Energy Efficiency Alberta Rebate

/in , , /by

The Energy Efficiency Alberta Rebate was announced on April 18th and is designed to help Albertan’s improve their home’s energy efficiency through improvements in insulation.  As a leading residential insulation contractor in Alberta IDEAL Insulation & Roofing is proud to participate in this program.  As more details are released on the mechanics of this program we will communicate & facilitate with our customers.

To date we know that each home is eligible for up to $3500 in insulation upgrades.  Applications such as Attic insulation upgrades/top-ups, Main floor exterior walls and Basement walls have been mentioned to qualify.  The scope and ranges of these dollars figures have not yet been communicated.  We will post more information as it becomes known.

The posted start date for this program is April 28th, 2017.

You can read more on the Energy Efficiency Alberta Rebate HERE.

CBC News also reported on this announcement HERE.

Global News reported on this announcement HERE.

 

Energy Efficiency Alberta

Managing moisture sources in Attics

/in /by

This past winter was one of the worst for condensation issues in Calgary’s attics.  The prolonged, deep cold spells exposed issues that caused extensive damage and frustration to homeowners and contractors alike.  IDEAL was called to dozens of projects each month this winter where each homeowner was experiencing the same thing: moisture sources in the Attic.  While the causes vary; from the building materials in place, proficiency of trades involved, design of the home & nature of how each homeowner used their home; one of the most common culprits was moisture sources in the attic.  Predominantly these moisture sources included bath fan vent hoses/pipes and clothes dryers that exhausted through the roof.

We have discussed the importance of properly insulated hoses/pipes that pass through the unconditioned attic spaces before.  In 2017 IDEAL moved our focus to the Gooseneck roof vent which exhausts these moisture sources out of the roof.  We now place a high importance on installing a quality gooseneck vent with a dedicated collar that allows for a more secure connection to the vent hose.  This increases the likelihood that moisture will vent out of the roof rather then expel into the Attic space and cause damage.

Whenever we do find examples of hoses like the one pictured below we absolutely must do something.  This hose is the wrong product for this application and in our experience will lead to problems.  It’s a simple fix while we are in the attic working and we can install the gooseneck at the same time to ensure proper venting.

non-insulated hose incorrectly venting a bathroom exhaust fan

primex gooseneck vent includes interior damper, exterior grate & size specific coupler to attach vent pipe/hose

Repairing Attic Insulation

/in /by

One of the challenges of  repairing Attic insulation is properly identifying the scope of work.  Attics are out of sight and hence out of mind.  Quite often our customers are not aware of the issues present as so few homeowners ever go up and explore their attic spaces.  One of the common problems we come across is Trade damage.  This occurs whenever anyone goes up and disturbs the attic insulation.  It is very common if an Electrician or HVAC contractor has to do any work in the Attic.  They must pull away the attic insulation to access the attic floor and it is very difficult to repair afterwards.  Truly the only way to fix the footprints and disturbed insulation areas in an Attic is to blow in new material.

Far too often we find bare spots in Attics where other Trades, or residents, have worked in the past.  Like these photos below you can see how much insulation is missing from around this potlight.  There is significant heat loss in this area which can lead to frost in the attic, condensation issues, Attic rain and potentially Ice damning on the roof.  If an electrician goes into an attic to install several pot lights this damage is multiplied leaving the Attic and Home in a vulnerable position.

If you are having work done in your home which involves a trades person working in your Attic it’s best to keep in mind that some extra insulation work after the fact can go a long way to ensuring your Attic is properly insulated and healthy.

Pot light with missing insulation

Pot light with missing insulation – Thermal image