Canada — Home Insulation

Keeping Canadian Homes Warm Through Proper Insulation

From exterior wall retrofits to attic sealing, this resource covers the thermal efficiency methods that matter most in Canada's climate zones — with a focus on practical techniques over product endorsements.

Mineral wool insulation being applied to a building exterior
Recent Articles

Insulation Topics

Closed-cell spray foam insulation in a wall cavity
Walls & Cavities

A Practical Guide to Wall Insulation Materials

Comparing fiberglass batts, rigid foam boards, spray foam, and blown-in cellulose for Canadian wall assemblies — including moisture considerations.

Read article →
Silicone sealant applied around a window frame
Windows & Doors

Weatherproofing Windows and Doors for Winter

How caulking, weatherstripping, and window film can reduce drafts and heat loss around frames — a common source of energy waste in older Canadian homes.

Read article →
Spray foam insulation being applied in an attic space
Attic & Roof

Preventing Heat Loss Through the Attic

Attics account for a disproportionate share of residential heat loss. This article covers R-value targets, air sealing priorities, and ventilation requirements for Canadian attics.

Read article →
Why It Matters

Thermal Performance in Canada's Climate Zones

Canada's National Building Code divides the country into climate zones based on heating degree-days. A home in Winnipeg operates under fundamentally different thermal demands than one in Vancouver — and insulation specifications reflect this.

Improving insulation is among the most durable energy efficiency measures available to homeowners. Unlike appliance upgrades, a well-installed insulation system can perform for decades with little maintenance.

  • Attics and roofs are typically the largest source of heat loss in Canadian homes
  • Air leakage can account for a substantial portion of total heating load in older construction
  • Moisture management is inseparable from insulation performance in cold climates
  • The National Energy Code sets minimum effective thermal resistance levels by zone
Spray foam insulation being applied to a wall assembly
Key Techniques

Areas Covered on This Site

Wall Assembly Insulation

Interior and exterior approaches to insulating above- and below-grade walls, including cavity fill and continuous insulation methods.

Attic Air Sealing

Identifying and sealing penetrations at the attic floor before adding insulation — often more effective than additional R-value alone.

Window & Door Sealing

Caulking, weatherstripping, and interior window treatments that reduce infiltration around the building envelope's most vulnerable points.

Basement & Crawlspace

Strategies for insulating foundation walls and rim joists, where significant heat loss occurs in Canadian winters.

Vapour Control

Placement and selection of vapour retarders and air barriers within wall assemblies to prevent moisture damage in cold climates.

R-Value & Climate Zones

How Canada's climate zones influence minimum and recommended R-value targets across different building assemblies.