FAQ
Answers to our Most commonly asked questions
Attic Insulation
How long does the insulation last for before you need to top it up again or does it last forever?
A typical blown attic installation last upwards of 20 years. All blown insulation settles and most contractors add a correction factor to account for a bit of settling that occurs in the first few months. Blown attic insulation is often upgraded as our building codes call for higher R-Values as well. Have an Insta Insulation technical sales rep visit your home and see what the level of insulation is in your attic today.
Why do you need to vent the attic?
Attic ventilation is extremely important as the combination of roof vents and soffit ventilation helps keep the attic dry by having the roof vents draw fresh air from the soffit and exhaust this air. When the fresh air is picked up it mixes with potential air with moisture in it from the house that has escaped into the attic and rids it out the roof vents. Venting will stop excess moisture build up and premature building material degradation in your attic. It could also prevent mold from forming.
How long does the insulation last for before you need to top it up again or does it last forever?
A typical blown attic installation last upwards of 20 years. All blown insulation settles and most contractors add a correction factor to account for a bit of settling that occurs in the first few months. Blown attic insulation is often upgraded as our building codes call for higher R-Values as well. Have an Insta Insulation technical sales rep visit your home and see what the level of insulation is in your attic today.
How long does an attic insulation upgrade take?
The length of time an attic install take depends on many variables. The variable include; how large the attic is; typically quantity is square footage, thickness or R-Value being installed, amount of venting being installed, is air sealing required, amount of access or how tight is the attic and what other things need to be done before the attic is actually blown in. A 1000ft2 attic takes approx 2.5 hours to complete which includes soffit prep, insulating the access door, weather stripping the attic hatch, and blowing in the cellulose.
Why don’t you use spray foam to insulate the entire attic?
Although spray foam is a great product it is also more expensive then blown cellulose or fiberglass. Space is not as limited as in a wall and there for we can install a lot of a lower r-value and still end up with high R-Values. To get the best of both products a thin layer of spray foam helps air seal the attic deck, deters moisture from entering the attic and topping that layer of spray up with blown cellulose makes a hybrid approach of foam and cellulose more cost effective.
Is a layer of spray foam a good idea before installing blown attic insulation?
A layer of 2lbs spray foam is a great idea before installing blown insulation into an attic. Spray foam to the attic deck provides the following;
- A seamless blanket of air barrier protection
- Seals all cracks and gaps that potentially leak moisture into the attic
- Provides a vapor barrier
- Stiffens and hold plaster ceiling together; more durable
Who opens soffits to make sure I have proper attic ventilation?
Insta Insulation’s trained technical sales staff can recommend what is required to make sure you have the proper attic ventilation. Although roof vents are normally in place, they are not effective if they have no fresh air source to draw from. Many homes that are pre 1980 and even some in the early 80’s have aluminum soffit that has perforations so you’d think the soffit are venting. Unfortunately when the aluminum was installed the plywood in the existing soffit was not removed or the holes were not cut big enough to allow for proper air intake.
Who installs attic ventilation in Ontario?
Insta Insulation ensures your traditional attic is properly ventilated in Ontario. We check for air intake and exhaust. Build up of moisture can lead to premature mold and premature building degradation. Insta Insulation can install soffit vents, baffles, bathroom exhaust fans, insulated hoses for bathroom exhaust fans and roof vents.
What happens if I don’t ventilate my attic properly?
Not ventilating your attic properly could mean that moisture could build up in your attic. Moisture leads to premature material degradation, mold and needless associated costs. Have an Insta Insulation representative check to see if you have the proper amount of ventilation to ensure moisture does not build up in your attic area.
Is ventilation in my attic as important as the insulation?
Yes ventilation is as important as the insulation in a typical ventilated attic. Ventilation is important for a number of reasons;
- Ventilation will allow for fresh air to come in and help exhaust moisture
- Getting rid of excessive moisture reduces chances of mold growth and the cost associated
- Healthier home no mold growth and less airborne pollutants entering home
- As R-Value increases in the middle of your attic the heat loss at soffit area/roof wall junction increases and along with this comes moisture, ventilation stops moisture building up under the sheathing at the soffit area.
How much will I save by upgrading my attic insulation to R50?
Savings are greatly dependant on how much insulation is in the attic to start with. Another item that helps save on energy is air sealing. Air leakage accounts for 40% of a home’s energy loss. Using self sealing products like spray foam help eliminate drafts and mass air exodus. Increasing an attic from R12 to R50 typically saves 20-25%. Air sealing with spray foam can help increase overall savings.
Basement Insulation
Does spray foam stop mold when used as basement insulation?
Yes spray foam will stop mold growth in your basement. Insta Insulation will guarantee no mold growth on a whole basement spray foam installation for 10 years. The reason why 2lbs spray foam does not contribute to mold growth;
- Not an organic material/ mold doesn’t feed on it like wood or drywall
- Stops air flow
- Stops moisture
- No air pockets on outside wall where moisture could accumulate
- no food, no air and no moisture = no mold
How much should I expect to save on my heating bills when I use spray foam to insulate my basement?
One can expect to save up to 30% by installing 2lbs spray foam to their basement walls and joist ends. W e have see n houses that have saved more but 30% is a fair and all the reason your need to use this superior product. As the cost of energy increases so will your savings with spray foam insulation. Investing in proper insulation pays interest free dividends. What is meant by that is money you don’t spend on heating bills is in your pocket…invest it and make it grow rather than pay the utility company.
What is the difference between fiberglass batt insulation and spray polyurethane foam insulation for basement insulation purposes?
Although fiberglass batt insulation is cheaper than all other insulation materials it is also the least effective. Being that it is made up of glass and a bunch of air, it allows air and moisture to move through it freely. When moisture reaches the colder concrete walls it condenses and water runs down the wall. When it reaches the bottom it rots out the bottom plate. The increased moisture content will also contribute to the drywall getting wet and mold growing on the drywall. Spray foam insulation on the other hand does not allow air to travel through it and does not have an air space that will allow condensation to occur and contribute to mold growth and rot. Spray foam is more efficient, will never need to be replace and is a healthier choice then old traditional non effective fiberglass batt insulation.
How much insulation should I have on the walls of my basement?
Current codes in southern Ontario for basements are R12-R20 depending on what SB12 package you are using for a new home. If it’s a retro fit we typically recommend R20 of spray foam insulation. Remember when building a new home to use Insta-Panels to insulate the area below your concrete slab. Insulating the ground stops heat loss into the ground and leaves the heat in your basement working its way up making the house warmer.
What is the best way to insulate my basement?
The best way to insulate and existing basement is by spray foaming it. Spray foam adheres tenaciously to walls and joist ends eliminating the air space where condensation can build up and mold may form. Sealing off joist ends in your basement help reduce air leakage and stack effect in your home. An independent poly sheet should not be required. Remember to keep the studs away from the wall a minimum of an inch so that foam can get in behind the studding. Call Insta Insulation today and ask our technical representatives show how insulating your basement with spray foam insulation can save your upwards of 25-30% on your energy bills, expand your living space and create a healthier home.
How long does a typical spray foam insulation job take?
Spray foaming a large basement usually takes ½ to ¾ of a day whereas a small will take 2-3 hours. Duration of a spray foam job is dependent on many variable; amount of prep work/ masking, amount of area to spray, thickness being sprayed, and amount of clean up. Remember you need to be out of a lived in home 24 hours after install. Check with your Insta Insulation representative to see how long your spray foam insulation install will take.
Blown Insulation
Is a layer of spray foam a good idea before installing blown attic insulation?
A layer of 2lbs spray foam is a great idea before installing blown insulation into an attic. Spray foam to the attic deck provides the following;
- A seamless blanket of air barrier protection
- Seals all cracks and gaps that potentially leak moisture into the attic
- Provides a vapor barrier
- Stiffens and hold plaster ceiling together; more durable
What is in Cellulose insulation?
Cellulose is primarily fire retardants blended with newspaper. The fire retardants include borates, ammonia sulfate, and boric acid . Depending on the manufacturer the levels of each fire retardant differ. The fire retardant ingredients also aids in mold and rodent resistance. Cellulose’s ability to control air flow and moisture better then fiberglass make it Insta Insulation’s preferred choice for all attic insulation installs.
What is cellulose made of?
Cellulose is primarily made of newspaper and fire retardants. The fire retardants include boric acid, borates and ammonia sulfate. Depending on the manufacturer the amount of each fire retardant differs. The fire retardant ingredients also control mold and rodents. Cellulose’s ability to control moisture and air flow better then fiberglass make it Insta Insulation’s preferred choice for all attic insulation installs.
What’s better fiberglass or cellulose for upgrading and reinsulating my attic?
Cellulose provides a better effective R-Value, is more dense and tighter thus providing better resistance to air movement making it our preferred choice of insulation when upgrading existing attic insulation. Tightening up your home with cellulose insulation not only reduces energy cost but also reduces flame spread if a fire were to start. Cellulose also has the ability to wick and dry, so if you have a leak in your roof the cellulose will draw out the moisture and dry out as opposed to other fibrous insulations which do not.
General
How do I prepare my home for a spray foam install?
Walls need to be framed; electrical and all other wiring should be installed prior to spray foam installation. All wall areas need to be clear so access can be granted for the spray foam installation. All valuables should be masked and or covered with plastic. Know where you and other occupants will be staying the night of the day the spray foam has been installed. You need to be out of the home for 24 hours after install of spray foam insulation.
Why shouldn’t you vent the washroom exhaust fans into the attic or the soffit?
Venting the washroom exhaust fan into the attic allows warmer moisture filled air to be dumped into the attic. The attic most likely will not be able to deal with the volume of moisture by traditional ventilation and mold could form and make a mess of the attic and home. Similarly when exhausting out the soffit the moisture filled air get drawn back in the soffit (fresh air intake) and put back in the attic which creates the same circumstance as exhausting it directly into the attic. Best practices for bathroom exhaust fans include venting out the roof with a roof jack or really low on an outside wall a ways away from the soffit so the wet air has time to dissipate.
What is a soffitt prep?
Soffit prep is the term given to installing mor-vents baffles to the underside of the roof line and into the soffit plus installing an insulation stop under the mor-vent and to the spaces that may not receive a mor-vent/baffle. Proper soffit prep and ventilation is as important as the attic insulation itself. Proper ventilation ensures your attic breaths and does not build up moisture.
What is a mor-vent?
A mor-vent is the term given to the air chute/ baffle that is stapled to the underside of the roof line to ensure air can be drawn in from the soffit once the attic has been insulated. The mor-vent or baffle vent as some people call them are installed prior to the install of blown cellulose or fiberglass. The mor-vent requires a batt of insulation be stuffed underneath as an insulation stop. The mor-vent used in both new and retro fit insulation installations. Insta- Insulation installers are trained to install mor-vents/ baffles to ensure proper attic ventilation is maintained after the attic insulation has been blown.
How do I choose a good attic insulation contractor?
Do your homework when you are searching for any contractor not just insulation. Seek a contractor that has a good reputation, has done good work for people you trust or know very well. Know the contractor hire will be there to assist or fix if the job goes sideways or if you’re not happy with the work. Ask for referrals or look online to find reviews and comments posted by other customers of there. Ensure they have been in business for a prolonged period of time.
Who installs attic ventilation in Ontario?
Insta Insulation ensures your traditional attic is properly ventilated in Ontario. We check for air intake and exhaust. Build up of moisture can lead to premature mold and premature building degradation. Insta Insulation can install soffit vents, baffles, bathroom exhaust fans, insulated hoses for bathroom exhaust fans and roof vents.
Is ventilation in my attic as important as the insulation?
Yes ventilation is as important as the insulation in a typical ventilated attic. Ventilation is important for a number of reasons;
- Ventilation will allow for fresh air to come in and help exhaust moisture
- Getting rid of excessive moisture reduces chances of mold growth and the cost associated
- Healthier home no mold growth and less airborne pollutants entering home
- As R-Value increases in the middle of your attic the heat loss at soffit area/roof wall junction increases and along with this comes moisture, ventilation stops moisture building up under the sheathing at the soffit area.
Is air sealing my attic more important than adding more insulation?
The answer is quite simple “NO”. Although air leakage accounts for 40% of a home’s energy loss, when you insulate your home with anything the home will get tighter and have less air flowing through it. This is exactly what happens when adding additional insulation to your attic. Cellulose by itself is a good product to upgrade your attic for air tightness and insulation. A layer of spray foam and then blown cellulose is the best but there is also an associated cost. A fibrous insulation will always work better when the airflow is slowed down or minimized around it. Connect with an Insta insulation representative and what options is right for you.
What’s the difference between R40 and R50 and R60?
“R” is referring to R-Value. An R-Value is given to a product to indicate the ability for the insulation to resist heat flow. The higher the R the better the resistance to heat flow in most cases. When assessing your insulation needs it is always best to think of heat transfer. Example heat leaves your home in the winter and heat comes in from outside in the summer, or we insulate a freezer so heat does not get in rather than cold getting out. R-Value is not the only thing to consider when choosing the insulation you use in your home. Air tightness is as important if not more important. Air leakage accounts for 40% of a home’s energy loss. By tightening your home the insulation will be much more effective, this is why spray foam is so superior to fiberglass batts. Other examples of foam being superior to batt insulation would be freezers, water heaters and refrigerators. If fiberglass batt is so effective why are all high performance products moving to closed cell insulation?
What is the best insulation for increasing the R-value in my attic in Ontario?
Most insulation products when installed correctly should reduce the rate of heat transfer. Products like Insulthane Extreme or foam board insulation; closed cell insulation have a better ability to resist air flow. When air and moisture flow through insulation the R-Value is reduced significantly. Reducing air movement through the insulation will increase energy saving dramatically. When increasing the R-value of your home incorporate spray foam to obtain best results.
Spray Foam
Does spray foam stop mold when used as basement insulation?
Yes spray foam will stop mold growth in your basement. Insta Insulation will guarantee no mold growth on a whole basement spray foam installation for 10 years. The reason why 2lbs spray foam does not contribute to mold growth;
- Not an organic material/ mold doesn’t feed on it like wood or drywall
- Stops air flow
- Stops moisture
- No air pockets on outside wall where moisture could accumulate
- No food, no air and no moisture = no mold
What is the best way to insulate my basement?
The best way to insulate and existing basement is by spray foaming it. Spray foam adheres tenaciously to walls and joist ends eliminating the air space where condensation can build up and mold may form. Sealing off joist ends in your basement help reduce air leakage and stack effect in your home. An independent poly sheet should not be required. Remember to keep the studs away from the wall a minimum of an inch so that foam can get in behind the studding. Call Insta Insulation today and ask our technical representatives show how insulating your basement with spray foam insulation can save your upwards of 25-30% on your energy bills, expand your living space and create a healthier home.
How do I prepare my home for a spray foam install?
Walls need to be framed; electrical and all other wiring should be installed prior to spray foam installation. All wall areas need to be clear so access can be granted for the spray foam installation. All valuables should be masked and or covered with plastic. Know where you and other occupants will be staying the night of the day the spray foam has been installed. You need to be out of the home for 24 hours after install of spray foam insulation.
Does any new spray foam insulation contain formaldehyde?
CCMC evaluated spray foam products like Insulthane Extreme do not contain formaldehyde. Insta Insulation has never installed products that contain formaldehyde. Insta Insulation prides itself on installing only CCMC evaluated products that meet all government regulations.
Is spray foam building code compliant?
Most spray foam insulations are building code compliant. Be thorough and check to make sure you’re your contractor is using a CCMC evaluated product. 2lbs CCMC evaluated products must have a distinct colour and cannot be yellow or cream colour. Insta Insulation uses Insulthane Extreme sprayed polyurethane foam insulation. CCMC evaluated and arguably the most tested building material in Canada.
Why do I need to remove the drywall, can’t you just drill holes add more insulation?
Insta Insulation does not inject foam behind walls foam many reasons;
- Too much pressure blows out walls
- Too many voids left creating new issues
- Installer cannot tell if foam mixture is correct
- Because mixing is not in the open, off-gassing and set up is too slow
- The is not product with a CCMC certified process (government approval)
Is the foam fireproof?
Spray foam insulation is not fireproof. All spray foam in a home or occupied building must be covered by an approved thermal barrier like drywall. Spray foam is a cellular plastic insulation and produces a black smoke similar to burning carpet, drapes, blinds, mattresses the smoke can be toxic.
Are we going to find out down the road that it is toxic and need to have it removed?
Always hire a contractor who will install CCMC evaluated products (Canadian Construction Materials Centre). When a product has a CCMC number it means it has been tested by our gov’t. There has never been a recall on products with a CCMC number. No UFI product or asbestos product has ever had a CCMC number. Spray foam or polyurethane foam have been around for almost 70 years. We find it in everything from mattresses to vehicles, it is all around us. Spray foam in your home must be covered by a thermal barrier like drywall as spray foam is plastic and when it burns it lets of black smoke similar to carpet and drapes.
How long does spray foam last for?
Spray foam is a cellular plastic insulation. Essentially it is plastic with bubbles of heat resistant gas (like a low E- argon window). If spray foam is keep out of the elements it will last forever. The fact it does not sag or settle and maintains its R-Value makes spray foam the best investment you can make into your home or building. Old technology fiberglass batt insulation is affected by moisture, air movement, mechanical ventilation and settles leaving gaps, all off these factors contributes to reduced efficiency and higher operating costs of your building or home.
Is the spray foam foam mouse/insect proof?
Spray foam is not mouse or insect proof. But the fact that it is dense makes it more difficult for mice and insects to get through it thus meaning you will find less mice and insects in spray foamed homes. Secondly the fact that mice and rodents done sense the heat as readily in the winter means they don’t know its warm on the other side and really don’t know where is warm. Termites and ants both like the insulating qualities of spray foam. If you have termite or ant problems they should be taken care of first prior to any spray foam install as it is difficult to treat once the home is spray foamed. If the home has been spray foamed termites and ants are less likely to come in the same as another insect.