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SoundSeals Insulation

Energy efficiency starts with great insulation

A flurry of home and cottage renovations is taking place across this region, and it’s the perfect time to ensure the proper insulation is in place.

Whether you’re spending more time at your property during lockdowns or winterizing a cottage to move into full time, having the right amount of quality insulation is paramount, explains Curtis Hinksman, owner of Soundseals Insulation.

“Any time an extensive renovation is being done, especially on older buildings, it’s a good time to have the professionals take a look at your insulation,” he says. “If we find that your insulation needs updating or more needs to be added added to meet energy efficiency standards, it’s less intrusive to get it done while other work is taking place.”

Experts like the Soundseals Insulation team advise upgrading older homes so they have at least as much insulation as the current Ontario building code demands for new structures. This includes an R-60 value for attics, R-31 for ceilings without attics, R-31 for exposed floors, R-22 for walls above grade, and R-20 for basement walls.

These numbers are especially important if planning to turn a three-season cottage into your permanent home. Having quality insulation properly installed by certified professionals will keep your building warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, and reduce energy costs. The higher the R-value, the better it is at resisting the flow of heat, but it also needs to be properly sealed to maximize insulation efficiency.

“Reaching the recommended R-value levels will provide peak efficiency for your building,” says Curtis. “Also, never assume you have enough unless it’s been confirmed by an expert. Even newer builds done in the past decade may not have been insulated to the most up-to-date standard.”

The Soundseals Insulation team also knows what type of insulation is needed for each part of your building. They offer all types of insulation for their clients, including blown-in, batts, spray foam, and more.

For example, between floor joists where vapour barrier is hard to install or in basements which can be too damp for fibre-based insulation Curtis recommends spray foam. This two-in-one vapour barrier and insulation will fill in all the gaps, helping to keep moisture and pests out, while improving energy efficiency.

“We take a look at all the areas where insulation is necessary and then provide our recommendation and advice on the best product for the job,” says Curtis.

If a renovation or addition is on tap for your home or cottage, it’s a great opportunity to add insulation and enhance your building’s energy efficiency and comfort and reduce your energy bills at the same time.

TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI | PHOTOS SCOTT TURNBULL

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