Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest insulation questions from New Brunswick homeowners.
How does polyisocyanurate rigid foam compare to XPS board insulation for R-value retention in cold New Brunswick winters?
Polyisocyanurate (polyiso) loses significant R-value in NB's cold winters, while XPS maintains consistent performance —...
Does it make sense to schedule a home energy audit in Moncton before winter arrives so insulation upgrades can be completed before heating costs peak?
Absolutely — scheduling a home energy audit in Moncton this fall is one of the smartest moves you can make. Getting the...
Why does my Dieppe home's attic insulation seem to compress and lose R-value every spring after a harsh New Brunswick winter?
Your attic insulation is likely experiencing moisture-related compression from ice damming, inadequate air sealing, or v...
How do I properly tape and seal the seams of rigid foam board insulation I installed myself in a Moncton home?
Properly sealing rigid foam seams is critical for maintaining the thermal barrier and preventing air leakage — gaps as s...
What is the expected lifespan of spray foam attic insulation versus blown-in fibreglass in New Brunswick's freeze-thaw climate?
Both spray foam and blown-in fibreglass can last 20-30+ years in New Brunswick attics when properly installed, but they...
What are the NB building code minimum R-value requirements for walls in a new mini home installation?
New mini homes in New Brunswick must meet R-22 to R-28 effective thermal resistance for above-grade exterior walls under...
Does the extreme cold in northern New Brunswick around Edmundston require a higher-density batt insulation than what is used in Moncton?
No, the extreme cold in northern New Brunswick does not require higher-density batt insulation than what's used in Monct...
What permits are required before insulating an unfinished attic in Miramichi NB?
For adding insulation to an unfinished attic in Miramichi, no building permit is typically required. This is considered...
Are there NB Building Code requirements for the thickness of rigid foam board used in Campbellton basement walls?
The NB Building Code requires R-17 to R-20 for below-grade basement walls, but doesn't specify rigid foam thickness dire...
What are the vapour barrier requirements for a newly built home in Fredericton under the 2020 NB Building Code?
The 2020 NB Building Code requires a vapour barrier with a permeance rating of 60 nanograms per pascal-second per square...
Is it safe for a homeowner to remove and replace old vermiculite attic insulation in a Fredericton house themselves?
No, homeowners should never attempt to remove vermiculite attic insulation themselves. Vermiculite insulation installed...
How do New Brunswick's humid summers affect the curing time and performance of spray foam insulation in a Moncton basement?
New Brunswick's humid summers significantly slow spray foam curing and can compromise performance if not properly manage...
What fire code compliance requirements apply to exposed spray foam insulation in a Moncton basement?
Exposed spray foam insulation in a Moncton basement must meet specific fire code requirements under the National Buildin...
What is the cost difference between insulating a poured concrete foundation with interior versus exterior rigid foam in a Saint John NB home?
Interior rigid foam insulation costs approximately $2,500-$5,500 for a typical Saint John basement, while exterior found...
How many days should I allow for blown-in cellulose installation in a Moncton bungalow?
Most blown-in cellulose installations in a typical Moncton bungalow take just one day to complete, though the timeline d...
What is the settling rate difference between blown-in cellulose and blown-in fibreglass over 20 years in a Fredericton attic?
Blown-in cellulose settles approximately 15-20% over its lifetime, while blown-in fibreglass settles only 2-5% — a signi...
When is the best season to schedule attic insulation work in New Brunswick?
The best time to schedule attic insulation work in New Brunswick is late spring through early fall (May through October)...
How long does moisture damage repair and re-insulation of a Rothesay basement typically take?
Moisture damage repair and re-insulation of a Rothesay basement typically takes 2-6 weeks from start to finish, dependin...
What insulation is recommended for a seasonal cottage near the Miramichi River that sits unheated all winter?
For a seasonal cottage that sits unheated through New Brunswick's harsh winters, you need insulation strategies that pre...
How much does it cost to insulate a 600 sq ft addition on a Riverview NB home including wall, attic, and floor insulation with permits?
A 600 sq ft addition in Riverview will typically cost $4,500-$9,500 for complete insulation including walls, attic, and...
Are there seasonal deadlines to apply for the NB Home Energy Savings Program rebate after completing insulation upgrades in my Fredericton home?
The NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program requires you to submit your rebate application within 120 days (approxima...
How does the wide temperature swing between New Brunswick summers and winters affect the required R-value for attic insulation in a Fredericton home?
New Brunswick's extreme temperature swings — from summer highs around 30°C to winter lows of -25°C or colder — create a...
What is the recommended insulation strategy for the foundation walls of a New Brunswick ICF (insulated concrete form) new build?
ICF construction already provides excellent foundation wall insulation — typically R-22 to R-25 — that meets or exceeds...
Can I install exterior wall insulation on my Moncton home myself during a renovation or is this strictly a contractor job?
Exterior wall insulation can be a DIY project for experienced renovators, but it requires significant building science k...
What are the signs that spray foam insulation has shrunk or pulled away from framing members in a New Brunswick home, and how does this compare to rigid foam delamination?
Spray foam shrinkage and rigid foam delamination are both serious insulation failures that create thermal bridges, air l...
What NB Energy Savings Rebate amounts are currently available for attic insulation upgrades, and what is the net cost after rebates for a typical Moncton bungalow?
NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program offers rebates up to $1,000 for attic insulation upgrades, while the federa...
What is the total installed cost comparison between polyiso and XPS rigid foam board for insulating a Saint John NB foundation from the exterior?
For exterior foundation insulation in Saint John, XPS rigid foam will cost approximately 15-25% less than polyiso and is...
Can missing insulation in one wall cause pipes to freeze in a Sussex NB home? | Insulation IQ?
Yes — a single wall cavity with missing or inadequate insulation is absolutely capable of causing pipes to freeze in a S...
How do I check for insulation voids using a thermal camera in New Brunswick? | Insulation IQ?
Thermal imaging is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available for assessing insulation performance, and New Bru...
Why is my energy bill so high even after insulating in a Bathurst NB home? | Insulation IQ?
Adding insulation is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a home in Bathurst, but it is surprisingly commo...
How do I fix drafts around old windows in an insulated New Brunswick home? | Insulation IQ?
Drafts around windows are one of the most common and most frustrating comfort complaints in New Brunswick homes, particu...
What causes insulation to sag or fall out of basement walls in NB? | Insulation IQ?
Insulation falling or sagging out of basement walls is a very common problem in New Brunswick homes, and it is almost al...
How do I deal with insulation that has been contaminated by raccoons in NB? | Insulation IQ?
Raccoon contamination is among the most serious insulation problems a New Brunswick homeowner can face, and it demands a...
Can I repair insulation myself or should I hire a contractor in Miramichi NB? | Insulation IQ?
It's a fair question, and the honest answer depends heavily on what kind of repair you're dealing with. Some insulation...
What causes frost buildup in attics during New Brunswick winters? | Insulation IQ?
Attic frost is one of the more alarming discoveries a New Brunswick homeowner can make — and it's more common here than...
Why are some rooms in my New Brunswick home colder than others? | Insulation IQ?
Uneven room temperatures are one of the most common comfort complaints in New Brunswick homes, and insulation deficienci...
How do I tell if animals have damaged my attic insulation in NB? | Insulation IQ?
Animal intrusion is one of the most destructive and frequently overlooked causes of insulation failure in New Brunswick...
Can old insulation contain asbestos in a New Brunswick home built before 1990? | Insulation IQ?
Yes — and this is a question that every New Brunswick homeowner with an older property should take seriously. Asbestos-c...
What should I do about mould on insulation in my Moncton attic? | Insulation IQ?
Finding mould in your Moncton attic is alarming, but it's also one of the most common attic problems in New Brunswick —...
Why is my New Brunswick home cold even with the heat turned up? | Insulation IQ?
If your New Brunswick home feels cold despite the thermostat being cranked up, the problem almost certainly isn't your f...
What causes ice dams on New Brunswick homes and how does insulation help? | Insulation IQ?
Ice dams are one of the most visible and destructive consequences of poor attic insulation, and they're a common sight a...
How do I fix wet or water-damaged insulation in my Fredericton basement? | Insulation IQ?
Wet insulation in a Fredericton basement is not a problem you can simply dry out and leave in place. Unlike most buildin...
Can I stack federal and provincial insulation rebates in NB? | Insulation IQ?
Yes -- and doing so is not just allowed, it is actively encouraged. The federal and provincial programs in New Brunswick...
What does a typical insulation contractor quote include in New Brunswick? | Insulation IQ?
Getting an insulation quote in New Brunswick is not always straightforward, especially if you have never hired for this...
What are the signs of poor insulation in a Saint John home? | Insulation IQ?
Saint John sits in one of the most thermally demanding environments in eastern Canada. The city's position on the Bay of...
What grants are available for insulating a heritage home in Fredericton? | Insulation IQ?
Insulating a heritage home in Fredericton comes with unique constraints, but it also comes with access to a surprisingly...
How much does crawl space insulation cost in New Brunswick? | Insulation IQ?
Crawl space insulation is one of the most impactful yet underappreciated retrofits a New Brunswick homeowner can make. A...
What is the Total Home Energy Savings Program in New Brunswick? | Insulation IQ?
The Total Home Energy Savings Program (THES) is NB Power's flagship residential energy efficiency initiative, designed t...
How do I apply for insulation rebates through NB Power? | Insulation IQ?
Applying for insulation rebates through NB Power follows a structured sequence — the key thing to understand upfront is...
Is spray foam insulation worth the higher cost compared to batts in NB? | Insulation IQ?
For most New Brunswick homeowners weighing spray foam against fibreglass or mineral wool batts, the honest answer is: it...
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