Types of Insulation
How Does Insulation Work?
Before you choose the best type of insulation, it’s important to understand how insulation protects your home from the elements.
Insulation is a thermally-resistant barrier. This means that when installed in your walls and other areas such as attics and basements, it stops the outside temperatures from penetrating into your home through your walls and roof while keeping the inside temperatures from escaping, keeping you comfortable all year round. You may want to use a higher R-value for basement insulation and attic insulation as opposed to the rest of your home.
How to Select Insulation
- Determine where you need to add insulation. The most effective places in older homes are usually adding it to attics and better insulating basement walls and crawl spaces.
- Determine how much additional insulation R-value you need.
- Determine the type of insulation you need.
- Calculate the quantity of insulation you should buy.
- Choose whether you want to undergo a DIY insulation project or get insulation professionally installed.
What is Insulation R-Value?
R-value measures how well certain building insulation materials, such as foam insulation, can resist heat. The higher the R-value, the greater the performance of the insulation. Keep in mind that if insulation is compressed, the R-value will decrease.
Which R-Value is Right For Your Home?
Ensuring your insulated spaces have the correct R-Value depends on a few factors, including your province, city and zone. Different areas of your home also require different R-Values in order to make sure your floors, ceilings and walls are insulated correctly and efficiently.
Our R-value insulation chart below will tell you exactly which R-Value you’ll need in those spaces to keep your home cool in the summer, and warm in the winter across Canada.
Notes:
- Thermal resistance values within these tables reflect requirements in Table 9.36.2.6.A. and Table 9.36.2.8.A. of the National Building Code.
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the National Building Code when utilizing low permeance exterior sheathings.
- Effective thermal resistance values within the tables have assumed no value for thermal resistance of air space behind a rain screen. Consult local building department to determine if there are provisions that assign R-value for these air spaces. In such cases where R-value is assigned this may decrease the R-value requirement for batt insulation.
- Foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9.10.17.10 of the National Building Code of Canada.
Zone 4
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ceiling Below Attics |
R-40 |
R-50 Batt or Blown Insulation |
R-60 Batt or Blown Insulation |
Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 Batt Insulation |
R-31 |
R-31 Batt Insulation + R-10 CodeBord® |
Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 Batt Insulation |
R-31 Batt Insulation + R-5 CodeBord® |
R-31 Batt Insulation + R-10 CodeBord® |
Walls Above Grade |
R-19 Batt Insulation |
R-22 Batt Insulation + R-5 CodeBord® |
R-24 Batt Insulation + R-5 CodeBord® |
Foundation Walls |
R-12/14 Batt Insulation |
R-14 Batt Insulation + R-5 CodeBord® |
R-14 Batt Insulation + R-10 CodeBord® |
Zone 5
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ceiling Below Attics |
R-40 |
R-50 |
R-60 |
Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-19 |
R-24 |
Foundation Walls |
R-14 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Zone 6
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ceiling Below Attics |
R-50 |
R-50 |
R-60 |
Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-19 |
R-24 |
Foundation Walls |
R-14 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Zone 7A
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
Ceiling Below Attics |
R-50 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-19 |
R-24 |
Foundation Walls |
R-14 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Notes:
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the National Building Code when utilizing low permeance exterior sheathings.
- Foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9.10.17.10 of the National Building Code of Canada.
- Alberta will be fully under 9.36 including climatic zoning separation, by May 1st, 2016.
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-31 |
R-50 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Floors Over Unheated Spaces | R-20 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-12/14 |
R-19/22 |
R-24 |
| Foundation/Basement Walls |
R-8 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Notes:
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the National Building Code when utilizing low permeance exterior sheathings.
- Foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9.10.17.10 of the National Building Code of Canada.
Zone 7A/7B
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-50 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Floors Over Unheated Spaces | R-28 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-19/22 |
R-24 |
| Foundation/Basement Walls |
R-14 or R-12 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Notes:
- Thermal resistance values within this table reflects the changes made by Manitoba’s building code amendment “The Buildings and Mobile Homes Act (C.C.S.M. c. B93)” to table 9.36.2.6B of the National Building Code.
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction.
- Foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9.10.17.10 of the National Building Code of Canada.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the National Building Code when utilizing low permeance exterior sheathings.
- Manitoba is currently adopting Section 9.36 of the National Building Code. Please check with your building official to ensure effective compliance.
Zone 7A/7B
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-50 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Flat Roofs |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Floors Over Unheated Spaces | R-28 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-19/22 |
R-24 |
| Foundation/Basement Walls |
R-14 or R-12 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
Notes:
- Thermal resistance values within this table meets or exceeds minimum requirements within Supplementary Standard SB-12 of the 2017 Ontario Building Code when utilizing space-heating equipment with AFUE greater than or equal to 92%.
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction to ensure conformance.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the 2017 Ontario Building Code when installing low permeance exterior sheathing.
- Combustible foam plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements as per 9.10.17.10 of the 2017 Ontario Building Code.
Zone 1
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling With Attic Space |
R-60 |
R-70 |
R-80 |
| Ceiling Without Attic Space |
R-31 |
R-35 |
R-35 |
| Exposed Floors |
R-35 |
R-35 |
R-35 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-22 or R-19 |
R-22 |
R-24 |
| Basement Walls |
R-15 or R-20 |
R-14 |
R-24 |
Zone 2
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling With Attic Space |
R-60 |
R-70 |
R-80 |
| Ceiling Without Attic Space |
R-31 |
R-35 |
R-35 |
| Exposed Floors |
R-35 |
R-35 |
R-35 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-22 |
R-24 |
| Basement Walls |
R-20 |
R-14 |
R-24 |
Notes:
- Recommended thermal resistance requirements in compliance to Part 11 of the Quebec Building Code.
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local building department before commencement of construction.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.1.2. of the Quebec Building Code when installing low permeance exterior sheathing.
- plastic insulation on the interior of the building envelope must adhere to the requirements of protection of foamed plastics as per 9.10.17.10 of the Quebec Building Code.
Zone 1
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling With Attics Space |
R-41 |
R-50 |
R-60 |
| Ceiling Without Attic Space |
R-41 |
R-40 |
R-40 |
| Exposed Floors |
R-22 |
R-24 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-19 |
R-22 |
R-24 |
| Basement Walls |
R-12 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
| Under Slab |
R-5 |
R-7.5 |
R-10 |
Zone 2
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling With Attic Space |
R-51 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Ceiling Without Attic Space |
R-51 |
R-40 |
R-40 |
| Exposed Floors |
R-22 |
R-24 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-22 |
R-24 |
R-24 |
| Basement Walls |
R-12 |
R-14 |
R-22 |
| Under Slab |
R-5 |
R-7.5 |
R-10 |
Notes:
- Thermal resistance values within these tables reflect requirements in Table 9.36.2.6.A. and Table 9.36.2.8.A. of the National Building Code.
- Suggested best practice to validate thermal resistance value with local Building Official before commencement of construction.
- Ensure inboard/outboard ratios have been satisfied as per 9.25.5.2. of the National Building Code when utilizing low permeance exterior sheathings.
- To satisfy thermal resistance requirements for above grade walls the following batt insulation only options can be utilized: WITH HRV R22 and stud spacing at 24” on-centre or R24 and stud spacing at 16”on-centre / WITHOUT HRV R24 and stud spacing at 24” on-centre.
- Effective thermal resistance values within the tables have assumed no value for thermal resistance of air space behind a rain screen. Consult local building official to determine if there are provisions that assign R-value for these air spaces. In such cases where R-value is assigned this may decrease the R-value requirement for batt insulation.
Zone 5
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-50 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-22 or R-244 Batt Insulation |
R-19 |
R-22 or R-24 |
| Foundation Walls |
R-22 |
R-22 |
R-24 |
Zone 6
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-50 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-22 or R-244 Batt Insulation |
R-19 |
R-22 or R-24 |
| Foundation Walls |
R-22 |
R-22 |
R-22 |
Zone 7A
| Good | Better | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling Below Attics | R-60 |
R-60 |
R-60 |
| Cathedral Ceilings & Floors Over Unheated Spaces |
R-31 |
R-31 |
R-31 |
| Walls Above Grade |
R-22 or R-244 Batt Insulation |
R-19 |
R-22 or R-24 |
| Foundation Walls |
R-19 |
R-22 |
R-24 |
Common Types of Insulation
The most common types of insulation are fibreglass, cellulose and foam. These types of insulation are available in a number of different forms depending on the location and R-value you intend to add.
Fibreglass Insulation vs. Cellulose Insulation
Fibreglass and cellulose insulation have similar R-values but differ in certain ways depending on your installation location, climate and other factors.
Blown-in Insulation/Loose Fill
Blown-in or loose fill insulation is usually made of fibreglass or cellulose (recycled paper fibre). It’s blown or sprayed into place with a machine and is ideal for use in hard-to-reach areas, such as attics. It can also be used to fill wall cavities or to top up existing insulation.
If installing blown-in insulation yourself, you can rent a blowing machine from a Home Depot Tool Rental Centre.
Batts
Batts are pre-cut sections of fibreglass or rock wool insulation that are designed for easy handling and use between framing, such as studs and joists. They can be used in floors, walls, attics and ceilings.
Foam Board
Foam board insulation, or rigid panels of insulation, can be used to insulate almost any part of your home, from the roof to the foundation. Polystyrene (otherwise known as Styrofoam insulation) and polyurethane are the most common materials used in making foam board. Foam board insulation sheathing reduces heat conduction through structural elements like wood and steel studs.
Spray Foam
Latex or polyurethane spray foam insulation can be used to fill small gaps and cracks and is ideal for sealing around doors, windows and vents. It sets quickly, and can be trimmed, painted or stained. Special equipment may be needed to apply foam to larger areas.
Vapour Barriers
A vapour barrier is a type of plastic (polyethylene film) that is applied on top of the insulation inside stud-framed walls to help control the amount of moisture that passes through insulation. It’s also commonly used when framing the exterior walls of a house. If moisture from either direction is allowed to build up within the stud or cavity walls, the heat-conducting moisture will cause the insulation to lose its R-value and allow mould and rot to set in over time.
Radiant Barriers
Radiant barriers deflect radiant heat, which can pass through other types of insulation to further increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Calculating the Costs of Insulation
-
1 Determine if Your Home Is Already Insulated
If you have insulation, find out the type and compare it to industry standards for R-value. Remember: The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation.
-
2 Calculate Any Additional Insulation Needs
If, for example, industry standard is R-50 and your depth is less than this, subtract the R-value depth you have from 50 to determine the amount needed to top up.
-
3 Measure the Area Needing Insulation
Measure the length of space needing insulation. Batts of insulation generally come in 16- or 24-inch widths to fit the spaces between wall and attic framing.
-
4 Determine the Type of Insulation to Use
Decide what type of insulation you want to use. Manufacturers cut batts into 4-foot lengths. Once you determine which product to use, divide your total from Step 3 by the square footage per bag. Find the cost for insulation and multiply one unit by the total you need to complete the job.
Energy Rebates Are Now Available
Upgrade your home with new floor/wall insulation and you could be eligible for the following government rebates:
Floor and Exterior Wall Insulation Rebates
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $6,750 for exterior walls and up to $450 for exposed floors + |
Total Government |
Up to $7,800 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+); Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada |
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $6,500 for exterior walls and up to $550 for exposed floors + |
Total Government |
Up to $7,650 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada |
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $5,000 for exterior walls and exposed floors + Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations |
Total Government |
Up to $5,600 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
|
Attic Insulation Rebates
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $2,350 + |
Total Government |
Up to $2,950 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+); Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
|
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $2,550 + |
Total Government |
Up to $3,150 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada |
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $1,800 + Up to $600 for EnerGuide pre- and post-retrofit home evaluation |
Total Government |
Up to $2,400 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
|
Foundation Insulation Rebates
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $2,000 for basements & crawl spaces + |
Total Government |
Up to $2,600 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+); Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
|
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $2,700 for basements & crawl spaces + |
Total Government |
Up to $3,330 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada |
Energy Government Rebates Available |
Up to $1,500 for basements and crawlspaces + Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations |
Total Government |
Up to $2,100 |
Program; Rebate Provider |
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
|
-
Floor and Exterior Wall Insulation Rebates
Province
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Rest of Canada
Energy Government Rebates Available
Up to $6,750 for exterior walls and up to $450 for exposed floors
+
Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $6,500 for exterior walls and up to $550 for exposed floors
+
Up to $600 pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $5,000 for exterior walls and exposed floors
+
Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations
Total Government
Rebates AvailableUp to $7,800
Up to $7,650
Up to $5,600
Program; Rebate Provider
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+);
Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Find out how you can save! Learn More
-
Attic Insulation Rebates
Province
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Rest of Canada
Energy Government Rebates Available
Up to $2,350
+
Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $2,550
+
Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $1,800
+
Up to $600 for EnerGuide pre- and post-retrofit home evaluation
Total Government
Rebates AvailableUp to $2,950
Up to $3,150
Up to $2,400
Program; Rebate Provider
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+);
Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Find out how you can save! Learn More
-
Foundation Insulation Rebates
Province
Ontario
Nova Scotia
Rest of Canada
Energy Government Rebates Available
Up to $2,000 for basements & crawl spaces +
Up to $600 for pre- & post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $2,700 for basements & crawl spaces +
Up to $600 pre- & post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluationUp to $1,500 for basements and crawlspaces
+
Up to $600 for pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluations
Total Government
Rebates AvailableUp to $2,600
Up to $3,330
Up to $2,100
Program; Rebate Provider
Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+);
Enbridge Gas
And/or
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Home Energy Assessment (HEA); Efficiency Nova Scotia And Natural Resources Canada
Canada Greener Homes Grant; Natural Resources Canada
Find out how you can save! Learn More
Other Areas to Insulate
Window Insulation |
Another way to control heat loss is by improving the quality of your windows. Low emissivity (or Low-E) windows do not allow as much heat to pass through, keeping your house cooler when it’s hot and warmer when it’s cold. Shrink film and weatherstripping are low-cost alternatives. You can also consider a window insulation film to keep heat out. |
|---|---|
Hot Water Heater Insulation |
Insulate water heaters to prevent costly energy loss. Look for insulating pre-cut jackets or blankets with an insulating value of at least R-8. Adding insulation to your water heater can reduce standby heat losses and save you water heating costs. |
Hot Water Pipe Insulation |
Wrap pipes with tubular insulation to prevent freezing and help keep water hot. Use quality pipe insulation wrap, or neatly tape strips of fibreglass insulation around the pipes. Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature, allowing you to use a lower temperature setting. |
Vent Duct Insulation |
Insulated heating and air conditioning ducts operate more efficiently and vibrate less, reducing noise. Properly sealing air leaks using metal or sealant tape and insulating air ducts located in unconditioned spaces such as attics, crawl spaces, garages, or unfinished basements can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. |
DIY Installation Tips and Tools
Before You Insulate
First, make sure that your house is properly ventilated. Adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent too much heat and condensation from building up, as well as to provide fresh air. Next, plug leaks to prevent air from getting in and out in areas around windows and doors. Always fix leaks before installing insulation, as they may be difficult to find after the job is finished.
Tools
The basic tools needed for an insulation project are: a tape measure, utility knife, straight edge, lightweight stapler, or hammer tacker to secure insulation in place, and a putty knife. Additional materials may include a drywall compound and expanding foam sealer.
It’s also a great idea to bring a portable light, especially when working in attics and crawl spaces, plywood to stand on, a rake for insulation adjustment, and insulation supports. All these tools and materials will come in handy during your project.
Safety Tips:
|
|---|
Working with insulation can cause itching and skin irritation, so make sure you take proper safety precautions:
|
