After Two Failed Attempts, we came in to put an end to this Attic's Problems.
Challenge
A homeowner in Salaberry-De-Valleyfield, Quebec, reached out to us in frustration after experiencing repeated attic insulation failures despite hiring two separate contractors over the past two years.
Each attempt resulted in a short-term solution, with the insulation materials degrading prematurely and the house soon started to struggle again to maintain thermal stability, especially during the colder or hotter months. Upon conducting a detailed inspection, our specialist explained to our client that the root cause was not the quantity or even the type of insulation used, but rather the complete absence of an effective air sealing within the attic. The principle of stack effect, in which warm interior air rises and escapes through the attic due to pressure differentials, had gone unaddressed. This continuous air movement was introducing air into the attic cavity, leading to thermal bridging and performance degradation of the existing insulation.
Contrary to common misconceptions, a high-performance attic insulation system is not achieved by simply adding layers of insulating material. Instead, it necessitates a building multi-layered approach beginning with the creation of a continuous air barrier inside the attic space. Air infiltration carries both thermal energy and moisture, which can lead to condensation, diminishing the thermal R-value and fostering mold growth.
Solution
We began with extracting of the existing, compromised fiberglass batts and cellulose, which had settled due to excessive humidity. This step allowed for an easy visual and physical access to the attic floor assembly and all potential leakage points. We then applied our high-performance, closed-cell ZypFoam to meticulously seal every linear inch of potential air infiltration. ZypFoam was selected specifically for its ability to seal irregular and minute gaps without exerting pressure on adjacent building materials.
Once the attic was rendered airtight, we proceeded to install our TruSoft cellulose insulation to achieve a thermal resistance value of R60. Unlike traditional fiberglass, TruSoft cellulose, composed of recycled material and treated with a borate-based fire retardant, offers superior density and coverage, minimizing convective loops.
Post-installation testing using a blower door and infrared thermography confirmed the integrity of the air sealing and insulation performance. The homeowner subsequently reported a marked improvement in ambient temperature consistency, significant reduction in HVAC consumption, and the complete elimination of previously persistent drafts.
