As modern homeowners, we want to make a long-term influence on the environment by upgrading and retrofitting our homes with ecologically friendly items. The advantages of environmentally friendly insulation are comparable to those of traditional insulation types, with the added benefit of being safer for the environment and your family.

The Advantages of Environmentally Friendly Insulation

Adding insulation to your home is the most effective approach to reduce your carbon footprint because the increased protection from the elements means you spend less energy to heat your home and keep your air conditioning running for longer. However, there are additional advantages to using eco-friendly insulation:

Materials that are safe and long-lasting:

Natural and sustainable are popular buzzwords in the consumer goods industry, and for good reason. One of the most significant advantages of eco-friendly insulation is that it contains fewer dangerous compounds, such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Most are less irritant to the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract, and many are made of recycled materials, diverting trash from landfills.

Lower Manufacturing Costs: 

Embodied energy – the cost of producing anything – is quite high in some insulation materials, such as fiberglass, which can take up to 10 times as much energy to produce as cellulose insulation. In comparison, environmentally friendly materials such as cork, wool, or even shredded denim require minute amounts.

Savings on energy:

The main advantage of eco-friendly insulation is that it helps you be green in other ways because stronger insulation means you use less gas or fuel to run your furnace. Furthermore, green alternatives can deliver a significantly greater R-value per square inch!

Commercial Building Insulation Importance

Greater energy efficiency, lower energy bills

The value of energy efficiency is obvious: it saves building occupants money on energy bills while lowering CO2 emissions from power plants, hence lowering carbon footprints.

As energy expenses rise and the public becomes more aware of the carbon footprint, the benefits become increasingly important. More than a dozen major Canadian metro areas have enacted commercial and multifamily energy benchmarking standards in recent years, which means that existing buildings must report on annual energy use and obtain a score from 0-100 based on their efficiency. 

These scores are frequently made public, and disclosure is essential for any real estate transaction, which might have an impact on prospective buyers and tenants. As energy efficiency becomes more important in building transactions, astute commercial building professionals will detect and profit from this trend by designing and constructing buildings that surpass regulations and distinguish themselves from the competition.

Meeting the comfort demands of the occupants

Thermal comfort is a significant factor in occupant happiness. Occupants are likely to be dissatisfied in a facility that is uncomfortable or has considerable temperature changes. Although insulation and air sealing are important factors in thermal comfort, meeting code is no guarantee of occupant satisfaction.

In fact, ASHRAE has a distinct standard for achieving occupant thermal comfort expectations: ASHRAE Standard 55-2013.

It is tempting to believe that more targeted heating and cooling control is the answer to satisfying tenants throughout a facility. However, without sufficient insulation and air sealing, heat will always migrate to cold places, requiring occupants to expend even more energy to remain comfortable.

Acoustic Influence

The body of studies proving the relationship between noise and workplace productivity and satisfaction is growing. According to a recent Cambridge Sound Management survey, 30 percent of office workers are distracted by their peers’ talks. 

Similarly, according to another survey, 60% of employees report being more productive when the office is quiet. The issue of noise is becoming more prevalent as the trend toward more open workspaces, floating walls, and glass features increases.

Acoustic design is a highly complex process that is influenced by numerous building elements such as building type, location, and occupancy. Insulation may not be able to provide a quiet office on its own, but it should be incorporated into acoustic design and solutions. The acoustic qualities of various types of insulation should also be compared and assessed.

Sustainability and Responsibility

In 2015, an expected 40-48 percent of new non-residential construction would be “green,” and 13.8 billion square feet of building space is LEED-certified as of August 2015. What effect does this have on commercial building professionals? Lease rates for “green” areas might be up to 20% higher than the national average, resulting in high rental prices and lower vacancy rates. 

Comparing and selecting insulation types is an important component of sustainable design, as it contributes to decreased energy use, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort. Certain types of insulation can also help meet recycled content criteria while reducing GHG emissions.

Popular Green Insulation Types

Cellulose

This popular environmentally friendly insulating material is manufactured from recycled paper goods. Paper can emit dangerous greenhouse gases when it decomposes in a landfill. When recycled into insulation, cellulose is one of the most environmentally friendly options for anyone trying to decrease hazardous items in their house.

Fiberglass

Another popular insulation material comes in a variety of compositions and is most commonly employed blown-in or as batts. It is glass sand blown into fibrous strands, as the name implies, and creates an efficient insulation layer that will last for decades.

Sheep Wool

Nomads, pioneers, and people all around the world have used sheep’s wool for centuries to warm their bodies, cover tents, and insulate their homes – and it works! Sheep’s wool, which is fire, water, and mold resistant, provides an excellent home insulation material and is gaining favor among people looking for environmentally responsible solutions for their homes.

Wool evolved over generations to keep sheep warm, dry, and safe from the weather, and it is sometimes of little or no benefit to farmers in the commercial farming business, who must shear the animals every six months to keep them healthy. Wool, when used as insulation, can help eliminate the need to constantly regulate your indoor temperature, saving you both energy and money.

Foam board insulation is a great alternative to the very common fiberglass batt insulation in most of our homes. It has a higher R-value per inch of thickness, is resistant to moisture, and is easy to work with.

There are a few different types of foam board insulation:

• Expanded polystyrene (EPS). This is the same thing that your disposable cup of coffee is made of and used to protect fragile items in their packaging. It has an R-value of 4 per inch of thickness and is the cheapest type of foam board insulation. EPS is used under roofing, over foundation walls, and under the siding.
• Polystyrene extruded. This foam board insulation is made of rigid pink or blue panels that can be found at home centers in many different thicknesses. It is thicker than EPS and provides a higher R-Value rating of 5 per inch of thickness. This foam board insulation is available with straight or tongue-and-groove edges to help reduce air movement. It is available in all size configurations to accommodate a number of different applications. One common use of extruded polystyrene foam boards is for base insulation panels.
• Polyiso (Polyisocyanurate). This is a thicker and more expensive foam board insulation. It provides an R-value of 6 per inch of thickness and is often foil-faced to help reflect radiant heat. Polyiso comes in several thicknesses and is used over house sheathing beneath the siding or in attic spaces where its reflective properties are very effective.

Rim Joist Foam Board Insulation: Pros and Cons

Rim Joist Foam Board Insulation Pros:

• Some rigid foam products are water resistant. This helps to reduce the build-up of moisture and the growth of mildew.
• Expanded polystyrene board is the only type that does not use HCFCs in its production, making it a greener choice.
• Expanded polystyrene board is the cheapest foam board product on the market. The expanded board is made from mold to contain small foam beads.
• Extruded polystyrene foam is cheap, lightweight, and easy to use. Extruded polystyrene foam is produced when the liquid foam is continuously expelled through the die and expands during the cooling process. This produces a closed cell insulation of rigid foam.

Rim Joist Foam Board Insulation Cons:

• To prevent air flow, joints between sheets and boards must be taped.
• The sheets must be customized to fit the joist rim area.
• Air bubbles inside the expanded polystyrene board stop heat transfer, but may accumulate moisture, making it ineffective.
• Polyiso may suffer from reduced isolation over time.
• Foam boards are slightly more expensive than traditional insulation materials.

Rim Joist Fiberglass Insulation: Pros and Cons

Fiberglass is an insulation material made of plastic that is reinforced with extremely fine glass fibers. 

Fiberglass is considered a traditional form of insulation found in the walls, attics, crawling space, and rim joists of older homes.

Rim Joist Fiberglass Insulation Pros:

• Fiberglass is cheap compared to other rim joist insulation materials.
• Fiberglass can be a Do-It-Yourself project for an experienced homeowner.

Rim Joist Fiberglass Insulation Cons:

• Fiberglass, according to Home Construction Improvement, does not do as good a job in isolating the rim joist.
• Fiberglass insulation in the rim joist is prone to mold problems as it holds condensation against the wood leading to mold and decay formation.
• Because the fiberglass batts are air permeable, the material does nothing to prevent warm, humid interior air from coming into contact with the rim joist.
• When fiberglass in the rim joist is disturbed, it can release particles into the air that can be inhaled, causing coughing, nosebleeds, and other respiratory problems. When the material comes into contact with the skin, small particles may lodge in the pores causing rashes, irritation, and itching.
• If the fiberglass insulation in the rim joist has to be disturbed, it should be the person near the area.
• Should wear protective gear such as gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and goggles.

Rim Joist Spray Foam Insulation: Pros and Cons

Spray foam insulation will fill every nook and cranny in the rim joist as it creates an air barrier that will seal the area to stop any outside air from entering.

The main ingredients of spray foam insulation are water-soaked and organic chemical compounds derived from petroleum extracts.

Rim Joist Spray Foam Insulation Pros:

• Spray foam insulation does not retain water, so any moisture near the rim joist would not promote mold or mildew growth in the area. 
• Spray foam is not a food source for pests that can be found near the rim joist.
• Spray foam creates an air seal that prevents outside air from entering and reduces drafts near the floorboard.
• Spray foam insulation is safe for the environment.
• The material is Class One Fire Rated, making it safe for your home.

Rim Joist Spray Foam Insulation Cons:

• A homeowner may not want to install spray foam insulation on his own in the rim joist, but instead, choose to hire an experienced contractor.
• Some spray foam brands have a slight odor after they have been applied. It is important for homeowners to note which spray foam brand is being installed in their homes. 
• Spray foam insulation tends to be a more expensive material compared to other traditional forms of insulation used for joist rims.

More Benefits of Rim Joist Insulation

If you’re planning to add more insulation to your home, make sure the band joist is one of the locations you’re addressing. There are several benefits of boosting home insulation (including the rim joist). It helps to:

• Lower energy bills: proper insulation is one of the most important features of an energy-efficient home. By keeping the air conditioned inside where you want it, you’re going to end up maintaining a comfortable home more easily and at a lower expense.
• Improve comfort: If you’ve ever sat next to the window, you’ll appreciate how uncomfortable outdoor air infiltration can be. A well-insulated rim joist helps keep the basement at a comfortable, steady-state temperature on par with the rest of the house.
• Contribute to a healthier environment: whenever you reduce energy consumption, you will certainly save money, but you will also do your part for the environment! If a lower carbon footprint is your goal, insulation is a step in the right direction.

Why should you choose Eco Spray Insulation?

• Good price/quality ratio and value for your money 
• Highest R-Value 
• The best products in the market
• Provide comfort for your whole house
• As a professional company, we take a lot more care of each customer
• Friendly helpful service
• We try really hard to satisfy our clients 
• We believe in renewable energy solutions
• We promote energy efficiency
• We have the best experts that will give you different options so you can ensure your home.

If you need a free estimate just contact us at (416) 860-6664 or email us at info@ecoprayinsulation.ca.

We are here to give you solutions!

What is Batt Insulation?

Batt Insulation is made of flexible fibers, most commonly fiberglass, also you can find batts and rolls made from mineral wool (which is also called rock wool), plastic fibers, and natural fibers such as cotton and sheep’s wool. It is cut into large thick pads or “batts”. This type of insulation can be used to insulate ceilings, floors, walls, and attics. Batt insulation often is used to fit between the framing of the home. For easy transportation, they are also manufactured in different sizes. Batt insulation is sold in a variety of R-Values and is the most comfortable and cheapest way to insulate new walls. It maintains its effectiveness because it doesn’t settle over some time.

Batt is also available in widths suited to standard spacing of wall studs, attic rafters, and floor joists. In order to maintain moisture levels under control during a wide range of temperatures, batt insulation will require a vapour barrier to install. Regarding air infiltration, it can be reduced by adding a layer of cellulose loose-fill on top of the material. If installed correctly, batt insulation can reduce the amount of energy required to cool or heat a house by 50%. Batt insulation installs quickly, easy and it delivers excellent thermal and sound control.

What is the R-Value of Batt Insulation?

R-Value describes how well the insulation works once installed. The R-Value of batt insulation depends on the thickness of the install. Mineral wool batts have a higher R-Value than fiberglass batts. Properly installing insulation around electrical wiring and plumbing, while ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attic, can be a complex process. A professional contractor has the skills and experience to properly install insulation to maximize effectiveness.

Mineral Wool Insulation vs. Fiberglass Insulation

From all the different types of insulation, fiberglass and mineral wool are probably the most similar ones. They both come in batts that are trimmed to fit inside stud bays, but that is where the similarities end. Mineral wool and fiberglass are completely different materials. Which one is better for your house situation? Take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of both types of insulation:

Size ➜ Fiberglass is available in a wider range of sizes and types than mineral wool. Mineral wool is only available in unfaced batts that are pressed into place.

R-Value ➜ The higher the R-Value the better is the thermal resistance. In comparison to fiberglass insulation, mineral wool has a higher R-Value, ranging between 3.3 and 3.5 inches.

Sustainability ➜ Fiberglass contains 20 to 30% recycled content while mineral wool insulation is composed of 70% or more recyclent content.

Weight ➜ Fiberglass is lightweight but it can be challenging to set into place because the batts are rather limp. On the other hand mineral wool is heavier than fiberglass, but the batts are also stiffer so they don’t bend over as easily. 

Water Resistance ➜ Mineral wool insulation is highly resistant to moisture and water. In case that fiberglass insulation gets wet, it becomes soggy and its insulating value drops.

Fire Resistance ➜ Mineral wool insulation is fire resistant and also can be used as a firestop, but fiberglass insulation is not as fire resistant as mineral wool.

Installation➜  To cut mineral wool use a serrated knife or woodcutting handsaw. In order to cut fiberglass insulation, compress it flat with a metal straightedge then slice it with a utility knife. In the mineral wool insulation, there is no stapling required because it comes in dense, firm batts that are friction-fit into place. While Fiberglass batts must be secured with staples or wires.

Where Can Batt Insulation Be Installed?

Batt insulation can be installed wherever you would install any type of insulation. Including floors, walls, ceiling, crawlspaces, and attics. However, is particularly well-suited for rooms on the cold north side of the house. Also for rooms in need of sound deadening, such as home theatres, music studios, etc. If properly installed, fiberglass insulation properly installed can keep your home well insulated and reduce your energy consumption for years to come. 

How to Install Batt Insulation in Walls    

Batt insulation comes pre-cut in the standard wall stud sizes, making it easy to install for most wall cavities. All it takes is a utility knife and a little patience to make sure the insulation completely fills the stud cavity, top to bottom and side to side, without being overly compressed. 

The installation may appear easy but there are some risks for a DIY installer. It is very important to consult a professional insulation contractor.

How to Install Batt Insulation in Attics

Batt insulation in attics is installed in the same manner as in a wall cavity. But you should be careful not to stuff the insulation too deeply into the area along the eaves of the house. Because it will block the soffit vents and prevent air from flowing into the attic and out a ridge vent. If it is necessary, staple polystyrene attic vents baffles between the roof rafters to prevent the insulation from covering the soffit vents.

Choose Eco Spray Insulation

At Eco Spray Insulation, we recommend that you consult a professional insulation contractor before you attempt any DIY insulation install. Our experts can highlight potential problems you may run into and they can ensure that you are taking the most cost effective route for your install.

Our team is determined to bring to homeowners the first rate quality products and the highest standard of expertise. Contact us at (416) 860-6664, or by email at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca and our Professional Team will be happy to assist you.

Blown in is one of the most used insulating materials for attic insulation. Yet, despite its isolating qualities, there are quite some false impressions and rumours that surround blown in insulation. If you are planning on insulating your home, you need to stop believing these myths. Once we explain in detail all the issues surrounding blown in insulation, you will not be reluctant anymore to use it in your home or even suggest it to your neighbours. At Eco Spray Insulation we cherish the qualities of blown in insulation and continuously recommend it to our customers and clients, be that for big renovation projects or just for attic insulation. First of all, let us remind you of what blown in insulation is and then we will get back to the myths and questions surrounding the later.

What is Blown In Insulation?

Blown In Insulation is a product that has been used for decades for its thermal insulating properties. If you apply blown in insulation to your home, it will help control the indoor climate, will lower your heating/cooling bills, and will act as a barrier to any external acoustic and other pollutants. The loose fill insulation comes in two forms, cellulose and fiberglass based. Both materials have great thermo-insulating qualities, come at a reasonable price, and are a great application for insulating attics, basements, exterior walls, etc.

Blown In cellulose insulation is a great choice for customers who are interested in finding eco-friendly solutions for their home insulation. The base material for this type of insulation is up to 85% composed of recycled paper waste. Natural chemicals like boric acid are added to cellulose insulation to make it resistant to fire ignition and keep it free from mould and other pests.

Fiberglass blown in insulation on the other hand is made of spun glass. It is loose fill and has the same thermal-insulating properties just like cellulose insulation but comes in pink color and at a slightly lower price.

Blown In Insulation is only for the colder months:  FALSE

It is widely believed by homeowners that blown in insulation is useful for keeping the home warm for the winter months. While this is true, it is neglecting the fact that blown in insulation has isolating properties for the warmer months also. During the winter, blown in insulation acts as a thermo-isolating barrier, keeping the cold outside while preserving the heat inside. Quite the opposite is valid for the summer months when blown in insulation keeps the heat outside and preserves air conditioning inside the house. Whatever the time of the year, blown in insulation will ensure that your home is comfortable, your indoor climate is easily maintained and that your HVAC system consumes less energy.

The more insulation, the higher the thermal resistance values:  FALSE

Some homeowners think that they will increase their home energy efficiency by installing more blown in insulation. This is not true actually. When thinking about insulating your home, you have to account for ventilation options as well, as the two work together to regulate the indoor climate and moisture. Installing too much blown in insulation will compromise the necessary air flow in your house, with the possibility of trapping humidity inside and creating a perfect environment for mould growth. Too much blown in insulation on the other hand would be useless if not installed properly. Before proceeding with a blown in application, you have to consult an experienced contractor on how they plan to address all the issues related to air leakage, ventilation and moisture.

The current blown in insulation at my home is just fine:  FALSE

The current level of blown in insulation in most homes stands at 6-10 inches which is far away from the required level of blown in insulation of 18 inches (R60 resistance value). If this is the case, your home is probably under insulated and you have to address this issue with an insulation expert. Provincial building codes have been updated to require a higher level of insulation and most of the homes currently fall short of their insulation levels. Our experts at Eco Spray Insulation are here to help you decide among the blown in insulation options we have in place for you: replacement of old insulation or top-up of existing one.

Blown in insulation can cause or helps spread fire:  FALSE

Another false myth about blown in insulation is that it can cause fire or help it to spread. Quite the opposite is actually the truth as the installation of blown in insulation is designed in such a way that it will help mitigate or slow down potential fires. The treatment of blown in cellulose insulation with boric acid and the density of the application will minimize the oxygen levels and will suppress or slow down any fire. These qualities of blown in insulation make it a safe choice for your home insulation.

Blown in insulation is harmful:  FALSE

Blown in insulation is manufactured and licensed for wide use under strict guidelines and so it is proved that it poses no risks to the health of homeowners. It is essential though that during and 24 hours after the application process, the site be vacated by homeowners and other trade members and limited to persons wearing personal protective equipment. After proper installation and ventilation of the site, it will be permissible for the homeowners to return home and continue with their day to day activities.

Blown in insulation only lasts for a couple of years:  FALSE

Blown in insulation material that is of high quality and is properly installed and maintained can last for as long as the building is in place. The products we use are resistant to moisture, preventing the growth of mould and can even be recycled to produce new blown in insulation. Thus, investing in your home insulation will soon pay you back in home conformity and energy savings, and what’s more pleasing, it will last for a lifetime.

Blown in insulation is used for attic insulation only:  FALSE

While most of the blown in applications are related to attics, other great places where you can apply blown in insulation are basements, floorings, and other crawl and hard to reach spaces. Adding blow in insulation is one of the best renovations you can do for your home.  Your upper rooms will not feel as cold anymore after you have put blown in insulation in your attic, and the flooring above the basement will feel warmer to your feet after you have insulated them with blown in.

Blown in insulation is not used in old homes:  FALSE

Actually, one of the best cases for blown in insulation application is old homes and especially century old homes. These homes barely have any insulation in place and when they do, the quality of the insulation is very poor. It requires only small patches or holes to be able to apply blown in insulation behind closed walls and plasters, resulting in less mess and fuss and finishing the whole process probably within a day.

Renovate your house this season with Blown In Insulation

Having a lot of confusing information around can be misleading to your decisions when it comes to home insulation. Our experienced technicians at Eco Spray Insulation will answer all of your questions related to blown in and any other type of insulation and will guide you through in making the right decisions for your home renovations this season. As we explained here above, blown in insulation is a safe and high quality product that will transform your home into a more comfortable and crozier place, and what’s the best of it all, it will last for a very long time. Give us a call at (416) 860-6664 or send us an e-mail at info@ecosprayinsulation.ca with your insulation questions, and our technicians and experts will be happy to assist you in no time.

What is Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass Insulation is a material made from fine glass fibers and sand. It is also sometimes referred to as glass wool or fiberglass batts.  The thermal insulations made by fiberglass consist of intertwined and flexible glass fibers, which causes it to create millions of tiny air pockets. These air pockets are the actual insulator. Fiberglass as an insulator slows the spread of heat, cold, and sound in structures. The material does this by trapping pockets of air, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cooler in the summer.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiberglass Insulation

Advantages:

• Low weight. This makes it easier to work with even in DIY projects and can shorten the time of installation on a professional install.
• Minimal maintenance. Fiberglass is very long-lasting and requires minimal maintenance compared to other types of insulation.
• Thermal Insulation. Without fiberglass, it would be extremely difficult to keep warm or cool. This means lower utility costs, quieter, and a more comfortable living environment.

Disadvantages:

• Dangerous to humans. During installation, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air which may be inhaled by those installing or removing it. When inhaled, particles can cause coughing and other respiratory ailments.

Fiberglass for Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is a very popular home improvement project. If your attic has proper fiberglass or spray foam insulation can increase the value of your home. Also, it is capable of improving your home’s energy performance and comfort by reducing noise and keeping a standard temperature for a long period of time.

Blown-In Cellulose vs Fiberglass Insulation

R-Value

Every time you want to purchase insulation for your home, you will notice something called R-Value. R-values show to us how well an insulation material performs creating a thermal barrier. Fiberglass and cellulose insulation have similar R-Values between 3.5 to 3.7 per inch. Fiberglass exposed in extreme cold will reduce the R-Value.

Air Leakage

It’s true that neither insulation is an air barrier. Neither cellulose (even when dense-packed) nor fiberglass meets any technical standard for an air barrier. However, cellulose will slow air flow whereas fiberglass does not. When densely packed into a wall cavity, cellulose prevents most air flow. Even loose-fill cellulose slows some air movement.

Embodied energy

Embodied energy is the sum of energy required for a project or material. Fiberglass has a much higher embodied energy than cellulose insulation. Fiberglass is glass that is melted and spun into fibers like cotton candy. There are fiberglass brands which use recycled content but more often they use new raw materials.

Most cellulose brands use a high recycled content and the production process (shredding paper and adding fire retardant borates) uses much less energy.

Costs

When comparing blown-in insulation, both fiberglass and cellulose are nearly identical in price, both costing around $0.70 to $0.80 per square foot for 6 inches of insulation. Fiberglass batts, however, are less expensive, costing on average $0.30 to $0.40 a square foot for 6 inches of insulation.

Installation costs for blown-in insulation costs around $2 a square foot, where installation costs for batts is around $1 a square foot.

So, for an average installation of a single room of 240 square feet, blown-in insulation of either fiberglass or cellulose will cost between $650 and $670, while the same space insulated using fiberglass batts will cost between $310 and $340.

Durability

While Cellulose may provide more depth and better soundproofing qualities, it may lose its R-value over the years. After installation, cellulose has been reported to pack and settle. This can cause it to form pockets in the settled areas which can transfer hot or cold air into your home. Fiberglass, on the other hand, stays in its original form and shape, which typically means it lasts longer. Fiberglass can last over 30 years and often comes with a lifetime warranty. It is also quicker to install and offers more protection against mold and mildew growth.

Environmental Concerns

Cellulose insulation is considered a greener material than fiberglass. It is made from paper that has a minimum of 85% recycled content, such as newspapers. It does not pollute the air during manufacture or use as much energy to produce as fiberglass. Fiberglass fibers may become airborne, which can be considered a pollutant. And while fiberglass uses some recycled content, it is often closer to 50%, much less than cellulose. It also takes more energy to produce.

Safety

Fiberglass, which is naturally nonflammable, is made up of sand and other natural/recycled materials, while Cellulose (made up of newspaper; magazines; and cardboard) contains artificial chemicals. This is because when cellulose is bound together to create the insulation material, the machines used are not able to filter everything correctly, leading to pieces of credit cards, plastic cups, and other wasteful products being shredded into the material. Adhesive, boric acid and stabilizer chemicals are then added to cellulose. The boric acid allows cellulose to provide protection against pests, and also makes cellulose a fire-retardant material. However, Cellulose dissipates over time and turns to dust. The chemicals in Cellulose then become airborne contaminants that enter your home’s air, specifically through light fixtures and electrical ventilation, making the air in your home hazardous to you and your family. Fiberglass, however, uses natural binders and adhesives, making it a healthier, safer, and more eco-friendly choice.

Fiberglass for Basement Insulation

The key to building better mold free basements is to understand that there is a completely different set of challenges facing walls built below grade. 

The greatest source of moisture to contend with above grade is the warm, humid air generated by cooking, washing and simply breathing. Below grade, it is that big porous sponge called concrete that is sucking up water from the wet ground.

A different problem demands a different solution – wearing a raincoat will keep you dry when standing in a cold rain, but it won’t keep you dry when jogging under a hot sun. And unfortunately for many homeowners,  the way basements were finished for the last few decades is about as logical as jogging in a raincoat. 

Above grade, walls are designed to dry to the exterior. That is impossible below grade, but for some reason, we still build as if it were. Despite the fact that interior vapour barriers in below grade wall assemblies are commonplace, frustrated building scientists insist that installing them is the worst thing you could possibly do down there.

Fiberglass for Exterior Wall Insulation

Most wall assemblies, especially those in older homes, are built with two-by-four (2×4) studs. Since modern two-by-fours are not 4 inches, the true depth of the wall cavity is 3 1/2 inches.

In most wall applications, you will use R-13 or R-15 Kraft-faced fiberglass insulation rolls for these two-by-four stud walls. While rated differently, these two types of insulation are close enough in thickness that they can both fit into modern two-by-four wall systems.

Older homes, especially those pre-dating the 1950s, may employ two-by-fours that truly are 2 inches by 4 inches. In this case, use R-13 or R-15 fiberglass insulation. There is no 4-inch thick faced fiberglass insulation in batts or rolls on the common.

Insulation for 2×6 Walls

Some newer homes may have walls built with 2×6 studs. Use R-19 or R-21 Kraft-faced fiberglass insulation for two-by-six (2×6) walls. This combination ensures that the insulation is neither too loose nor too tightly packed within the walls.

DIY Fiberglass Insulation vs a Professional Install

Before you decide on DIY insulation or hire a professional, you should make a plan determining how much insulation you need and where you need it. Because of the safety considerations even if you chose for DIY insulation, it’s best that you take professional advice. In case of little or no ventilation, possible presence of Asbestos, rotted attic rafters or wet insulation indicating leaks it’s advisable to call our professional team.

Conclusion

At Eco Spray Insulation, we try to understand all the needs of our customers in order to guarantee every project in the best way possible. We use only the highest quality insulation products. Using specialized equipment, the cellulose (or fiberglass) provides an effective insulation envelope, with coverage that protects all of the gaps, cracks, and crevices throughout the attic and roof cavity. Spray foam insulation is probably the best thing you could do for your home. With your help, we try to stay among the best insulation contractors in Canada.

FAQs

Q: Is exposed fiberglass insulation dangerous?

A: During installation, fiberglass insulation releases particulates into the air which may be inhaled and can cause coughing and can act as lung, eye, and skin irritants.

Q: Does fiberglass stay in your lungs forever?

A: Inhaled fibers are eliminated from the body parts from coughing, the body’s defense mechanism, and through the digestive system.

Q: How long can fiberglass insulation last?

A: If fiberglass insulation is maintained properly and not damaged, it can last 80 to 100 years.

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