{"id":15905,"date":"2022-11-28T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/?p=15905"},"modified":"2022-11-28T11:57:37","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T16:57:37","slug":"insulation-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-staying-cozy-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/insulation-101-everything-you-need-to-know-about-staying-cozy-this-winter","title":{"rendered":"Insulation 101: Everything You Need to Know About Staying Cozy This Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

Insulation does not come up often in our daily lives. Yet it is responsible for keeping your home warm in the dead of winter and cool in summer\u2019s sweltering heat. So, for something as universal as insulation, the options on the marketplace \u2014 and the opinion on what is best \u2013 are incredibly varied. Insulation technology has progressed significantly in the past 100 years. Initially, it was newspaper and seaweed as preferred materials of choice. Today, more high-tech solutions like spray-on foam are a popular choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related content<\/p>

20 Sustainable Upgrades for Any Reno Budget<\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\n\n\n

Are you considering upgrading your home\u2019s insulation? Maybe you\u2019re house shopping and looking to better understand a potential home\u2019s insulation. Either way, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about modern insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is R-Value?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s talk about R-Value. You won\u2019t get far into your research about insulation without running into the words \u201cR-Value.\u201d Therefore, R-Value<\/a> is a way to measure how well a barrier (like insulation, windows, or a sheet of drywall) resists the conductive heat flow. So, the higher the R-Value of insulation, the better it is at preventing heat from leaving your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different insulation types will have various R-Values. Therefore, insulation will have a better R-value if more is applied to the same space. So, you can determine your existing R-value by examining the current insulation you have in your home. To do this, you check its depth and consult the chart we\u2019ve prepared below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Should You Install Insulation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Construction<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll usually find insulation in your home\u2019s walls and ceilings. But not every home has insulation, and some homes don\u2019t have enough. Therefore, older insulation may become compressed and no longer perform as intended. For example, building codes may have changed, and a more generous amount of insulation is considered acceptable. So, suppose you aren\u2019t sure whether your home has enough insulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that case, you can pay for an Energy Audit, which gives you a comprehensive overview of your home\u2019s energy efficiency, including assessing your home\u2019s insulation. Or you can consult your provincial energy efficiency organization for guidance if you’d prefer a DIY approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Insulation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not all insulation is equal. Some insulation has a higher R-value than others, some are significantly cheaper or easier to DIY, and certain types of insulation are appropriate for specific applications. The table below compares insulation types and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/td>Fibreglass <\/td>Mineral wool <\/td>Loose-fill <\/td>Rigid foam<\/td>Open cell spray <\/td>Closed cell spray <\/td><\/tr>
R-value per inch<\/td>R-2.2 \u2013 R-2.7<\/td>R-3.7 \u2013 R-4.2<\/td>R-2.2 \u2013 R-3.8*<\/td>R-4 \u2013 R-6.5<\/td>R-3.7<\/td>R-6.2<\/td><\/tr>
Cost<\/td>$0.50 ft\u00b2<\/td>$0.62 ft\u00b2<\/td>$1.00-$1.50 ft\u00b2<\/td>$1.75 ft\u00b2<\/td>$0.44 – $0.65 FBM<\/td>$1.00 – $2.00 FBM<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Deeper Comparison of Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fibreglass Rolls and Batts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
  • R-value:<\/strong> R-2.2 \u2013 2.7<\/li>
  • Cost:<\/strong> $0.50 per square foot<\/li>
  • Where to use:<\/strong> Unfinished walls and ceilings<\/li>
  • Pros:<\/strong> Cheap to do-it-yourself (DIY)<\/li>
  • Cons:<\/strong> Requires personal protection equipment (PPE), has lower R-value and can crumble in wall cavities<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Rolls and batts are flexible sheets of fibreglass that come premade to fit into standard wall stud spacing and attic and floor joists. So, fibreglass batts are a cheap and easy way to improve your home\u2019s insulation and can be installed in an unfinished space. Ensuring up in full personal protective equipment (PPE) as fibreglass insulation can irritate your skin and lungs. But, fibreglass insulation has several drawbacks: it doesn\u2019t have the highest R-value and can quickly be rendered ineffective by moisture, compression, or pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mineral Wool Rolls and Batts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    • R-value:<\/strong> R-3.7 \u2013 R-4.7<\/li>
    • Cost:<\/strong> $0.62 per square foot<\/li>
    • Where to use:<\/strong> Unfinished walls and ceilings<\/li>
    • Pros:<\/strong> Fire-resistant, contains recycled materials, water-resistant, can DIY<\/li>
    • Cons:<\/strong> Slightly more expensive than fibreglass<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Mineral wool is like fibreglass\u2019s more relaxed, older sibling. Mineral wool batts and rolls also come premade to fit into standard wall stud spacing, but unlike fibreglass, mineral wool is moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and doesn\u2019t compress over time. You won\u2019t need as much PPE when installing mineral wool, and this product is easily DIYable in unfinished walls or ceilings. Mineral wool has a higher R-value than fibreglass and is slightly more expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Loose-Fill Insulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      • R-value:<\/strong> R-2.2 \u2013 R-3.8<\/li>
      • Cost:<\/strong> $1.00 – $1.50 per square foot<\/li>
      • Where to use:<\/strong> Attics, walls of existing homes<\/li>
      • Pros:<\/strong> Inexpensive, can DIY, contains recycled material<\/li>
      • Cons:<\/strong> Can become saturated or compressed over time and messy to install<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Loose-fill insulation is an excellent choice for retrofitting existing homes with intact walls. Loose-fill insulation is commonly made of cellulose or fibreglass. So, the R-value varies depending on the material used. You can install loose-fill insulation utilizing a machine to shoot the insulation into the desired space. Therefore, it will be ideal for attics with low overhead space, wiring or plumbing, or the stud bays of existing walls. You can install loose-fill insulation, but the process is messy and involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Rigid Foam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        • R-value:<\/strong> R-4 \u2013 R-65<\/li>
        • Cost: <\/strong>$1.75 per square foot<\/li>
        • Where to use: <\/strong>Basements, walls, ceilings, exterior sheathing<\/li>
        • Pros:<\/strong> Cost-effective<\/li>
        • Cons:<\/strong> Time-consuming to install and requires precision<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          The rigid foam tends to be more expensive than fibreglass or mineral wool batts and has a higher R-value. It is water-resistant and rigid (as the name suggests). This makes it ideal for exterior sheathing and interior applications like basement walls. Besides that, the rigid foam has almost double the R-value of traditional batts, which means you can achieve a higher overall R-value with less material. This foam is easy to install on unfinished walls but must be cut to the correct size and held in place with insulating foam. Installation is a little more tedious and requires patience to avoid air leakage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Spray Foam (Open-Cell)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
          • R-value:<\/strong> R-3.7<\/li>
          • Cost:<\/strong> $0.44 – $0.65 per board foot<\/li>
          • Where to use:<\/strong> Walls and ceilings of new\/unfinished homes<\/li>
          • Pros: <\/strong>Reduces air leakage<\/li>
          • Cons: <\/strong>Must be installed by a professional and is not waterproof<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Spray foam is a relatively new installation involving mixing chemicals on-site and using the mixture to spray foam onto your home\u2019s walls and ceilings. Therefore, a professional with a high R-value per square foot must install open-cell spray foam. This type of foam is moisture permeable, so it should not be installed anywhere with possible moisture present, such as basement walls. Open-cell foam is filled with air and is not dense, which gives it a spongy texture. Spray foam reduces air leakage as it expands to fill the space between plumbing, wires, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Spray Foam (Closed-Cell)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            • R-value:<\/strong> R-62<\/li>
            • Cost:<\/strong> $1.00 – $2.00 per board foot<\/li>
            • Where to use:<\/strong> Basements, walls, and ceilings of new\/unfinished homes<\/li>
            • Pros:<\/strong> Reduces air leakage and is moisture resistant<\/li>
            • Cons:<\/strong> Must be installed by a professional and costly<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Closed-cell spray foam has one of the highest R-values of all types of insulation and is very versatile. This spray foam is installed by a professional using the same mixing strategy as open-cell foam but with one key difference. Keep in mind that closed-cell spray foam is not air or moisture permeable, which means it works as a vapour barrier for your home. This feature makes spray foam appropriate for spaces where water, such as a basement, may be present. Closed-cell spray foam is much denser but is also more expensive to install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Choosing the Right Insulation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              \"Male<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

              Suppose you\u2019re considering upgrading your home\u2019s insulation or making a list of possible upgrades to perform on your future home. In that case, it\u2019s important to remember that each type of insulation is suitable for different applications. Make sure to consider the specifics of your home, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              • Are the walls finished or unfinished?<\/li>
              • Is the insulation required in a hard-to-reach space like an attic with low headroom?<\/li>
              • How much am I willing to spend?<\/li>
              • Am I interested in doing this project myself (DIY)?<\/li>
              • Is moisture a concern?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                If you aren\u2019t sure which insulation is the right choice for your project, consult a qualified contractor or your local efficiency organization for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                It might be time to upgrade your insulation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":15906,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[14072,2168,15145],"guide":[],"class_list":["post-15905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-improvement","tag-green-home-improvements","tag-home-renovation","tag-insulation-install"],"acf":[],"zolo_excerpt":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15905","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15905"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15905\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22413,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15905\/revisions\/22413"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15905"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15905"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15905"},{"taxonomy":"guide","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zolo.ca\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guide?post=15905"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}