Frequently Asked Questions

The R-value and its metric equivalent, the RSI value, are used to rate the effectiveness of insulation materials. The higher the R-value or RSI value, the more resistant the material is to heat transfer. Insulation products sold in Canada are rated using both R and RSI values. Provincial building codes require minimum R or RSI values for new construction, with the required values varying depending on the application. It is important to know the building code requirements for your region when planning a construction project.

NOTE: Proper installation of insulation is very important to ensure its effectiveness. Compressing the insulation, leaving gaps around it, or allowing air to pass through it reduces the material’s actual insulating value.

A good insulation system can help you save money, reduce your energy consumption, and make your home more comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that installation—including modifications to the framing, siding, and finish materials—is usually the most expensive part of the work. Local climate conditions also affect the cost-effectiveness of such a project.

You will need to assess the costs as well as the heat losses and gains of all possible options. Then, review all the details to properly control moisture movement. You can then choose the right insulation strategy. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

Ultimately, improving the insulation of a poorly insulated home is generally cost-effective. In new construction, it makes sense to insulate the building properly from the outset to avoid having to redo the work later.

Effective insulation systems slow the movement of heat and limit the movement of moisture at a reasonable cost.

To achieve this, these assemblies include:

• An air barrier that prevents indoor or outdoor air from passing through the system.
• Properly filled cavities that leave no gaps in or around the insulation and do not compress it.
• Minimal thermal bridging—that is, parts of the wall with a low R-value that extend from the warm side to the cold side of the insulation, allowing heat to escape easily. Structural components of walls often create thermal bridges.
• A vapour barrier, such as a polyethylene membrane, that prevents moisture from moving from warm indoor spaces into the colder building envelope, where it could condense.
• Drying potential, meaning the insulation system’s ability to release any moisture that enters it.

To better understand our soundproofing needs, we must first determine the noise level in our home. Noise is measured in decibels. A jet aircraft produces approximately 110 dB, a loud conversation is around 60 dB, while a refrigerator produces 40 dB.

The purpose of soundproofing is to reduce as much as possible the noises that may disturb our acoustic environment. The source of the noise must first be properly identified: is it impact noise, such as footsteps, or airborne noise, such as voices? Noise is somewhat like water. If there is a weak point somewhere, air or vibrations will find their way through it.

The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating measures a partition’s ability to prevent airborne noise from passing through it. The 2005 Building Code requires an STC rating of 50 for walls between adjoining residences, which is not always sufficient.

To properly soundproof a room or an apartment, there are a few fundamental principles to consider before starting the work: mass, decoupling, and the drum effect. The insulation material must have a certain amount of mass, because the heavier it is, the better it insulates against sound.

Second, decoupling helps avoid rigid contact between components, preventing vibrations from travelling from one area to another.

Finally, the drum effect, which can result from the soundproofing design of walls or floors, must be avoided.

There are several ways to proceed, and dozens of materials are available on the market.