Insulation saves energy and reduces GHG emissions, but to be effective, it is especially important to reduce air leaks and heat loss by installing the right insulation in the right place. Choose the insulation with the highest R or RSI value that is suitable for the area you’re insulating.

Our recommendations :

1. Technical feasibility is the first thing to consider in your choice of insulation: the type of construction, the thickness of the walls, the presence of thermal bridges and the accessibility of the location may make it impossible to use some kinds of insulation, while others provide the perfect solution to reduce air leaks or heat loss.
2. To insulate closed or hard-to-access spots, like attics, a good choice is loose-fill cellulose, a product that can be laid or blown in, but not compacted.
3. To insulate exterior walls, there are different techniques and many products available. Batt or roll insulation includes mineral wool and fibreglass, which are designed to be inserted between wall studs and ceiling joists. There are also several types of rigid and semi-rigid panels, made of polystyrene or polyurethane, designed for special purposes: basement walls, exterior walls above foundations, exterior walls that are partly underground, etc.
4. To insulate potentially damp places like basements and foundations, it is best to install mould resistant products like polystyrene or polyurethane. But these products are often highly flammable and it is prohibited to leave them uncovered in the unfinished part of the basement, for example. Under cement slabs, polystyrene panels are the best choice, because they are so resistant to compression.

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