Upgrades for a more energy efficient home

Spray Foam Continues to be the most Energy Efficient Insulation

“Green” is the new popular word these days, regardless of the industry you’re in. It can have two meanings, it can refer to the ingredients of a product and how natural they are or how “green” they are, or it can be revering the the energy efficiency of a home or building.

Embarking on a large-scale renovation to implement green technologies and increase the efficiency in your home, isn’t always possible. This doesn’t mean you have to give it up all together, there are ways through smaller installations to increase your homes efficiency. Doing smaller simpler upgrades can be just as effective and will aid in keeping you inside your budget. Here we take a look at some of these upgrades you can do to increase the energy efficiency in your home.

HOME AUTOMATION

There are many energy efficient upgrades you can do under this title. With the internet being connected to various appliances and controls. If you haven’t heard of home automation and home security Toronto, basically it is connecting appliances to wifi, which fundamentally allows for communication through the internet and can be controlled through an app on your phone. You have full control from your phone (so long as you have internet on it) and can control lighting, thermostat, locks on doors and windows, ovens etc and you can adjust them when you are away. This will ultimately make your home more efficient and leave more money in your pocket at the end of the month. Here’s a look at some of the options.

THERMOSTAT

Your thermostat is a great place to start if you are considering upgrading to a smart “green” home. When a smart thermostat is installed, it learns your schedule and habits, and will adjust the cooling and heating needs accordingly. This will mean that your HVAC system will be running at the most efficient levels while catering to your needs, and ultimately making your home that more efficient. Past the performance aspect, there is usually an energy efficiency option within the thermostats programs, that would make a smart thermostat a very smart decision investing in.

LIGHTING OPTIONS

There are various optional upgrades you can go with in your home to increase energy efficiency. First and foremost, you should get rid of the incandescent bulbs and replace them with newer greener bulbs. Within the greener bulb options, there are two main players, LED and CFL’s (compact fluorescent bulbs) . LEDs tend to be more expensive initially than the CFLs, but they usually do last longer, and don’t have poison mercury in them either which can be concerning if a bulb breaks.

Additionally to going with green bulbs, switching to dimmers over conventional light switches will also increase the lightings efficiency.  It gives you more control over the amount of electricity being drawn from the lights bulbs, but it also has a pleasant side effect of adding ambiance to any room.

Finishing, by installing smart light switches/dimmers, that can be connected and controlled remotely form a phone, it can really make an impact on increasing the energy efficiency of your lights consumption. Something like pre-programming a front porch light to turn on at a specific time so as to not have to stay on all day, this would significantly reduce your lights consumption.

APPLIANCES

By switching old conventional appliances to Energy Star rated specifications, you are taking very good steps towards making a more energy efficient home. Of course you can now have many of these modern greener appliances hooked up to be controlled from you phone or smart home device, this way you can control your smart appliances to run during the most energy efficient time of the day. An interesting concept that helps you understand the potential savings, are cameras built into fridges, you can now see the contents of your fridge and save the energy it would waste by standing with the fridge door open.

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION FOR HOME EFFICIENCY

All these things mentioned above are great, however a major player in how efficiently your home runs is the insulation you have installed. Traditional materials used for insulation such as cellulose or fibreglass, can result in a home that has major heat loss without you even noticing. The cumulative cracks and crevices of an average home where heat can escape can often be too large which will ultimately leave your home losing too much heat.

Traditional insulation has the negative characteristics of losing its insulating value over time as well, also they tend to shift and create new spaces where air can pass through and ultimately make your home less efficient because of the compensation your HVAC systems has to do. Also , traditional insulation has limits to the spaces it can fill, so even from the initial instalment there are weak parts to your insulated home.

Spray foam insulation or closed cell foam insulation on the other hand expands immediately on application and fills all the surrounding space. This creates a superior seal and can fit into all the hard to fill awkward spaces resulting in a more energy efficient home and less work for your HVAC system. Spray foam insulation also doesn’t deteriorate over time and will keep its integrity throughout the life of your home.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/upgrades-for-a-more-energy-efficient-home/

The less known benefits of pipe insulation

You may have heard that insulating pipes in your home can help you why preventing them from freezing. This is true: By insulating the pipes in your home, it will keep the water that is coursing through the system from freezing and then expanding until it eventually bursts and causes significant and expensive damage to your home. There are other less dramatic benefits that insulating pipes can offer for your home as well. Not only do these help homeowners pockets by slashing some of those utility bills, but they also aid in the general comfort of day to day living.

REDUCING HEAT LOSS AND GAIN

Of the less known benefits that insulating plumbing piping in your home offers, it’s performance in minimizing the loss and gain of heat is of the most noteworthy. When water passes through the plumbing lines through a home and it isn’t insulated, the hot water will generally lose heat and cold water will gain it. By insulating the pipes, you effectively reduce this inefficiency that will inevitably happen. With the hot-water pipe, though it may seem as though its a minor saving to spend all that money to insulate, but the truth is that the long term savings are truly significant: your monthly heating bills will be reduced, and you will not have to wait as long for heated water to get to the faucets in your homes washrooms and kitchen.

CONDENSATION CONTROL

Whenever you have a cooler surface than the air that surrounds it,  such as the plumbing pipes, by insulating the pipes you essentially control the condensation that would inevitably corrode the fittings and pipes if left unchecked, and ultimately this would lead to severe failure. Even though it may not sound like a serious concern, it isn’t uncommon at all, especially when the pipes have cold water going through them and they come into contact with humid hot air. Another not so considered benefit to insulating the pipes in a home is that it not only helps the pipes, but it also protects people from coming into contact with hot or cold pipping.

CHOOSING YOUR INSULATION

There are a few choices you can go with for pipe insulation, with varying degrees of insulating capabilities and each made with different materials. Some have integrated vapour barrier control, while others are better suited for hot-water applications. These include:

– SPRAY FOAM INSULATION:

this is installed by experts generally and is by far the best choice for pipe insulation, as it doubles as a vapour barrier, and can get into all the hard to reach spaces where other forms of insulation can’t reach.

-CONVENTIONAL FOAM INSULATION:

this is easy to fit over existing pipes. When in place, it is a good idea to seal it off with tape to further enhance the insulating properties.

–SELF-SEALING FOAM INSULATION: 

this material has an adhesive this runs along its slit.

ASBESTOS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT

Older homes still have asbestos in the insulation that surrounds the pipes, not all, but a lot. Especially if it is agitated and the fine particles become airborne, this asbestos ridden insulation can present some dangerous health hazard. Asbestos pipe insulation can be difficult to recognize, and it’s recommended to bring in a specialist to inspect for it.

INSULATING PIPES WITH SPRAY FOAM INSULATION IS THE BEST IDEA

We tend to recommend going with spray foam insulation for your pipes as there are many benefits compared to other insulating materials for this job. Open cell spray foam is a good option for insulating pipes indoors, it is less expensive than closed cell spray foam because it doesn’t offer the same R-value or any moisture controlling properties.

Closed cell spray foam is stronger and denser than open cell, and can be used for outdoor applications as well as it offers the moisture control and high R-value. Spray foam can get to hard to reach places and has no problem with awkward shaped spaces. This coupled with it’s amazing sealing and insulating properties makes it the superior choice to insulate pipes with.

 

Check out the areas below covered by Spray Foam Kings offering pipe insulation services in the GTA.

 

 

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/the-less-known-benefits-of-pipe-insulation/

Expanding spray foam benefits

Learn the benefits of installing expanding spray foam insulation in your home or business property.

Have you really thought about if you have the most efficient insulation for you home? Truly, when you have the best insulation system for your home, it is a crucial factor in making sure you keep those agonizing bills low by creating a block and having all the conditioned air in your home stay in and not get out and vice versa. There are various ways to achieve this, but the explosion of expansion foam is certainly happening for a reason.

To fully understand the concept, expanding foam does exactly that, it expands and then hardens or ‘cures’ when it comes into contact with the air. When it does cure after it’s expanded and filled the space it was applied to, it hardens and blocks air from passing through it. Often it comes in DYI canisters that have the material compressed, you can attach a nozzle where it sprays out of. This system has surpassed all traditional methods of insulation such as fibreglass.

This material is generally composed of a two material mixture, a poly resin and an isocyanate. When this is sprayed into wall cavities, holes drilled into a wall, slabs of concrete or roof tiles, it creates a fantastic air tight insulating layer. The way it works is it traps microscopic gas bubbles in the foam. A major contributing factor to it’s superior insulating ability is it’s low density.

When the material is sprayed out of the nozzle, it is directly injected into every nook and cranny that exists within the wall or roof. Due to the high pressure, it is literally pushed into every space that is within the cavity it’s being injected in, where it will completely seal off every hole. When all holes are filled, it will then come out the entrance hole in the shape of spaghetti. When these noodle shaped pieces of the material exit the hole, that’s when you know that there is a proper seal. The excess material is then scraped off and the whole is filled with a mortar of sorts.

Research shows that a forty percent  loss of energy through air loss out of various spaces. When you properly insulate , air leakage will minimize and ultimately save you money. There is a much higher degree of air sealing ability in expanding foam compared to traditional insulations.

THE PROS TO EXPANDING FOAM INSULATION

• Simple to instal- the simplicity of installing this insulation is another benefit. Just spray the material into the hole that you need insulated. There is no need to measure anything, no cutting or gluing is involved.
• Adheres to surfaces- this material is in liquid form and therefore covers more ground so to speak. When it is sprayed and sticks to the surface it the expands to fill any spaces.
• Extremely durable- unlike other types of insulations, expanding foam is extremely durable. It doesn’t rot and wicks moisture away. It is also inhospitable to insects and rodents that can cause further damage.
• Climactically suitable anywhere- this material will fair well in any climactic region of the world. Traditional insulations usually have a weakness in moist climates as they can retain moisture and develop mould . Expanding foam insulation however avoids any of these situations as it is a repeller of moisture.
• Efficient blocker of Heat transfer- this material will block heat from transferring three different ways 1. Convective where air is the main transferring way, 2. Conductive, this is when there is a flow from a lower temperature to a higher or vice versa, 3. Radiant which is when heat is in the form of light emitting from warm surfaces.
• Saves money- expanding foam is so good at blocking air transfer that it will immediately slash your energy bills by a staggering %40.
• Sound dampener- a by-product of using expanding foam insulation is that it will behave as a noise reducer as well. Sound travels in vibrations, and if you disrupt that vibration with expanding foam insulation you’ll have a quieter space.
• Air quality improvement- it will improve the quality of air as it keeps spores, germs and pollens out.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/expanding-spray-foam-benefits/

Avoid ice dams forming on your roof with spray foam insulation

How the ice dams formulate

When you live in a climate that has sub-zero temperatures during the winter months, then your homes insulation is something that isn’t taken lightly. Truthfully though, a home that is properly insulated isn’t only an indicator of a warmer home, but has benefits that reach further into other areas of a safety and also economic.

As kids, you may have been in awe of homes that had large and long icicles that were hanging off of the eaves drops. Sadly, these spectacles of nature are more often than not a result of a dangerous problem looming inside the roof of the home. There are solutions to having these ice dams from forming. What is the solution to this problem? Well lets have a look at the complete picture to get an idea.

If an attic isn’t sufficiently insulated, or improperly, warm conditioned air seeps through gaps that are between the insulation of the homes ceiling and the attics floor. In effect, the heated air can melt the snow that has rested on the roof of the home. Naturally, this will create a runoff from the roof. When this runoff ultimately reaches the colder eavesdrop, it can freeze up again and hence lead to an ice dam development. This process repeats itself until a noticeable buildup occurs and and ice dam then backs up further up the roof, this can sometimes devastate shingles and peel them off the roof. At this point the roof is now susceptible as it’s shingle membrane has been compromised, so all of the melting of the snow and its water runoff have nowhere to go but into your home.

The ice dam consequences

There are a few problems that can come to pass as a consequence of the formulation of ice dams on your roof, of which many can be serious:

• ice buildup can cause damage to eavestrough
• water can penetrate your roof and damage walls and ceilings
• if you have traditional insulation, it can get wet and lose it’s R-value
• mildew and mold can develop dangerously on moist insulation
• shingles can dislodge
• icicles can injure someone if they fall
• ice buildup can lead to shingle damage

The telltale sign that your roof may be in jeopardy are the formation of icicles on your eaves. Check out our flat roof insulation service for homes in the GTA here:

Temporary fixes for ice dams

If old man winter has already rolled in and you just begin to notice that you are at risk of your roof developing ice dams, there are several solutions you can opt for to help with the management of future problems arising. Though none of these are permanent solutions, they can help you get through the winter at hand whilst minimizing damage.

Avoid climbing up a ladder to try and chip at the ice with an ice pic or shovel, this is extremely dangerous as the conditions can be slippery, it can also potentially damage the shingles and the eaves on your roof.

A good temporary solution would be to use calcium chloride to help melt away the ice that is in the passageway, this way the water has a place to drain away into and not keep building on existing ice. An efficient way of distributing this is to take an old article of clothing and fill a sleeve with the calcium chloride, place it on the roof vertically. What this does is it creates a trough where any melting ice can safely pass through.

Furthermore, another temporary fix if there is a leak, is to bring in a high-powered cooling fan into the attic and freeze the area where this water I leaking into. What this does is it keeps the water in ice state limiting water damage until spring comes around and a more permanent solution is available.

Permanent solutions for ice dams

Truthfully the above mentioned temporary solutions are only short term and they will only ease the damage done for that season. Some people may have all the answers , but there’s only one way that you can minimize the formation of ice dams permanently, and that’s by creating the same temperature on your roof as the outdoor air.

The proper way to achieve this is to insulate your attic properly, and of course to get the best seal to avoid any leaks that would melt the snow and create this potential hazard. How is the best way to achieve this air seal? With spray foam insulation.

A major difference from spray foam insulation and traditional insulation, is that air leaks are difficult to avoid with traditional as it is difficult to get a solid seal in hard to reach nooks. Spray foam insulation on the other hand has an expanding nature that happens when it is applied and it fills all the nooks and crannies that would otherwise be impossible to seal. This creates the most airtight seal in the business.

The heat generated by your homes heating system will stay where it is meant to when you use spray foam insulation, and you will drastically minimize the risk of an ice dam forming as an attic sealed and insulated with spray foam has little to no air loss. This will ultimately leaving you to enjoy your homes comfort while not having to worry about any damage occurring on your roof which can lead to other hazards.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/avoid-ice-dams-forming-on-your-roof-with-spray-foam-insulation/

Spray foam insulation for cottages in Ontario

Winterizing your cottage with spray foam insulation

Classic cottages in Ontario are rarely properly insulated and have little if any. Generally the climate allows for this as most cottage goers enjoy the cottage during the summer months where insulation isn’t necessary, as the warmer weather doesn’t create moisture inside and the structure keeps a dry atmosphere. The problem is that some people opt to enjoy their cottage during the winter months as well, and create a winter getaway. To achieve this, there is no way around it, the cottage has to be insulated. Just like your home in the city, insulating the cottage will create a comfortable indoor environment from season to season, and it will manage the moisture.

To properly winterize the cottage, it will take a methodical approach that entails insulating and sealing, this is the only way to optimize efficiency and comfort in the structure. After insulating, plumbing pipes will not freeze and burst, doors and windows not need shuttering during the winter, and appliances will be usable throughout the year. This will make your cottage fully ready throughout the year.

The majority of cottages have air leakage problems and they usually leak through the roof cavity and exterior walls. Generally speaking most walls and roofs are neither properly insulated or sealed from drafts. If professionals are brought to task, they will almost always recommend a proper seal be done first. This will allow for the proper control of air vapour/moisture accumulation and air movement. After the seal follows with a high grade insulating product the will bring the R-value where it should be for the climactic character in the region the cottage is located .

GETTING RID OF OLD INSULATION

Your cottage can be in various degrees of conditions, however there usually is a required removal of insulation that is there. They are probably underperforming materials and in many situations actually deteriorating. Outdated insulation is often a liability to airflow and hinders proper air circulation. The best route to take of course is to re-insulate from scratch, especially a roof cavity. This will allow for the best air sealing an proper installation of a new insulating material. Additionally, any repairs that were once a big job are now easily accessible as you will be exposing wires and plumbing and generally the bare bones of the structure. Old insulation has to be done right from the get go, doing it through and expert will ensure a proper, safe and clean job while creating a proper installation of the new material that will bring years of comfort to the space.

ATTIC INSULATION INSTALLATION

When done correct, attic insulation can significantly reduce the cost of heating in the winter months while creating an ideal indoor temperature and atmosphere. No matter the season, attic insulation will create an indoor atmosphere that will balance both air moisture and temperature leaving the space more comfortable. A properly sealed attic is crucial to avoid any air leakage. Properly sealed, a space will use far less energy and ultimately reduce bills and save you money. Generally this will slash the winter bills , however this can also have positive effects during the summer months as well as it will help with air conditioning. The high quality insulation that will be installed will offer the proper thermal protection for harsh winter environments, as well as air circulation optimization.

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION FOR THE COTTAGE

A cottages unique needs can be met with spray foam insulation, as it is an ideal air sealer and insulator. It is the best insulating material is it is the king of getting into all nooks and crannies to avoid any major air leakage, effectively sealing roofs, walls and everything in between that would allow for air flow. It can also present solutions for weatherproofing windows and doors where air leakage poses a significant problem. Most professionals will admit that spray foam is a far more advantageous product on the market when it comes to insulation. If expertly installed you can benefit several ways: moisture control; air leakage will be stopped; R-value can be achieved far better than any other product out there. Spray foam is the ultimate solution for winterizing a cottage, as it will outperform all other materials, as well it is maintenance free an won’t ever need replacing in your lifetime

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-for-cottages/

What is closed cell foam insulation ?

They type of foam insulation you should use.

Good on you for choosing to take your homes efficiency to the next lever and deciding to go with spray foam insulation. As you embark on researching this hot topic, you’ll find out that there are generally two types of spray foam that you can go with: closed cell and open cell. Which you decide to go with will depend on what your situation is and more specifically what area you want sprayed and what your budget is like. Read further to get a better understanding on the difference between them.

OPEN CELL

The cheapest of the two spray foam insulations on the market, open celled spray foam gets its “open” from the cells that created the matrix of the foam. After the foam is sprayed and it expands, these open cells then trap air after it hardens and it then behaves as an insulator.

Open cell spray foam is more flexible than closed cell and this is because it is much softer than the closed cell. It’s a superior product for areas that require less insulations, and for surfaces that experience frequent temperature fluctuations. This type of foam insulation averages at around R 3.5 per inch as an insulating value.

It’s good to note that due to the open nature of the foam cells, this foam is penetrable by water, though it does create and air seal. Because of this characteristic, it is good to make a note that this foam solution shouldn’t be used as a vapour barrier.

CLOSED CELL

Open cell and closed cell insulation share the similarity that they are both consisted of cells that are densely packed together. The difference is that closed cell foam is exactly that “closed” and has gas trapped in these cells. It is this trapped gabs that behaves like an insulator. This has a higher R value than air, and it raises the this foams R-value to an R-7 per inch.

Also, closed cell spray foam is more rigid and it doesn’t allow for the passage of moisture which allows for it to double as a vapour barrier. It can also be used as a structural reinforcer. It is ideal for areas that need extra insulation value, as well as protections for moisture. Roofs, exterior walls and attics are all perfect places to use this particular foam.

Both of these insulations have revolutionized the insulation world. You can purchase DIY kits, however it is recommended to go with a professional reputable company, as it does require a finesse to apply it properly.

Contact Spray Foam Kings for a free no obligation estimate and cost for spray foam insulation, as well as the advantages of spray foaming any property in the greater Toronto Area.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/what-is-closed-cell-foam-insulation/

Commercial building spray foam insulation

What is considered a commercial building ?

While building codes vary from municipality to municipality, generally speaking anything over three family dwellings can be considered a commercial building. Even though residential and commercial construction have different insulation requirements, the idea is exactly the same: safe and comfortable to occupy through proper insulation and air sealing, all while being economical. The higher the R-value, the less outside air can penetrate the insulation. This is a fact and doesn’t change no matter the construction method.

Sadly, the code doesn’t really talk about the air sealing. At www.sprayfoamkings.com we know all too well what this will entail, and rightfully so we take extra care to air seal all of the projects we work on. The truth is spray foam insulation thankfully behaves as an air sealant as well as an insulation all in one.

There are various types of commercial buildings. From schools to churches and much more, they come in all sizes and have different styles of construction. Generally, we will have a look at masonry, wood and metal construction, as well as sound dampening as another characteristic of the spray foam insulation.

METAL CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

It is a very popular construction material in commercial buildings, structural stele or light gauge from, metal has some challenges when it comes to insulation due to its conductivity. If there isn’t an exterior insulation that is seamless layer, the metal conducts cold air into the structure in massive amounts. This of course will affect the R-value of the wall negatively, as the true r-value is now compromised no matter what the value of the insulation in the cavity is. And it doesn’t stop there, the cold metal can create a freezing and condensing effect of moisture that is in the air, either on drywall or the inside of the wall. Metal building construction should never have a penetrable insulation used like fibreglass, as this condensation can happen and wreak havoc. Vinyl covered insulation will allow for moist air to come in contact with the metal and it will freeze as it condenses in frigid temperatures. This is where the ideal characteristics of closed cell spray foam insulation will bring both vapour barrier and insulating effects to the table making it an ideal choice for this type of application.

WOOD CONSTRUCTION COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

It’s the size by which commercial wooden framed buildings can separate themselves from a residential building. There is little difference when considering insulation and air sealing in the buildings, but the potential hazard is much greater if there is a system failure, for example if a pipe happens to burst due to drafts in a floor it would be significantly worse if it took place on an upper level of a nursing home.

MASONRY CONSTRUCTED COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

To provide any sort of comfort, all concrete, block and brick walls must be insulated. When in new construction, by far the best at this task is spray foam insulation, and it would have to be installed either behind the drywall, or on the outside of the structural wall. In any case, there should be an unobstructed layer of foam , so it is vital to leave space between the masonry and the framing for the spray foam. It is also possible to fill cavities for a retrofit scenario.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/commercial-building-spray-foam-insulation/

Spray foam insulation for flat roofs in Toronto

Flat roof sprayed polyurethane foam insulation

Ever since flat roofs were invented, they’ve proven to be intimidating to both homeowner and contractor alike. They have multiple difficulties including maintenance, waterproofing and insulating. We will be discussing the insulating problems for now.

You must be very careful with which method and materials you use, to successfully insulate a flat roof. Here is a breakdown of how things should be organized:

Ceiling Insulation

Going this route isn’t recommended as it would cause the height of the ceiling to drop 4-5 inches so that it would meet local codes. This would additionally make any future hardware or lighting upgrades very difficult to instal.

Getting Between the Ceiling Rafters Insulated

Only two insulation types should be used for this way of doing it. Dense pack cellulose insulation, or some open or closed cell spray foam insulation. Because air doesn’t really move in a straight line, it makes it very hard to properly ventilate a flat roof which is why these are the only two recommended materials to use. This would promote moisture to come into that area and if trapped, would wreak havoc and be very difficult to remove. It would save a great deal of headaches to have an area that wasn’t ventilated and to just spray the area with 4-5 inches of spray foam, or fill the whole cavity with dense pack cellulose.

It’s important for you to consider stud height, if there are existing 2×6 studs, you’ll be limited to using closed cell spray foam insulation (which isn’t really a limit) due to  the restrictions in R-value. Cellulose is R-3.8 per inch, open cell foam is R-3.5 per inch and closed cell foam is R-6 per inch. If there are 2×8 studs, then you can also use open cell spray foam or dense pack cellulose.

One thing to note, is that fiberglass insulation should in no circumstance be used for such and application. Dense pack cellulose insulation will run you $1.50 per square foot, open cell spray foam will run you about $3.25 a square foot, and closed spray foam will take it to $6.00 per square foot. To learn more about the costs involved with foam insulation both on the flat roof and at your home or commercial property contact Spray Foam Kings today.

Installing Insulation On The Outside Of the Roof Surface

This method is the most commonly used method in commercial flat roofs, but can also be used for residential as well. It’s done by using a powerful adhesive and applying it to the foam board, spreading it on the roof area, and fastening it with washer head nails. The waterproof rubber membrane will then adhere to the foam board. To achieve the required R-value, it normally takes two or more layers of foam board. This method requires no ventilation, the spaces between the ceiling joists can stay empty as they are. Keep in mind that when going with this approach, rim joists must be insulated to keep the whole system integral from roof to walls as to steer clear of moisture issues down the road.

Contact Spray Foam Kings for a free consultation on the best type of foam for your flat roof project.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/spray-foam-insulation-for-flat-roofs-in-toronto/

Batting vs Spray Foam Insulation in Toronto

Batting or spray foam insulation – what to use?

Winters in the GTA mean that many homeowners are concerned with cold drafts in their homes due to poor insulation, and our of control heating bills which again are due to poor insulation. Insulation is a topic that Canadians are all to familiar with as we do have extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year (our roads are a testament to this exact phenomena). Over the years, we’ve been seeing the rise of spray foam insulation, where most people growing up know the fibreglass batting as the most common insulating material. The question is, which one is better? And which one do you choose?

Both spray foam and batting insulation come with their pros and their cons. Here is a brief run-through of what to look for.

COST – the major difference between batting and spray foam insulation, is the price and complexity of installation. Spray foam insulation to be installed properly will require a professional, whereas batting can be a DIY project. Because of this added labour/expertise, spray foam insulation can be up to two or three time more expensive than batting.

STRUCTURAL AND AIR QUALITY CONSIDERATIONS – a major benefit to spray foam is that it’s ability to create such a good air tight seal comes with more benefits to your home other than just insulation. Once cured, the foam acts as another level of structural reinforcement. to add to this, it significantly improves air quality inside as it blocks any pollutants from entering as it blocks heat from escaping, in the same manner allergens are also blocked from entering your home.

ENVIRONMENTAL- Low in volatile organic compounds or VOC’s, spray foam is a green product that has massive growth for our ever renewable/greener future. Batting can have some environmentally friendly variations, it isn’t as versatile and there isn’t as much room for growth in the area spray foam does.

LENGTH OF LIFE- batting as we all know does begin to break down and become less and less effective as an insulating material over time. Spray foam however is literally everlasting and will probably outlive the home! Unlike batting, spray foam will maintain it’s insulation properties throughout it’s life. Batting starts to sag and air pockets form, if it gets wet, it is rendered useless as an insulator. Spray foam insulation has water repelling properties and would maintain its integrity even if wet.

QUALITY OF INSULATION- spray foam has multiple benefits, but it’s ability to insulate is unsurpassed. It creates a thermal envelope in your home which is very hard for any conditioned air to be displaced through it. The quality of the material coupled with the installation from a professional will ensure that your insulation is the best possible insulation out there, and can not be replicated with any other material.

It’s seen a surge in the construction world and with good reason. Spray foam insulation has multiple applications and it is going to continue to grow in the field of construction for years to come. The quality of insulation and water/fire resistant character means that it is a multifunctional material that does not only it’s job, but other requirements without the need to use other materials. Spray foam insulation is the insulation of the future.

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/batting-vs-spray-foam-insulation-in-toronto/

INSULATING THE GARAGE: SURPRISING IMPACT ON HOME COMFORT

It’s a good idea not to overlook garage insulation when planning on making your home in Toronto more comfortable and energy saving. Many times, garages are left unfinished and without insulation to minimize construction costs, this is because it is assumed that the garage will only be used to park the cars at night. There are however many people that use the space as a workshop, storage or for the dog to sleep at night, whatever you use the garage for, it’s a good idea to insulate it as it is a good investment.

WHY YOU SHOULD INSULATE YOUR GARAGE IN TORONTO

It might come as a surprise how insulating your garage positively impacts the comfort of your home:

• First and foremost, it gives you extra square footage in your home inexpensively. Year round usage will now be possible after you insulate your garage in the greater Toronto area, over bearing heat in the summer and piercing cold in the winter will no longer be an issue. Space heater in the winter and a window air conditioner in the summer to keep your garage at a comfortable temperature.
• You’ll save energy when you insulate your garage in respects to your overall heating and cooling bills. When you insulate a garage, it is increasing the R-value of the walls that separate the garage from your living space.
• When the common walls are air sealed between a living space and a garage, any air that has been condition will have more difficulty escaping.  At the same time, this would effectively reduce the toxic fumes entering your home form the garage. Exhaust fumes, insecticides, paint vapour or whatever else you are storing in the garage and are potential health hazards you want to block from entering your home. The air quality of your home will be much better.
• Noise pollution will be reduced massively from entering your home if you insulate your garage. And though it won’t completely isolate you from any noises outside, there will be a noticeable difference when you are using power tools in the garage for example.
• Entering you car during winter will now be pleasant , as you’ll be entering in the climatized temperature of your insulated garage instead of whatever old man winter has going on.

 

R-VALUE, UNDERSTANDING IT

R-value is the measure of thermal resistance a material has. It is also the measure of the entire thermal resistance of a structure, such as a wall . A walls total R-value would include the studs, vapour barrier, insulating material and drywall, if it was an wall which had the exterior of the building on the other side, then whatever material is used such as brick would also be included. Windows are a weak point in any structures thermal envelope, so it’s a good idea to address any windows in your garage while you are considering insulating it.

GARAGE WALL INSULATION IN TORONTO

You should take the time and air seal any common walls between you home and garage, before adding any insulation to the garage walls. Doing this will keep toxic fumes from penetrating into your home from the garage, whilst further reducing energy losses. You can use silicone caulk to seal any small crevices or holes the have wiring, or you can avoid this all together, and just use expandable spray foam insulation.

Spray foam insulation has had a boom in the last decade or so, andsome municipalities have gone as far as making it code to use it. There are countless benefits to using spray foam insulation for this application.

GARAGE ATTIC INSULATION

One of the most cost-effective ways to make a space more comfortable in cold and hot weather is to insulate the garage attic. If the garage ceiling isn’t finished, the best way to insulate it is to use spray foam insulation and just fill in the gaps, of course the best choice would be to hire a professional for the job.

GARAGE DOOR INSULATION

Neglecting the garage door when insulating your garage would be counter productive. Ideally you would purchase a new door that has a higher R-value, but if you don’t have the money for that, then you can add insulating gaskets between the joints, and make sure to replace the weather stripping at the bottom of the door. When the door is closed, a tight seal will keep drafts from coming inside.

INSULATING WINDOWS IN GARAGE

Be sure to make the widows as energy efficient as possible. Seal the gaps around the frame with spray foam insulation. So the windows seal tightly, be sure to replace any worn weatherstripping. Sheets of clear plastic can also be taped to the window frames to reduce further heat transferring. If there is a window air conditioner for the hot weather, be sure to cover it in the winter to prevent drafts.

Contact Spray Foam Kings for any further information if your looking to get your garage insulated in the GTA. You can learn the prices of spray foam insulation per square foot in the greater Toronto area here: http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/cost-per-square-foot-of-spray-foam , you can also see a list of services we offer or simply give us a call at  (647) 846-7592

from Spray Foam Kings http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/insulating-the-garage-surprising-impact-on-home-comfort/

Foam Insulation For Basement Walls In Toronto

Wood studs and fiberglass batts are still the most commonly used material to insulate basement walls in Toronto Canada, most popular, but not the most effective. Just like a kitchen sponge, fiberglass insulation takes up moisture, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold to grow. Fiberglass is a health hazard as a material, it’s also a poor insulator when it absorbs moisture. There is debate whether fiberglass insulation has any insulating properties at all after it gets wet.

Best types of spray foam insulation for your basement?

So which insulating material fairs best for basement walls in Toronto Canada? In the last decade, more often than not, Canadians are opting for foam insulation for their basements. The beauty with closed-cell foam insulation is that it does not harbour moisture and mold growth will be non-existent. Secondly, once installed, the foam is sprayed directly onto the basement walls and it provides a consistent  layer of insulation free of crevices and cracks that would create leaks and drafts. Lastly, foam has a higher R-value per inch and would require far less material to insulate the same area as a batt would, not to mention that a closed cell foam behaves as a vapour barrier, excluding the dreaded step of covering the wall with a  poly.

Let’s go over some of the different foam insulation methods available. Rigid foam sheets are the most common of the rigid foam insulations. They come in 2’x8′ and 4’x8′ sheets and are offered in varying densities and thicknesses and can be installed outside or inside of basement walls. Using these sheets on the exterior is more expensive than insulating from the inside as it can damage the sheets when installing. When insulating from the outside, it does have energy savings and behaves as an external vapour barrier, but the inside concrete walls are still on the cooler side. More often than not, those that insulate the exterior tend to have to insulate on the inside as well, and that’s ok. When it comes to the basement, there can never be too much insulation, however it has to be closed cell.

When insulation basement walls from the interior, there are different foam products that can be used. Spray foam insulation is very efficient at insulating and has emerged as the preferred product when insulating. When installed properly, spray foam insulation is a multipurpose product that doubles as a vapour barrier. Improperly installed however, it can present some problems such as it can release gases that release poison toxins. That’s why you need to have a professional do the installing.

Rigid foam panels are a great choice when insulating the inside basement walls. Super hight R-values can be acquired when you choose the right thickness and type of materials are chosen. A major disadvantage to these sheets is , that to perform optimally, the panel has to be directly attached to the wall utilizing a foam insulation anchor or an adhesive. The problem is that rarely is a wall perfectly flat to attach it to. To create this perfectly straight wall, there would have to be further construction done adding to the price of the job and reducing useable square footage in the basement.

Best basement insulation systems in Toronto ON

There have recently been introduced new technologically advanced basement insulation systems. Generally, these new systems are multipurpose solutions that include insulation, framing and sometimes drywall. Most of the time these systems are incompetent and complex to install, most foam insulation is effective in basements.

If you’re looking to transform your basement in the greater Toronto area into a comfortable living area and create extra square footage of your entire home, then there’s no question that you’ll have to insulate the basement with foam. Energy savings and an insulated basement are two of a kind. Utility bills go down and you stay warm, dry and comfortable, not to mention that the basement can now be rented out as an extra income. Another consideration to take into account is the framing, it’s always better if the framing is also moisture, mold and mildew resistant as well. Plastic or steel framing is a better choice compared to wood.

You can find out the cost of spray foam insulation in Toronto here, and learn all the advantages offered by Spray Foam Kings

In closing, when trying to maximize energy efficiency in a home, it’s important to consider all angles of a home, keeping in mind the whole home has a thermal envelope. The times of cold damp dark basements are gone. Todays hot demand for property requires homes to use every inch of space and most definitely the basement. Take care of your family and investment by going with the most advanced method to insulate the basement that will give you years of insulation from the outside elements and you can rest assured that there won’t be any mold issues down the road when you use spray foam insulation. It’s long-lasting, environmentally responsible and relatively simple to install.

Source of article here: http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/foam-insulation-for-basement-walls-in-toronto

Cavity Wall Insulation Costs In Toronto

Professionals give a rough estimate that %35 of heat loss from the majority of homes happens through uninsulated walls. By installing cavity wall insulation, you are reliably improving the energy performance of your home, saving you money on heating and cooling bills and keeping your warm.

WHAT EXACTLY IS CAVITY WALL INSULATION ?

In the past, building practices would use a double wall method where there would be an inner wall, and outer wall, with a cavity between them. The idea was that the cavity would prevent water from penetrating from the outside through the wall. However, those open cavities will allow for heat to travel from the inside to the outside effectively overworking your heating system.

When this cavity is filled, it is what we refer to as cavity wall insulation and can be filled with various insulating materials. The most commonly used material is spray foam insulation which is pumped into the cavity through holes which are drilled in the external wall. Your home is a candidate for cavity wall insulation if:

• The brickwork or masonry is in tact and not crumbling.

• The walls are empty cavity walls.

• You aren’t experiencing damp issues by exposed walls to driving rain.

• It’s more than 10 years old and the walls are empty cavity walls.

THE COST OF CAVITY WALL INSULATION

Cavity wall insulation isn’t suitable for all walls. It’s critical to have your walls examined prior to having any cavity wall insulation installed. Walls that are exposed to the elements, especially rain and wind , may unfortunately not be suitable. persistently filling these expose walls to these harsh conditions may lead to damp issues, especially if it is mineral wool is used.

The size of your home will determine the costs associated with cavity wall insulation, and the insulating material the contractor uses. There may be grants available which can cover a significant portion of it or even all of it. In the next section we go over estimates of the savings made from heating bills and return on investment when you invest in cavity wall insulation.

HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE WITH CAVITY WALL INSULATION PER YEAR

There is no doubt that cavity wall insulation will save you money on your energy bills, but how much money? How long will it be before you get your investment back, and is it worth it? Have a look at some of the projected savings over a year in various type homes:

• A detached home can cost up to $1500 to insulate, and it can save you up to $500 in savings a year, giving you a payback period of 3 years.
• For a semi-detached home , your investment might run you $800 and save you around $260 per year leading to a 3 year payback.
• A townhouse can have installation cost of $625, and can save you $175 a year which leads to a 3-4 year payback.

The ROI figures above, and the savings you acquire from this energy efficiency measure, there is no question that cavity wall insulation is worth the investment. Be sure to consult with professionals first to determine if the walls are suitable.

CAVITY WALL INSULATION, POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

Some people experience moisture issues right after they have installed cavity wall insulation. In most of these cases, these moisture issues were over-looked during inspection prior to installation, or the actual installation was poorly executed, or the simply the walls weren’t suitable. Here are a few things you can look out for to not get into any of these moisture issues:

• Be sure to not fill any walls that are prone to direct rain contact, as they will likely get wet.
• Obviously if there are any pre-existing moisture problems, they should be dealt with prior to any cavity wall insulation.
• The inspector should make sure to check the brick work close to the cavity being filled to look for good integrity, and make sure there aren’t any cracks in the brick.

If you take any of these measures, it is very unlikely that you’ll experience any moisture issues post instalment. A professional cavity insulation contractor should direct you wether your walls are suitable or not.

Get a free estimate contact Spray Foam Kings today for your next cavity wall insulation price estimate. Check out our article on the cost per square foot of spray foam insulation for your home or business here:

http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/cost-per-square-foot-of-spray-foam

Article first found here: http://sprayfoamkings.com/blog/cavity-wall-insulation-costs-in-toronto