The 5 Best Insulation Materials For Keeping Your Home Warm In Winnipeg

As Winnipeggers, we're not phased by frigid temperatures. But when those temperatures invade our homes, it's a different story. The ability to effectively lock the cold outside where it belongs is a crucial part of comfortably surviving in Winnipeg's extreme climate, and proper insulation is one of the keys to ensuring that your home remains cozy, dry, and efficient all winter long.

At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, our team is often asked which type of home insulation is the best. But the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The best type of insulation for your project will depend on a variety of different factors, including your goals, budget, and home construction type.

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the top 5 insulation materials we regularly recommend at STAR Building Materials, all of which can provide optimal comfort and improved energy efficiency under the right circumstances. If you still have further questions after reading this post, visit our store, where a friendly and knowledgeable STAR representative will be happy to help you.

Fibreglass Insulation

Fibreglass insulation, also known as glass wool, is a popular insulation material made from finely woven tiny glass fibers. It's most commonly available in batts or rolls and can also be blown in.

Benefits of Fibreglass Insulation

• Economical
• Versatile
• Straightforward to install (though protective equipment such as eye protection, masks, and gloves must be worn to avoid irritation to eyes, lungs, and skin)
• Fire resistant
• Moisture resistant

Fibreglass Insulation in Winnipeg Homes

Fibreglass insulation is in high demand in Winnipeg and can be an effective choice for general insulation projects of almost any kind. That being said, it requires protective equipment during installation and has a lower R-value than many other insulation materials (R-value measures insulation's resistance to heat transfer).

Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool insulation, also known as rock wool or slag wool, is composed of recycled post-industrial content and shares many similarities with fibreglass insulation, though it's heavier and more durable.

Benefits of Mineral Wool Insulation

• Highly durable
• Fire resistant
• Mould resistant
• Excellent sound absorption
• Straightforward to install
• High recycled content

Mineral Wool Insulation in Winnipeg Homes

Mineral wool insulation is more expensive than fibreglass insulation, but it also has higher R-values, superior longevity, and is composed of more recycled materials. If you're looking for an insulation product that will effectively soundproof your Winnipeg home, mineral wool insulation is an excellent option.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose insulation is an eco-friendly insulation material composed of fibres from recycled cardboard and other paper products. Available as dense-packed or loose-fill insulation, it must be used with an additional vapour barrier.

Benefits of Cellulose Insulation

• Environmentally friendly
• Competitive R-value
• Can be treated to resist mould and fire

Cellulose Insulation in Winnipeg Homes

If you're seeking a green insulation option that will hold up to the demands of Winnipeg's climate, cellulose insulation may be the ideal fit for your needs. That being said, it's more prone to moisture retention than other insulation materials and can settle over time, decreasing its R-value.

Rigid Foam Board Insulation

Rigid foam board is an effective and increasingly popular insulation material that can be used on the exterior of buildings as well as on the interior of the building envelope (wall cavities, attics, foundations, etc.). It holds its rectangular shape (doesn't conform to cavity spaces) and is installed modularly.

Benefits of Foam Board Insulation

• High R-Value
• Can be applied continuously
• Doesn't require an additional vapour barrier when properly installed
• Can be applied to the exterior of a building

Rigid Foam Board Insulation in Winnipeg Homes

Many Winnipeg homeowners are opting to include rigid foam board in their construction plans to enhance the overall energy efficiency of their homes.

Spray Foam Insulation

Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a composite insulation product that's formed when two chemicals meet, expand, and harden to form an effective vapour barrier that completely fills even the most irregular of spaces. Open-cell spray foam remains softer and more flexible after drying, while closed-cell spray foam is denser and more rigid.

Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

• Effective vapour barrier that conforms to any space
• Moisture resistant
• High R-value (particularly closed-cell spray foam)
• Effective sound absorption
• Adds structural integrity (closed-cell)
• Long-lasting

Spray Foam Insulation in Winnipeg Homes

Spray foam insulation can be easily used to fill irregular spaces as well as for the standard insulation of walls and ceilings. Closed-cell spray foam offers exceptionally high R-values, which is reflected in its steeper price. Many Winnipeggers choose spray foam insulation for its convenience and effective insulative qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, many types of insulation can be suitable for keeping the cold on the exterior side of your Winnipeg home. Which one will be the best option for your particular project will depend on your goals, your budget, and the space and construction type you're dealing with.

At STAR Building Materials in Winnipeg, we carry a wide selection of insulation materials and application tools and are always ready to assist you. Visit our store today to get your insulation project underway!