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TOTAL HOME MAGAZINE
FALL 2013
TOTAL HOME MAGAZINE
FALL 2013
|
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Insulation is something
that most homeowners
do not spend much
time thinking about.
But insulation plays a
very important role in
our homes that should
not be overlooked.
I
n Southern Ontario, insulation must perform
efficiently year round as we experience
extreme seasonal climate conditions.
Inefficient insulation can result in higher
heating/cooling costs, higher moisture
levels resulting in mold growth and hot/
cold spots due to uneven heating levels.
SPRAY POLYURETHANE
FOAM INSULAT ION
Airtight insulation is one of the easiest ways to go
green and conserve energy while reducing your
home’s heat-loss and cooling costs. Polyurethane
foam insulation has the highest R value per
inch and is ideal for attics, basements and ring
joists. Polyurethane is a spray applied cellular
plastic that expands to form a durable and
uniform barrier on walls, around corners, and
on all contoured surfaces, and protrusions. It
effectively combines proven thermal protection
while also offering superior air barrier properties
so your home will be efficient, comfortable and
draft, dust and insect free.
Homes treated with polyurethane foam
insulation typically insulate as much as 50%
better than traditional insulation products. It
also protects your home against moisture, which
provides the benefit of reducing the chance of
harmful mold andmildew.This type of insulation
will also reduce airborne sound transfer through
a building’s roof, floor and walls.
Way-Mar installers are expertly trained and adhere
to the standards set by the Canadian Urethane
Foam Contractors Association (CUFCA),
ensuring best practices to create the most energy
efficient environment for you.
Way-Mar’s specialized spray-foam insulation
is the best solution for retrofit and new
construction projects.
INSULATION
SPOTL I GHT
SPRAY IT, DON’T SAY IT...
Understanding insulation and the benefits of foam.
SOME RESIDENTIAL USES OF
SPRAY FOAM INSULATION:
•
Walls - interior/exterior
•
Foundations - interior/exterior
•
Cathedral/Flat Ceilings
•
Crawl Spaces
•
Header spaces between floors
•
Around doors and windows
•
Pipes and Ducts
•
Swimming pools
•
Spas and hot tubs
WAY-MAR PRO TIP
Have your insulation inspected when roofing or siding to save money
and hassle in the future.
POSSIBLE SIGNS OF
INSULATION PROBLEMS:
In Winter Months:
•
Cold floors
•
High heating bills
•
Uneven heating
•
Mold growth on walls
•
Walls cold to touch
In Summer Months:
•
High cooling costs
•
Ineffective air conditioning
•
Mold growth in basement
•
Uncomfortably hot inside air
BLOWN- IN CELLULOSE
Ideal in an attic application, cellulose insulation
is applied by blowing the insulation into
place. This installation process assures the
insulation is applied tightly and continuously
around electrical outlets, piping, wiring and
ductwork. Cellulose insulation is made mostly
out of recycled paper and is excellent for
reducing air leaks and heat-loss.
BOARD STOCK
Board stock insulation is used in roofs, walls,
floors and ceilings. Due to its light weight
design, it is easily installed as cavity insulation
on flat or pitched roofs or as insulation sheating
in outside walls. Boardstock prevents the studs
and rafters from acting as thermal bridges
therefore preventing the heat and cold from
passing through.
UNDERSTANDING R-VALUE
R-value is a measurement of an
insulation product’s ability to reduce the
rate of heat flow at a specific thickness.
Different products have varying R-values
due to the properties of the material
and how it is applied. A higher R-value
indicates a better ability to insulate.
Local building codes outline minimum
R-value requirements for an application
such as a house attic or basement.
To achieve a specific R-value, the
amount of insulation applied and proper
installation are crucial. For example,
unnecessary gaps creating air space can
significantly reduce the overall R-value
of an application.