There’s a lot that goes into planning for new construction from the design of the property to managing contractors, to the final finishes and features. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to insulate your new building. Insulation is key to keeping your new commercial or residential property comfortable and energy efficient. The right insulation will save you money on your energy bills and keep you comfortable all year round.
If you’re in the process of planning a new construction project, it’s important to choose an insulation installer who is knowledgeable and experienced in new construction insulation installations. Hiring an inexperienced insulator can cost you more time and money if the job is not done properly and it will impact the efficiency of your property for years to come. Hire the Proinsulate team and we will help you through the whole process from choosing the right insulation type for your new construction build to installing it properly the first time, at a price that will fit your budget.
Important Factors for New Construction Insulation in Alberta
Modern insulation technologies offer lots of choices for new construction projects with various benefits such as higher R-values, lower profile insulation, eco-friendly materials, vapour barriers, soundproofing, and fireproofing. Insulation is a critical decision for new construction builds in Alberta considering the extreme climate fluctuations we experience. When you are preparing to insulate your new building, there are a few factors you should consider:
Choosing an Insulation Product for your New Construction Project
Choosing an insulation product can be one of the most daunting steps for builders. No matter what your construction needs may be, our expert team at Proinsulate will help you choose the best insulation for your needs. This is an overview of some of the most common types of insulation used in new construction available in Edmonton.
Spray polyurethane foam
Spray polyurethane foam is a flexible insulation and sealer that provides a continuous barrier on many surfaces in houses and buildings, including ceilings, walls, and concrete slabs. Spray polyurethane foam is created by blending two fast-reacting liquids, isocyanate and polyol resin, which expands to produce foam when combined Spray foam insulation is becoming increasingly popular in new buildings for a variety of reasons. It completely seals any small cracks and holes in your walls preventing air and moisture from entering or leaving. It is very useful for insulating areas with lots of uneven surfaces and insulating around objects that typically create gaps in insulation, such as around electrical outlets, light fixtures, windows, and doors. Comparatively, spray foam takes up less area than other materials while outperforming them in terms of thermal insulation. Spray foam is perfect for new builds in Edmonton because it provides a greater R-value than typical insulation methods for the same thickness. Many types of spray foam will provide additional benefits in addition to insulation including soundproofing, and fire-stopping by adding additional substances.
Fiberglass
Another common type of insulation is fiberglass, which is made of small glass fibers. It is available in rolls or batts or loose fill and can be installed in a variety of ways. Fiberglass batts are a common insulation material in new construction but have many drawbacks. The insulation batts can be cut to size and wedged between ceiling joists and wall studs, but aren’t capable of providing an airtight seal. Additional vapour barriers must be installed when using fiberglass insulation. Fiberglass is a health hazard when disturbed, and fibers are skin and respiratory irritants. Additionally, fiberglass batt insulation doesn’t have the longevity of other insulation like spray foam.
Foam board or Rigid foam board Insulation
Foam board or Rigid foam board Insulation: usually made from polystyrene, comes in the form of pre-made panels that can be cut into different shapes and sizes as needed. Foam boards used widely in new construction projects and unfinished foundational walls are cheaper and much easier to install. Because of the way they are manufactured, foam boards can help strengthen the integrity of the structure. One drawback with using foam boards in your new construction is that it's only suitable for insulating open spaces such as ceilings and walls. Crawl spaces and cavities are not applicable for foam board insulation.
Cellulose insulation
Cellulose insulation is usually applied by using the blow-in insulation method. It is made up of recycled materials such as old newspapers, various fiber-based products, and other environmental products. Its mold-resistant quality makes it an excellent choice for attics, floors, walls, and basements. It discourages the growth of molds, moisture, and mildew which is commonly found in hard-to-reach areas of the house. If there are any areas of the structure with awkward framing, blown-in cellulose insulation will be the best fit.
Cork insulation
Cork insulation is gaining popularity as an environmentally friendly insulation option. If you are seeking to meet LEED certifications or other environmental criteria, you could consider cork insulation as it is a renewal product made from the bark of the oak tree which is regenerative and does not require harvesting the tree to produce. Cork is biodegradable and recyclable at the end of service life, and there are no byproducts made during its production. It has a reasonable R-Value of 3.4 to 4 per inch depending on thickness, it can breathe, and it is fire resistant. Some of its drawbacks include its availability and price. It’s not as commonly used due to the price being more expensive than most other insulation products.
Proinsulate is Local, Experienced, and Family Owned
Benefit from the expertise of local talented insulation installers who understand the northern Alberta climate. Proinsulate has the experience to provide sound recommendations based on your project needs and provide top-quality insulation installations. Contact us today to get a quote on your building and you can rest assured it will be taken care of efficiently and properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Proinsulate Service Areas
Our team works in Edmonton and surrounding areas including Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, and Leduc. If you have any questions about an insulation project in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.