraction fans when fundamental. This is particularly significant in possibly moist rooms, for example, bathrooms and kitchens.

Q: Is external wall insulation a fire hazard?

A: Most external wall insulation frameworks are totally protected, and there is a distinction between outside cladding and EWI. It’s clearly beneficial to check you’re utilizing a decent installer and nice materials, yet by far most producers plan their materials to be fire retardant. While EPS (expanded polystyrene) is burnable, it doesn’t spread the fire. Also, EPS boards will not burn once encased in a cement-based render, but if you’re especially worried, you could opt for mineral wool, which is non-combustible.

Q: Can external wall insulation damage health?

A: With cavity wall insulation, walls are regularly loaded up with blown in fiberglass or urea formaldehyde, which some states can have well-being impacts. EPS, wood fiber, and mineral fleece (the insulation part of the framework) come in strong squares, which means they won’t separate and deliver.

Request a Free Quote for Spray Foam Insulation