Improving your home’s insulation is an excellent way to save money, enhance comfort, and lower your carbon footprint. Insulation upgrades might be the answer! This comprehensive post guides you from initial assessment to installation. Additionally, we’ll cover regional regulations like Ontario’s attic insulation requirements and explore the availability of home insulation rebates in Canada.
Insulation upgrades can keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. You can achieve this by two main ways heat travels:
A home insulation upgrade can help to reduce conduction and convection. So, it may maintain a comfortable temperature without constantly running the heater or air conditioner.
There are two sides to measure insulation resistance:
Upgrading your home’s insulation is a wise investment. It can lead to significant energy savings, enhanced comfort, and a healthier indoor environment. But before we get started, let’s explore the key areas to check for proper insulation.
Embark on this journey to transform your insulation with these comprehensive steps.
You should check the attic and roof about having insulation. There is most likely some There is most likely some insulation already. Checking this section is easy because it is in the open. Check it out by going (or peeking) into your attic. Check the coating surrounding the duct to utilize the power of your air conditioner.Â
Checking the wall is not as easy as the attic or roof. You can take off the cover plate from an outlet. Then, use a flashlight to look inside the wall.
Do you see any materials like fibers or foam within the wall? So, there is an insulation that you can check for an insulation upgrade. You should check out all external walls and the walls between your house and garage. Because some walls may have insulation and others may not.
Caution: Turn off the power to all connected outlets before removing the cover plate.
Adding additional insulation to the walls requires tearing into the drywall or plaster. That is not cost-effective unless you are remodeling, so the best solution may be to wait until you need to repair the siding. Then, you can do an insulation upgrade underneath it.
Removing a floorboard can be a way to access inside the wall to the insulation. To access crawl spaces, you should look for a duct to easily access the area.
You may not even know if your home has insulation. To find out and identify the type, you need to inspect it directly. The following table can help you understand the types of insulation according to what you see.
| What you see | The type of insulation |
| Loose, fluffy colored fibers (yellow, pink, white) | Fiberglass |
| Densely packed gray or whitish loose fibers | Rock wool |
| Loose gray or whitish fibers resembling newspaper | Cellulose |
| Lightweight granules | Vermiculite or perlite |
| Colored (yellow, pink, white) fibers in a square shape | Fiberglass batting |
| Hardened foam | Spray polyurethane foam |
The quantity and kinds of insulation depend on the area of your home that has to upgrade insulation. First, measure your insulation’s R-value measurement, to know how quickly heat will pass through the material.
You must measure the depth of the current insulation in inches and apply the formulae in the insulation R-value chart below to obtain the R-value.
| Insulation types | R-Value/Inch | Common Form |
| Glass Fiber | 2.0 – 4.2 | Batt, Loose fill, Rigid |
| Mineral Wool | 3.0 – 3.2 | Batt, Loose fill |
| Cellulose Fiber | 3.4 – 3.6 | Loose fill |
| Vermiculite | 2.3 | Loose fill |
| Plastic Board | 3.7 – 6.0 | Rigid board |
| Area of House | R-Value |
| Celling with attic space | R60 |
| Celling without attic space | R31 |
| Walls above grade | R22 |
| Basement wall | R20 |
| Exposed floor | R31 |
The Ontario Building Code has been updated to require a higher R-value for attic insulation in new homes and additions. This means the minimum density for these buildings has increased from R-50 to R-60.
The Canadian Greener Homes Affordability Program, launching in 2025-26, offers rebates for energy-efficient upgrades to low- and middle-income homeowners in Ontario. The program targets specific property types and requires proof of primary residence ownership. This initiative aims to boost sustainability, social equity, and homeowner energy savings through free attic assessments and financial incentives.
While tackling an insulation upgrade yourself might seem tempting, it’s important to be aware of the associated challenges. Selecting the right insulation type and safe installation requires significant knowledge.
Each type of insulation has different materials, properties, and dangers. For example, fiberglass can irritate your skin, while polyurethane foam can produce toxic vapors during installation. Asbestos, a serious health hazard that can cause lung cancer and other respiratory illnesses, may be present in older insulation materials found in older homes. Professionals can be aware of these hazards and ensure a safe and effective insulation upgrade.
Let Confirmed Contracting Corp handle your insulation upgrade! We offer a free examination and estimation of insulation inspection. Then, we provide a hassle-free process while handling all relevant documentation. We also inform you about the government rebate program to reduce the cost of upgrade. So, you can relax and let us handle the rest.
How often should you upgrade insulation?
The lifespan of insulation depends on the existing material and its condition. Properly installed insulation (around 300mm) can last for 10-15 years. However, consulting a professional for specific advice is recommended.
What are the benefits of upgrading insulation?
Upgrading insulation offers several benefits, including reduced energy costs, consistent indoor temperature, improved soundproofing, reduced dust and allergens, and increased home value.
What type of insulation is best for my attic?
The best insulation depends on climate, budget, and accessibility, such as selecting blown-in insulation for hard-to-reach areas.
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