Restoring Attic Energy Efficiency through Proper Air Sealing and Cellulose Insulation

Challenge

A homeowner in Mont-Royal, Quebec, reached out to us seeking a long-term solution for persistent energy efficiency issues linked to their attic. The client had previously worked with other insulation contractors who opted for a "top-up only" approach by simply adding more insulation over the existing material. Despite these interventions, the home continued to suffer from uneven temperatures, high energy bills, and uncomfortable air drafts. Upon inspection, our Specialist identified several key deficiencies within the attic:

• No air sealing had been performed during previous insulation jobs.

• Existing insulation was no longer performing effectively

• The overall thermal resistance (R-value) was well below the recommended level for this climate zone.

Solution

To resolve the problem and deliver lasting results, we implemented a detailed attic insulation system involving the following steps:

1. Insulation Removal

All existing old insulation was safely removed. This step was critical to expose all sources of air leaks, which will allow proper air sealing prior to re-insulating.

2. Air Sealing

Using our excellent Zypfoam, our team meticulously sealed the electrical and plumbing penetrations, the gaps around light fixtures and attic hatches.

This step drastically reduces air infiltration, which are major contributors to heat loss and energy inefficiency within attics.

3. Cellulose Insulation

We then proceeded to install 17 inches of our TruSoft blown-in cellulose insulation, specifically formulated to be fire-resistant, mold and pest-resistant due to its borate treatment.

The amount of insulation added brought the attic’s thermal resistance up to R-60, in line with current building code recommendations for energy-efficient homes in cold climates.