Keep the cold out and maintain the warmth inside

Keeping your Ottawa home cozy requires adequate insulation to keep the cold out and maintain the warm air inside. When insulation is not properly installed, it causes your home’s heating and cooling unit to work overtime to regulate the temperature in your home. During FineLines Roofing & Renovations’ roof and attic inspections we examine insulation for proper placement and R-value to determine its efficiency.

Why do we need insulation?

Effective insulation slows the movement of heat and prevents it from escaping through walls. To do this, an effective insulation system has the following:

An air barrier, which prevents the movement of interior and exterior air.
A vapour retarder, such as polyethylene sheeting, which prevents moisture from moving from warm interior spaces into a colder areas where it can be condensed.
The ability to release any moisture that gets into the insulation system (drying potential).

Insulation Effectiveness

R-values are a rating system used to determine the effectiveness of insulation. The higher the R-value, the better it is at preventing the movement of heat. Canadian insulation products are labelled with R and RSI values (the metric equivalent of R-value).

When considering a renovation or new home construction it is important to check your provincial building code requirements to determine the minimum R-values for the intended application.

Signs of Ineffective Insulation

In the Winter
In the Summer

Cold floors
Interior walls cold to touch
High heating bill
Unbalanced heat distribution throughout building
Mold on walls

Hot indoor air
High cooling expense
Air conditioner working overtime
Mold in basement

Attic Insulation

To save on energy costs, the attic is often the most cost-effective place to insulate. In addition to spray or batt insulation, loose fill is often used over the top of ceiling joists.

During attic inspections we check that:

The air barrier at the ceiling line is tight to ensure warm moist air from the house does not get into the cold attic and condense in the winter.
Assess ceiling light fixtures, the tops of interior walls and plumbing stacks for air leakage.
Ensure that soffit vent is not blocked.

Basement Insulation

It is especially important that basements have adequate insulation. Basement walls need to restrict moisture flow both inside and outside the house.

Will I save money on heating and cooling if I insulate?

Properly installed insulation can help to regulate the temperature inside your home, making it more comfortable year round. Because the indoor temperature is adequately maintained when your home is insulated, your heating and cooling system uses less energy to keep rooms at a comfortable temperature. Regions which experience cold winters and hot summers may require insulation with a higher R-value.

Free Estimates

Wondering about the cost of your repair or renovation project? We offer free estimates.

Attic Inspection

Attic Inspections Ensure Your Attic Is up to Code in Ottawa

Your attic is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, however, with properly installed insulation, baffles, soffits and ventilation systems, your attic can function the way it is meant to: to regulate the air in that space and prevent moisture build-up.

FineLines Roofing & Renovations provides attic inspections by examining the components of your attic including the ventilation system, quality and placement of insulation and check for moisture and mold.

To find out whether your attic is up to code, call us to book an inspection today.

Foam Polyurethane

Insulate Your Ottawa Home with Lightweight Foam Polyurethane

FineLines Roofing & Renovations often uses polyurethane foam insulation when completing home improvement projects. Foam polyurethane is a lightweight yet effective method for covering large areas and is a leading choice for insulation because it resists heat transfer extremely well. Its lightweight design allows versatility in its application and makes it highly effective for preventing heat transfer.

Because foam polyurethane does such a great job at hindering heat transfer, using it to insulate your home can save you a ton of money on energy costs.

Spray Foam

Full Coverage, Leak-Proof Spray Foam Insulation in Ottawa

Protect your home from leaks with spray foam insulation. FineLines Roofing & Renovations applies spray foam insulation to walls during renovations because it is effective in sealing cracks and preventing heat escape. The spray foam acts as a barrier which locks out moisture and restricts access for rodents and other pests. By choosing spray foam insulation, your home is thoroughly protected and you benefit from increased energy savings.

Two types of Spray Polyurethane Foam

Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) comes in a variety of formats one being high pressure foam and low pressure foam. SPF is also available in open-cell and closed-cell compositions.

See the comparison to learn more about the different SPF formulations below:

Closed-Cell

Open-Cell

R-value (approximately 3.5 per inch)
Allows controlled water permeability
Air barrier
Less strong and less rigid compared to closed-cell
Not ideal for basement foundations or areas where direct contact with water is expected
Less dense (0.4 – 1.2 lbs./ft3)
Excellent sound absorption

Spray Foam Insulation in Attics

Spray foam applied to the bottom of the roof decks in your attic prevents air from escaping so that the attic space and your home are not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. The insulation reduces the load on your furnace so it doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain a neutral temperature.

Both open-cell and closed-cell polyurethane spray foam can be used as both create a reliable barrier for regulating temperature. Closed-cell foam has a higher R-value which makes it the most effective in sealing cracks.

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Insulation

Is Your Insulation Doing Its Job Inside Your Ottawa Home?