Comprehensive Attic Insulation Upgrade in Saint-Nazaire-d'Acton, Quebec

Challenge

A homeowner contacted us with ongoing issues of indoor discomfort and high energy bills, despite having recently added a second type of insulation to his attic. The attic already contained fiberglass insulation, and cellulose had been blown in recently in an attempt to improve thermal performance.

Upon conducting a detailed inspection, our team observed that while two types of insulation materials were present, the combined thermal resistance of these materials remained insufficient to reach the needed thermal value or R60. Moreover, unsealed penetrations through the attic floor, such as plumbing vents, electrical wires, and open gaps around framing joints were still present. These unaddressed air leaks allowed conditioned air to escape from the living space into the attic, significantly undermining the performance of the insulation layers.

Solution

Complete Insulation Removal

We first removed all existing fiberglass and cellulose insulation to expose the attic floor. This was a critical step to  ensure no loose insulation would interfere with the air-sealing process.

Air Sealing with ZypFoam

Using ZypFoam, a high-performance, flexible polyurethane foam, we meticulously sealed all gaps, and joints along the attic floor. This included areas around electrical boxes, vent stacks, and wall top plates.

TruSoft Cellulose Installation

After sealing, we installed our TruSoft cellulose insulation. This insulation is made from recycled fibers treated to resist fire and mold, and is known for its dense packing and high R value per inch.