Edmonton is home to numerous beautiful, older houses that carry a sense of history and timeless charm. These homes, while full of character, often face significant challenges in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, and maintenance. This is particularly true given Edmonton’s cold winters and fluctuating temperatures throughout the year. Upgrading insulation is one of the most impactful ways to address these challenges, and closed-cell spray foam insulation emerges as a perfect solution. In this blog, we will explore why closed-cell spray foam is ideal for Edmonton’s older homes. Let’s find out how it can transform living spaces by improving energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.
Understanding Closed-Cell Spray Foam Insulation
Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a type of high-performance insulation composed of dense, rigid foam that expands on contact. Its unique structure offers both excellent thermal resistance (R-value) and an airtight seal. This makes it an outstanding choice for insulating older homes in challenging climates like Edmonton’s.
Closed-cell spray foam offers numerous advantages over traditional insulation materials like fibreglass or cellulose. The most notable benefits include:
- Superior Thermal Performance: Closed-cell spray foam boasts an R-value of approximately 6.5 per inch. This is significantly higher than most other insulation types. It helps retain heat during Edmonton’s cold winters and keeps your home cooler during the summer.
- Air Sealing Capability: The foam expands to fill gaps, cracks, and other small openings. It creates an airtight barrier that prevents drafts and reduces heat loss.
- Structural Reinforcement: Due to its dense nature, closed-cell spray foam can add rigidity to walls and other building structures.
Challenges Faced By Older Homes In Edmonton
Here are some common challenges that make spray foam necessary for your home.
Poor Energy Efficiency
Older homes in Edmonton often have insufficient insulation. This leads to higher energy consumption as the heating system needs to work overtime. The energy inefficiency results in significantly higher energy bills for homeowners.
Drafts and Heat Loss
Older homes tend to have gaps and cracks in the walls, roof, and foundation due to aging and natural wear and tear. These openings allow drafts to enter the home. The heat loss resulting from drafts also puts additional strain on the heating system. This can lead to increased maintenance costs over time.
Limited Space for Insulation Upgrades
Older homes often have limited wall cavities and areas where insulation can be added. This makes it challenging to upgrade insulation using traditional materials, which may not be effective without enough space.
Why Closed-Cell Spray Foam Is the Ideal Solution
Exceptional Insulating Power
Closed-cell spray foam’s high R-value provides excellent insulation in a compact form. It is particularly beneficial for older homes with limited space for insulation. Its superior thermal resistance helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures. Overall, it ensures that the home remains warm in winter and cool in summer. Therefore, it is ideal for Edmonton’s older homes, which often need improved insulation without significant structural modifications.
Air Sealing for Maximum Comfort
One of the biggest advantages of closed-cell spray foam is its ability to seal even the smallest gaps and cracks. As it expands, it fills cavities. This eliminates drafts and prevents the infiltration of cold air during Edmonton’s harsh winters. This airtight seal enhances comfort but also reduces the workload on heating systems, leading to energy savings.
Adds Structural Strength
Older homes can benefit from the added rigidity that closed-cell spray foam provides. The dense, solid nature of the foam enhances the structural integrity of walls, floors, and ceilings. This additional strength is especially important for homes that may have weakened over time.
Space Efficiency
Traditional insulation materials like fibreglass or blown-in cellulose require ample space for effective installation. However, closed-cell spray foam offers superior insulating properties in a much smaller volume. This means it can be used in narrow wall cavities and other tight spaces, without compromising on the insulation quality.
About Classic Spray Foam
At Classic Spray Foam, we specialize in providing high-quality insulation services to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient. We focus on custom-built homes and offer spray foam insulation, blown-in insulation installation/removal, and eavestroughing services.
Contact us today to learn how we can help improve your home’s insulation. Visit our website to get in touch and learn more about our services.