Closed Cell or Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation: Which is Right for Your Home?

Having home insulation done is a great option when you want cold or heat out of the home. But what is better, closed-cell or open-cell spray foam.

Ottawa Insulation is here to help answer that question as we know how important insulation is for your home. You already know that insulation slows down heat movement or heat transfer. Furthermore, you get different types of spray foam insulation and one of the best choices you can make. It is eco-friendly and provides a thermal barrier as well as an air barrier. But deciding which one works for you comes down to the following:

What is Open Cell Spray Foam?

Open-cell spray foam comprises polyurethane and can contain other raw materials such as soybean oil. Furthermore, the R-value you will find is a bit lower compared to your closed cell spray foam. Compared to closed-cell foam spray, open-cell products are a bit more susceptible to fluctuating temperatures.

The spray foam you can apply to the roof, ceiling, or walls. Moreover, another main difference with the lower density is that it does have less power to trap sound, air, and is not as waterproof. When used in colder climates you may need added vapor retarders with some of the applications to mitigate these problems.

So if you live in an area where moisture is of concern it might not be for you.

What is Closed Cell Spray Foam?

Compared to open-cell foam spray, the closed-cell product has a higher density with heat flow resistance. It has the same structure of polyurethane and can expand a lot of the original size. Therefore, it fills up more in cracks to seal them off. You apply it primarily to crawlspaces, ceilings, roofs, knee walls, and the attic.

Furthermore, the substance sticks to a rigid surface and does not fail like other insulation options. The most significant advantage of this insulation method is it is the best vapor barrier and waterproof. It helps reduce moisture that usually leads to mold concerns. Therefore, it needs no added vapor retarder or hindrance.

While more costly it is a worthy investment with long-lasting effects.

The Best Spray Foam Insulation in Ottawa

Having spray foam insulation done in your home in Ottawa is the best insulation you can have. It is energy efficient and you can use it in different applications throughout your living space. Ottawa Insulation provides you with both open cell and closed cell spray foam insulation. Contact us today to discuss your insulation concerns. With our help and free estimate, we can determine together what works best for you.

Is the Room Above Your Garage Too Hot or Cold?

Is your room above your garage too cold or too hot? Well, if it is, the likeness is that the air is rising through the floor. Yes, it is a common problem as the garage is unheated compared to the rest of your house. In addition, your garage is one of the places most exposed to the outside and under-insulated. So here are some tips to make your room comfortable.

#1 Hang Some Drapes and Put down a Carpet

To add some warmth to a tile or wood floor, you can install wall-to-wall thick rugs or carpets. You can add heavy insulated drapes to your windows to prevent the heat from escaping. Include some throw pillows or place some Moroccan floor cushions to your theme. Another great way is to weatherproof your windows and is a big help.

#2 How well is Your Heating or Cooling System Working

Having a good heating and cooling system helps, especially with central heating systems. The problem is that sometimes it does not extend to the garage. The best is to add ductwork as an addition to your garage. However, if not feasible, you have other options using a space heater circulating the air throughout the room. Other options are a radiant floor heating system warming the floor. Okay, unfortunately, it will lead to a higher power bill. So you can always opt for the next best thing: garage insulating.

#3 Upgrade the Garage Ceiling Insulation

While the garage ceiling has insulation, it may not have the correct insulation. In most cases, building contractors use fiberglass-leaving gaps where cold or hot air goes through. With spray foam insulation, it fills up those gaps to close them off, preventing airflow. The best part of using spray foam is you can use it around your existing insulation or have it entirely replaced by having it removed.

#4 Add Floor Insulation to the Room

This method is a great option but is not nearly as thick as having the garage ceiling insulated. It does cost less to install. When this type of insulation is done, insulation companies add an underlayment between the subfloor and the top layer. These insulation materials can be from polystyrene to synthetic cork. But the process involves removing and reinstalling the floor.

#4 Insulating the Ceiling and Walls

To provide the room with the best insulation, you can add insulation to the ceiling and walls of the room. Here spray foam works as the best option to fill up all the cracks to prevent air from entering from outside.

#5 Install an R-Value Garage Door

One last approach is to add a well-insulated garage door. Like home insulation, the garage door also has an R-value, and the higher the number, the more insulation it provides. But if you want to eliminate cold or hot air from moving to the room, having spray foam insulation done is the best solution for you.

Get a Professional Spray Foam Insulation Done

At Ottawa Insulation, we present you with a wide selection of options to cater to your needs. For the best results and costs, complete the online form for a free estimate today.

Is Blown-In Insulation Right for You?

To keep your utility bills low and enjoy a comfortable home, blown-in insulation is the best. But is it right for you?

Do you have a poorly insulated home? Do you keep layering on your sweaters as it is cold and you’re trying to stay warm in your old home? Then home insulation is what you need to keep warm without setting the heating temperature high.

The best way to achieve this, especially for older houses, is blown-in insulation. Great, that’s good news, but what is it. Think of small confetti pieces as similar and are blown into the walls or above the ceiling using a long hose. But, is that all? No, here is what you can expect to decide if it is for you.

#1 Using Blown-In Insulation Fills Existing Ceiling Joists and Wall Studs Fast

Blown-in insulation you can add to your attic and walls without the need of tearing anything apart. It not only seals small gaps or spaces, but it also fills in those sneaky spots where the cold air comes in. So, it creates an insulation blanket that helps reduce sound at the same time.

#2 It Does Have a Disadvantage

When installing blown-in insulation to your existing wall, holes are drilled at the top of each stud spray on the exterior. Then, with a long hose, the material is blown into those holes and sealed with a plug matching the siding. In most cases, the plugs match the siding color, but if you have a brick or stucco wall, these plugs are noticeable.

Another downside is that it might not fill the entire stud space, as there might be unforeseen barriers such as an outlet box, drainpipe, or more. Furthermore, after a few years, the insulation tends to settle downwards, reducing the thermal resistance as a small spot above the stud space is un-insulated.

#3 Choose From Different Types of Blown-In Insulation

When using this method, you get three types of blown-in insulation from rock wool, fiberglass, to cellulose. Loose-fill fiberglass insulation offers an R-2.5 thermal value per inch, and the higher the number, the more effect it has. If you are eco-minded, then cellulose is your choice, as it comprises shredded recycled paper. In addition, the material has a chemical treatment to help resist fire and mold.

Yet, the downside is that the material gets wet and loses its fluffiness, becoming compact and soggy, reducing the R-value. Lastly, you get rock wool or mineral wool made from blast furnace slag. It has an R-3.3 per inch thermal value and is a bit more expensive than the other material. Furthermore, it has a high fire resistance and is primarily used in areas subject to fire codes.

Consult With an Expert Insulation Contractor

As you can see, blow-in insulation is a great way to make your home comfortable and keep the power bill down. However, it is best left to the pros, such as Ottawa Insulation, when it comes to having it installed. So if you’re interested in having home insulation done, give us a call or complete the online form for a free estimate today.

Prevent a Steep Learning Curve When Buying Your First Home

Okay, why would we say that? The fact is that it is true, especially when buying your first home. Many new homebuyers forget insulation, as it does not spring to your mind at first. Neither do you think about the insulation benefits? That is why we at Ottawa Insulations want to remind you that it should be high on your list looking at your new home and for a good reason.

The Importance of Home Insulation

When you have the proper insulation in your house, it controls and maintains the temperature, creating a comfortable living space. These you notice in summer when it’s too hot or winter when too cold. Furthermore, the insulation material makes your living area soundproof while acting as a moisture barrier to prevent your family from falling ill. Did you know that insulation could also cut down 15% of your cooling and heating costs? Yes, it can as half of your energy costs come from the cooling and heating systems.

Great! But how much Insulation Should I Have Installed?

Here it all depends on several factors. First, you need to look at your location. If you live in a place that gets very cold or hot you, need more insulation. A fact is that the R-value of insulation varies from one province to another. Therefore, if you live in an area with a higher R-value, the more resistant material needs using. For example, when you buy a home in Ottawa, the attic insulation is between R-50 and R-60. Yet, if you have had your home built recently, the optimal insulation levels should be acceptable. That is if the builders considered energy conservation. However, if you buy an older home, the likeliness is that it needs more insulation.

What Parts of My Home Should I Insulate?

For the best insulation, we recommend installing it in parts known as thermal envelopes or living spaces where heat escapes. These usually are your exterior doors, ducts, crawlspaces, basement, windows, ceiling, attics, and walls. Furthermore, we can use different types of insulation, and it depends on the part of the home needing insulation. Yes, that sounds reasonable, but what kinds of insulation do you find.

Different Types of Insulation

For the floors, walls, and ceilings, you can use a batted insulation made from fiberglass, and it has a broad range of R-values. While for the attic, a sprayed foam or blown-in blanket works well. You even find bib insulators that seal up small and uneven areas, causing heat loss.

Achieve the Best Insulation with Ottawa Insulation

Okay, great, but I can save loads of costs on doing it myself, right! Yes, as a first-time homeowner, you can go the DIY method, but not recommended. You may end up paying more, especially if you do not have the right equipment to get the best results. Instead of paying damage fees on top of buying your new home, it’s better to get an expert who knows the home insulation procedure.

Our team of experts can help you choose suitable material to ensure your living space is insulated correctly. At the same time, the material will also be compliant with the local and provincial building laws. So whether you want wall insulation, floor, or attic insulation done, we can help. The best part is you can get a free estimate by completing the online form or giving us a call. So schedule your appointment today to avoid unnecessary costs.

The Best Way to Save Energy in Your Home

Do you cringe when looking at your high utility bill? Yes, we know how you feel, as this happens in many homes. Nevertheless, how can you save energy to keep your living costs low? Here are some helpful ways to save on your household’s energy use.

#1 Adjust Your Living Lifestyle

There is no need to go and spend thousands on energy-efficient products. All it takes are some simple changes from turning off lights not used. Other changes are washing the dishes by hand instead of starting up that dishwasher. Do you use a tumble dryer, then it helps to hang dry your clothes. These minor adjustments help with utility saving costs from turning down the heat in winter or adjusting that AC to less in summer.

#2 Use CFL and LED Light Bulbs

Yes, incandescent bulbs conserve more electricity than CFL and LED light bulbs combined. You can save up to 80% on your bill, and they last longer compared to traditional ones. While more expensive, they provide efficient energy-saving costs in the end.

#3 Get Smart Power Strips

When electronics are in standby mode or turned off, the phantom load is a significant source of wasted energy. Electronics in standby mode consume up to 75%, costing you a lot a year. A smart power strip eliminates phantom loads shutting the power of electronics off when not in use.

#4 Use Smart Thermostats

Using a programmable thermostat automatically switches off the cooling and heating when you’re away or sleeping. Doing this eliminates energy waste without the need to upgrade the HVAC system. You can save on average $180 per year using one.

#5 Saving Costs with Energy Efficient Appliances

Now, we are not saying go and spend all your money. You can do this gradually when your appliances fail to work. Instead of spending money on that cheap fridge, spend a bit more on buying one that is energy efficient instead. Look for Energy Star Rated products consuming less power when used.

#6 Bring Your Water Heating Expenses and HVAC Use Down

Yip, this is a significant contributor to your energy consumption. Invest in energy-efficient water heaters when the time comes to replace them. Alternatively, you can use less hot water, turning the thermostat down and having it insulated as well. If you plan to replace it, pick a tankless one to save on your power bill. The same applies to the HVAC system consuming more than 40% of energy in the home. Choose an ENERGY STAR model to save a big chunk on your bills.

#7 Insulate Your Home

The pivotal role in lowering the utility bill is to retain heat in winter and keep it out of your home in summer. To be able to achieve this, home insulation can help. The recommended R-value or level of heat resistance depends on where you live. In warmer climates, the R-value is lower compared to colder regions. Furthermore, it depends on how big an area needs insulation. Some places that need insulation are crawlspaces, the basement, floors, attic, and walls.

Do you do need to get your home insulation checked, get a free estimate today from Ottawa Insulations.

Conserve Energy Today

It is essential and beneficial to save money, protect the environment, and increase your property value. By taking simple energy-saving measures, you can save costs on your monthly bill without getting a shock. The small steps mentioned provide you with energy-conscious living to enjoy the other perks instead of spending it on your electricity bill.

Three Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

A superior solution to insulate your living space is using spray foam. For decades, it rules the market and provides many benefits for the home. Whether you have an office or home, using spray foam insulation is beneficial, as seen here.

It Makes the Building Comfortable

First, spray foam insulation prevents temperature instability promoting a consistent climate in your work and living space. The reason is it creates airtight seals protecting the structure from elements. In turn, this keeps the inside area dry, comfortable, and warm. Another benefit of adding comfort is it deters moisture. Water can easily seep through pipes and vent openings, placing your health at risk. You will be healthy, and it saves costly expenses on the damage. The foam retains those properties pushing into tiny cracks with little chance of water causing damage. Therefore, you get no structure damage or indoor allergens caused by dust to mold entering the home.

Environmental Friendly for You and the Environment

Are you concerned about your family and our planet? Are you busy going green? Then using spray foam insulation is the best eco-friendly choice. The best part it reduces the carbon footprint while consuming less energy. Polyurethane is made to last and does not lose its effectiveness with time. When the polyurethane combines with the isocyanate, they expand and harden without losing shape. In turn, it adds strength to the building as it glues to the structure and acts as a layer of protection against wind and humidity. Installing it is easy as the application is simple to install. Furthermore, it reduces sound from the traffic or your neighbors.

Saves You Money

One of the main benefits is everyone wants to save money where they can. With spray foam insulation, you can save costs on your cooling and heat bills. While it can cost a bit upfront, you save money in the end. As the substance expands, sealing up holes utility systems need not work hard to keep the living or workspace comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Are you convinced? Not, then let us run through some of the benefits again. First, you can reduce the risk of ice damage. The likelihood of mold developing lessens, and you can enjoy a quieter living space. Furthermore, it limits the infiltration of pollutants leading to allergies. The spray stays set over time without sagging. Best of all, it keeps temperatures constant.

You are convinced yet! Give Ottawa Insulations a call for a free estimate today to have your property spray foam insulated. The best part is you can keep your residence or business warm in winter and refreshing in summer. In addition, we will provide you with the best in-home or business consultation at reasonable rates. So give us a call now.

How Much Does Spray Foam Insulation Cost?

What is an economical way to help improve the energy efficiency in your home? The best option is using polyurethane spray foam. The foam is durable and resistant to heat transfer. One thing is sure you cannot find a better option available than using spray foam. Great, but what does it cost. Well, it depends on different factors and the service provider you use. At the most, spray foam insulation can cost $7 per square foot but varies from one supplier to another. Therefore, to help you understand better, we need to look at what influences the cost.

What Factors Affects Spray Foam Insulation Costs?

The main two factors of a home insulation project are the material and space.

Insulation Material Costs

The best insulation for most buildings is spray foam for different reasons.

It has a high R-Value (heat transfer resistance)
The foam forms an airtight seal resistant to moisture and mold.
Furthermore, it can save up to 50% on your energy bills.

Therefore, these qualities usually outweigh your upfront costs to have spray foam insulation done. Other options you can use are mineral wool, cellulose, or fiberglass, each with its own benefits. Some materials you can combine to form a barrier to keep the budget low. Nevertheless, spray foam is your gold standard and an excellent investment to provide you with comfort in the home. With time, the insulation pays for the cost of the material while saving you money on the power bill.

What Part of Your Building Needs Insulation?

Asking this question plays a crucial part in the price. For this reason, it is best to contact an expert to provide you with an assessment of the space that needs insulation. With a home energy audit, the person can identify places where the home’s losing energy. The fantastic thing is that spray foam you can install in skylight shafts, garage, crawl spaces, attic, to the basement. So as spray foams prices are by the sq. ft., it depends on where you want it installed.

Will the Old Insulation Need Removing?

It depends on the age or selection used during the construction. If the insulation is ineffective or degraded, yes. The best results you can only achieve when removing the old insulation. While it can add costs to the overall project, it is crucial to make the foam effective. Not remove the old insulation can cost you more down the road. The reason is that the closed-cell spray foam expands, creating a barrier. When you apply the new insulation, it becomes unstable, leading to moisture buildup and poor insulation. Therefore, it is not worth that risk.

Learn More about Spray Foam Insulation in Ottawa Today

You have a budget, right. So, you need to keep in the price range you have in mind. At Ottawa Insulations, we start with an energy audit of your home. Then, based on the findings, we provide you with recommendations and quotes to have your home spray foam insulated to save on energy costs. Get a free estimate today by completing the form online or give us a call. We are standing by to help.

Why Your Home Needs Attic Insulation

Great you have all the stuff you do not use stored in the attic. Some of those possessions might be old photos or items handed down by your family for keepsake. Nevertheless, does your home have proper attic insulation? If not, learn why you should consider it.

Did you know that the attic provides a protective barrier for your house against the cold, humidity, and heat? A crucial function, especially if you have valuables stored in the loft. However, insulation not only helps for protection against elements. It does more than that. Here are some benefits of having your attic insulated.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

If your home is poorly insulated, outdoor pollutants from dust to mildew enter through roof air leaks. As time progresses, these airborne toxins cause damage to contents stored in the loft. Furthermore, it enters your living space, compromising the air quality. In turn, this leads to allergies and other ailments. Therefore, to enjoy a cleaner indoor environment having your home insulated leaves you with cleaner air to breathe.

Enjoy a Comfortable Living Space

A natural occurrence in the home is heat that flows from the warmer to your cooler spaces. Even if your house has a modern cooling with heating system, severe temperature drops happen when under-insulated. So, your home becomes too cold or hot faster as the temperature changes outside. For this reason, the upper floor temperature differs from the lower levels. You can find temperature differences between 10 to 15 degrees. If you have an attic, your main bedrooms you find upstairs. So when you add insulation, it provides you with a comfortable sleep at night and early mornings.

Safer Home Structure

To prevent damage to the home structure, it helps to have the attic insulated. Damage occurs from the moisture of heat building up in the roof. Furthermore, insulation prevents the water vapor from seeping through the walls causing leading to corrosion. Moreover, it slows down the heat buildup in the loft, causing shingles on the roof to crack. Another benefit is that it prevents ice dams from forming when the snow melts and refreezes on the roof’s edge. Other benefits are it prevents mold buildup preventing mitigation of the condensation.

Prevents Wear and Tear on HVAC Systems

Most old homes have many drafts caused by poor insulation. As a result, HVAC systems need to work overtime to help keep the temperature constant. In addition, if you have ductwork running through the attic, it worsens. With proper attic insulation, the cool air does not linger at lower levels as the heat rises, leaving less wear on the HVAC unit. In turn, this leads to less heat in summer or heat loss during winter.

Want To Lower Your Utility Bill

A fantastic way to achieve this is with attic insulation. You can reduce your utility bill up to 70%. When the roof has proper insulation, you can save 15% on both cooling and heating costs. In addition, air sealing the home saves 11% on your total energy costs. Furthermore, the home design, type of heating system, and your family lifestyle affect the costs.

Will Insulation be Worth It in the Attic

When you look at all the benefits, the answer is yes. So if you’re considering attic insulation, Ottawa Insulations is ready to help. Get your free estimate now with reasonable rates and quality workmanship. One thing you can feel assured of everything takes place in a safe and eco-friendly way. The best part is you can reduce your annual energy costs up to 50%.

Tips For Installing Blown Insulation In Ottawa

If you have an older home and are looking for ways to protect it from the elements, then consider getting blown in insulation in Ottawa. If you need some added insulation for your home, this is an easy way to make improvements that will last for years. When you decide to install this type of heating and insulation, there are several companies that can help you out with this process. The one that you choose should contact you and discuss the options that are available to them. They will take the time to measure your home and give you an estimate on how much of an improvement they can make to your home.

You may think that blown in insulation is not something that you would want in your home. In fact, many people are choosing this process because they are considered to be more energy efficient. The insulation lasts for the life of the home, and because it is so effective, you will save money on your heating bills over the long haul. This type of insulation can also improve the air quality around your home, which makes it feel cleaner and more comfortable. You can get these in many different varieties that will make a big impact on the price of your home.

Value for Your Money

The main reason that you want to install blown-in insulation in Ottawa is if you want to get the most value for your money. The price of this type of insulation depends on the size and where you order it. Companies that supply this type of product to businesses and apartments are going to charge more than companies that provide it to residential homes. However, if you are building a new home and want to keep the cost of your heating bill down, then it may be worth the investment to install some in your home.

When you are thinking about blown-in insulation in Ottawa, there are a few companies that you can trust like Ottawa Insulations. Some companies offer their customers warranties, others don’t. If you get a warranty from the manufacturer, then you will be able to return it if it doesn’t work for you. You also need to get a company that installs the insulation professionally so you know that it will be done right.

The Right Price

You need to get a price that you can afford so you can start saving money. There are many companies out there that will give you a quote based on your location, insulation needs and other specifications. You can get an estimate online to see how much you would spend on the project. If you want more specific information, then you can contact the installer that will help you install the product for you.

Getting blown in insulation in Ottawa is an easy process if you want it done correctly. If you don’t feel confident in doing it yourself, then consider hiring a professional that knows what he is doing. It will make a big difference in the end result of your home and also help you to save money. You will want to be sure to check references before hiring someone for the job so you can be sure that he or she does what they say they will do. You also want to make sure that you are getting a good deal on the job because the insulation isn’t cheap. Contact us to learn more about blown in insulation in Ottawa.

blown in insulation

Attic Insulation Tips and Tricks

Ottawa Insulation Services provides a number of ways to insulate your attic’s from basic insulation services such as insulation installation, all the way up to complete insulation removal, hybrid service packages, and removing asbestos insulation. Our professional insulation contractors in Ottawa will take the time to evaluate your home and property to determine what your insulation needs are, how much insulation you actually need, and which removal services are right for you.

They will discuss what their fees will be, and what methods of insulation removal they recommend. You may find that some insulation removal options may seem less expensive, but they may not be the best option for your situation or your home. Our professionals are also trained in removing insulation from attics and ductwork as well as framing walls and ceilings, so they can provide comprehensive insulation removal services to all areas of your home.

A Few Facts About Attic Insulation

Any discussion about proper attic insulation has to start with an understanding of R Value, the measurement used to determine the amount of radiant energy that will pass through a material and be absorbed. R-value is a measure of a material’s ability to resist the passage of thermal energy. There are four primary materials considered in measuring R-values, the most common being insulation foam. The type of material determines the level of resistance that a material can provide against thermal energy. The material’s R-value is usually affected by the following four variables:

Type of material (R-value) R values are usually expressed as per square foot. If you have radiant heat insulation installed in your attic you should use a material with a high R-value. You can obtain this information on a manufacturer’s website for each product. A high R-value means that more of the heat that passes through a material is absorbed than is lost. For attic insulation the heat loss is always greater than the heat gained so the material selected has to have a high R-value.

Type of Installation

Other factors that affect attic insulation R value include the type of installation, any existing windows or doors and whether or not flashing is involved. It is important to remember that if flashing is involved then it is usually necessary to remove the existing insulation to allow for the installation of new radiant heat insulation. Flashing is also more expensive than standard insulation because it is thicker. Another factor that affects the R value of an attic insulation product is the number of seams and areas that need to be insulated.

If you are using fiberglass attic insulation, then there are a couple of other issues to consider. The first is that this type of roofing is prone to leaking which will increase moisture in the attic. Secondly, if the base of your attic floor is not reinforced properly then it could cause the leakage of moisture that could lead to mold and mildew occurring within the attic space.

There are also a couple of other benefits that attic insulation prevents that you should know about. One of these is that it keeps your home cooler by lowering the temperature inside of the attic. If there is any moisture in the attic, the result is often a hot, stuffy, damp attic that can contribute to the formation of mold and mildew. Also, attic insulation helps to keep out unwanted smells in the attic because the attic will generally stay dry because the moisture won’t evaporate into the air. The end result of this is that attic insulation prevents health problems such as asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions that are associated with living in a home that is either insulated or insulated poorly.

If you’d like to learn more about attic insulation in Ottawa, contact our team today.

attic insulation