What is the best type of
insulation for a house?
Comparison of Home Insulation
When it comes to insulating a house in Edmonton, Alberta, understanding the unique challenges posed by the region’s climate is crucial. Edmonton experiences extreme temperatures, with cold winters where temperatures can plummet well below freezing and warm summers that can see temperatures rise significantly. This wide temperature range necessitates a well-thought-out approach to insulation that can keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer, ultimately ensuring comfort year-round and reducing energy costs. This article will explore the best types of insulation for a house in Edmonton, considering the common types of insulation products on the market, their R-values, and how they align with the Alberta Building Code.
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Common Types of Insulation Products
Several insulation products are widely used in residential renovations, each with its own advantages and ideal applications. Here are the most common types:
- Fibreglass Insulation: Made from fine glass fibres, it is one of the most commonly used insulation materials. It comes in batts, rolls, or loose-fill forms and is relatively easy to install. Its R-value ranges from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch of thickness, making it suitable for various applications.
- Cellulose Insulation: Composed of recycled paper products, cellulose insulation is treated with fire retardants. It is typically blown into place, making it ideal for retrofitting older homes. Its R-value is approximately R-3.7 to R-3.8 per inch.
- Spray Foam Insulation: Available in open-cell and closed-cell varieties, spray foam expands to fill cavities, cracks, and gaps, making it an excellent choice for sealing air leaks. This is also the greatest benefit of spray foam, as it can also be employed as a vapour barrier due to its ability to seal. Closed-cell foam has a higher R-value, around R-6 to R-7 per inch, than open-cell foam, which offers around R-3.5 per inch.
- Rigid Foam Board Insulation: These boards are made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (polyiso), or polyurethane. They are excellent for exterior wall sheathing and basements. R-values vary by material but generally range from R-4 to R-6.5 per inch.
- Mineral Wool Insulation: Also known as rock wool or slag wool, mineral wool can be used in both batts and loose-fill forms. It is made from rock, furnace slag, and other raw materials. Mineral wool is a more effective insulating product for sound deadening as well as its thermal insulating properties. Its R-value is around R-3.0 to R-3.3 per inch.
Edmonton's climate and insulation needs
Edmonton’s climate poses unique challenges for insulation. The city’s winters can be brutally cold, with temperatures reaching as low as -40°C, while summers can see temperatures well above 30°C. This wide temperature range means that homes in Edmonton need insulation that can effectively keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.
The Alberta Building Code and R-Value Requirements
The Alberta Building Code sets minimum R-value requirements for new construction and renovations to ensure energy efficiency and comfort in homes. The R-value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, with higher values indicating better insulation performance. For Edmonton, the recommended R-values are higher than in milder climates to account for the extreme cold. For example, the Alberta Building Code recommends R-values up to R-60 for attic insulation and R-22 to R-24 for walls in new construction.It is not uncommon for homes to be built with a 2×6 wood structure in Edmonton so that the thicker walls can accommodate insulating battens with a higher R-value to meet the minimum code.
Choosing the Best Insulation for Edmonton
The Alberta Building Code sets minimum R-value requirements for new construction and renovations to ensure energy efficiency and comfort in homes. The R-value is a measure of insulation’s ability to resist heat flow, with higher values indicating better insulation performance. For Edmonton, the recommended R-values are higher than in milder climates to account for the extreme cold. For example, the Alberta Building Code recommends R-values up to R-60 for attic insulation and R-22 to R-24 for walls in new construction.It is not uncommon for homes to be built with a 2×6 wood structure in Edmonton so that the thicker walls can accommodate insulating battens with a higher R-value to meet the minimum code.
Insulation For Attics
- Given the high R-value requirement, a combination of loose-fill cellulose or fibreglass on top of a layer of spray foam insulation can provide the necessary thermal resistance and air sealing to prevent heat loss through the attic.
Insulation For Walls
- Closed-cell spray foam insulation offers the high R-value and moisture barrier needed for Edmonton’s climate, making it an excellent choice for exterior walls. Rigid foam board insulation can also be used as an additional layer of insulation on the exterior of the building to reduce thermal bridging through the studs.
Insulation For Basements
- Basements in Edmonton need insulation that can handle potential moisture issues in addition to providing thermal resistance. Rigid foam board insulation against the foundation walls, followed by a framed wall with fibreglass or mineral wool batts, can offer the necessary protection and insulation.
Insulation For Floors Over Unheated Garages or Crawl Spaces
- Spray foam or rigid foam board insulation can be used to seal off and insulate these areas, preventing cold floors during the winter months.
Professional Guidance
Choosing the right insulation for a house in Edmonton requires careful consideration of the local climate, the specific needs of different parts of the house, and compliance with the Alberta Building Code. A combination of insulation types, each chosen for its specific properties and application area, can provide the best overall performance.
When planning your home renovation, it’s important to work with an experienced renovation company like Smyth Stolarz Construction Ltd. Through their many years of experience, Smyth Stolarz can help you select the best insulation for each specific application that will meet your budget while staying in compliance with the applicable building codes. To learn more about home insulation options for your renovation project, contact Smyth Stolarz today.
