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Attic Insulation Upgrades: R-Values and Rebates in Canada
Air sealing first, what a top-up involves, and how to approach rebate programs.
If your upstairs is cold, your heating bills are high or you get ice dams every winter, the attic is the first place to look. Many older Canadian homes have far less insulation than today's codes call for, and some has settled or been disturbed over the years.
Here's how R-values work, what a contractor does on an attic upgrade, and how to approach rebates.
What R-value means
R-value measures how well a material resists heat flow. Higher is better. The figure for a whole attic depends on both the type of insulation and how deep it is, so contractors talk about inches of blown insulation as well as the target R-value.
Building codes set minimums for new homes based on climate. Colder regions call for more. Your contractor or an energy advisor can tell you what's typical for your area.
Air sealing comes first
Warm, moist air leaking into the attic carries heat and causes frost and mould on the roof deck. Before topping up, a good crew seals around the attic hatch, pot lights, plumbing and wiring holes, and the tops of interior walls.
What the job usually involves
- Checking existing insulation depth and condition
- Looking for vermiculite, which should be tested for asbestos before anyone disturbs it
- Installing baffles so soffit vents stay open
- Blowing in cellulose or fibreglass to the target depth
- Insulating and weatherstripping the attic hatch
Rebates and energy assessments
Federal, provincial and utility programs have offered support for insulation over the years, but amounts and rules change. Many require an energy assessment before and after the work, so book that first.
Check Natural Resources Canada and your provincial energy program for what's currently available, and keep every invoice.
Common questions
Usually yes, if the old insulation is dry and isn't vermiculite. Wet or mouldy insulation should come out first.
Most blown-in jobs on a typical house are done in a day, though air sealing can add time.
Yes. Good insulation and ventilation also keep upstairs rooms cooler.