Where does insulation fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Insulation
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Insulation
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Insulation
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Insulation
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Insulation
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Insulation
Insulation added or upgraded to keep the house warm and quiet, with the air sealing done with it, not after.
How this guide works
Insulation works best with air sealing. Gaps and leaks waste more energy than thin insulation, so both are planned together. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where insulation is used
Insulation goes into attics, walls, basements, floors and commercial envelopes. Each has a different access and a different job.
| Area | Typical insulation | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Attics | Blown fibre or batt | Depth, air sealing, ventilation |
| Walls (new or opened) | Batt, spray foam, rigid board | Vapour control, air sealing |
| Basements | Spray foam or rigid board | Moisture, fire rating |
| Commercial envelope | Rigid board, spray foam | Fire rating, code, moisture |
Our pick: Seal the air first, then insulate. Insulation does less when air moves through it.
Decision 2: Insulation type
Each insulation has a different R-value per inch, a different cost and a different install. Choose for the area and the budget.
| Type | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Blown fibre | Attics, top-up | Needs the right depth |
| Batt | Walls, standard framing | Gaps reduce the value |
| Closed-cell spray foam | Air sealing and walls | Higher cost, needs install skill |
| Rigid board | Basements and exterior | Joints need sealing |
Our pick: Closed-cell foam where air sealing is the problem. Blown fibre for attics.
Decision 3: Air sealing
Air leaks through the top plates, the rim joists, the outlets and the attic hatch. Sealing these first is where most of the savings come from.
| Leak point | Seal with |
|---|---|
| Top plates and penetrations | Foam or sealant |
| Rim joists | Spray foam or rigid board |
| Attic hatch and recessed lights | Gasket and airtight covers |
Our pick: Air seal before you add insulation. It is the cheapest energy upgrade in most houses.
Decision 4: Ventilation and moisture
Insulation changes how the house breathes. Ventilation and vapour control stop condensation and mould in the wall or attic.
| Check | Good practice |
|---|---|
| Attic ventilation | Balanced intake and exhaust |
| Vapour control | Placed on the warm side of the wall |
| Bathroom and kitchen fans | Vented outside |
Our pick: Check ventilation whenever insulation changes. A tighter house needs a planned air change.
Decision 5: Depth and performance
The depth and the R-value set the performance. The code sets the minimum, and the house decides how much more is worth it.
| Area | Typical target |
|---|---|
| Attic | Code minimum or more, to the depth needed |
| Walls | Code minimum for the framing |
| Basement | Code minimum for the basement wall |
Our pick: Go above the code minimum in the attic. It is the easiest place to add performance.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Insulation problems show up as cold rooms, drafts, ice on the roof and high bills. Some signs also point to moisture.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Cold spots or drafts | Checking the air leaks |
| Ice on the roof edge in winter | Checking the attic insulation and ventilation |
| Damp or frost on the attic deck | Checking vapour control and ventilation |
Our pick: Air seal first. Drafts and frost usually mean air is moving through the house.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
Adding insulation to the attic usually needs no permit. Opening walls for insulation, or changing the air barrier in a renovation, can.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| Attic top-up | Usually no permit |
| Opening walls to insulate | Confirm with the municipality |
| Commercial envelope | Check code and fire rating |
Our pick: Confirm the scope. Opening a wall is often the moment to fix the insulation properly.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Insulation sits between the framing, the air barrier, the ventilation and the drywall. It is installed before the walls close.
| Trade | What insulation needs |
|---|---|
| Framing | Cavities clear and sized correctly |
| Electrical and plumbing | Rough-in in place before insulation |
| Ventilation | Planned with the new air barrier |
| Drywall | Insulation checked before the drywall goes on |
Our pick: Insulate after the rough-in and before the drywall. Once the walls close, the work is hidden.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Insulation keeps working when the air barrier and ventilation stay sound. A yearly check of the attic keeps the performance.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation | Checked for compression and moisture |
| Vents | Kept clear of insulation |
| Air barrier | Checked after renovations |
Our pick: Keep the vents clear and check the attic once a year.
Questions
What insulation is best?
It depends on the wall and the budget. We check the house and recommend the best fit.
Will insulation save energy?
Usually, especially with air sealing. We tell you what to expect.
Can you insulate an existing wall?
Yes, when the wall is open or can be accessed.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the areas you want insulated and the problems you notice. We check the air leaks and the ventilation, then recommend the insulation.
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