In this article, I’ll walk you through the best insulation types for Edmonton homes. I’ll cover what works for new houses, older buildings, attics, walls, and basements. I’ll also explain how insulation type affects comfort, energy use, and long-term home condition. If you work with Steadfast Constructions Ltd., we can help you choose and install insulation suited to Edmonton’s climate.
Why Insulation Matters in Edmonton
Edmonton has cold winters and wide temperature swings across seasons. A house without proper insulation can lose a lot of heat when it’s cold. That means higher heating demands and discomfort.
Good insulation helps:
- Keep indoor temperatures stable.
- Reduce energy use for heating or cooling.
- Prevent moisture issues and improve indoor comfort.
- Extend the life of your home by protecting the structure and reducing thermal stress.
Because of this, homeowners should carefully consider home insulation options when building or renovating, especially in older homes where insulation may be outdated.
What to Know Before Choosing Insulation
Before selecting insulation, think about:
- Where insulation is needed (attic, walls, basement, crawl space).
- The type of home (new build, older home, renovation).
- Climate and weather conditions: cold winters, potential moisture.
- Long-term performance: durability, moisture resistance, energy efficiency.
Understanding these factors makes choosing the right insulation easier.
Popular Insulation Types and Their Use Cases
Here are the most used insulation materials, with pros and cons, and where they work best.
Fiberglass (Batts, Rolls, Loose-Fill)
- Fiberglass consists of fine glass fibers. It’s widely used for walls, attics, ceilings, and floors.
- It comes in different forms: batts (pre-cut panels), rolls, or loose-fill/blown-in.
- Good R-value per inch; when installed properly, it offers reliable thermal insulation.
- It’s non-combustible (fire-resistant), which adds to home safety.
Best for: Attics, wall cavities, existing walls, and floors over unheated spaces.
Things to watch: Fiberglass must stay dry; moisture can reduce performance. It works best when installation is done carefully, to avoid gaps or compression.
Mineral Wool (Rock Wool / Slag Wool)
- Mineral wool is made from natural rock or industrial byproducts.
- It offers good thermal performance and often higher density than standard fiberglass.
- It provides soundproofing and better fire resistance than many other insulation types.
- Less prone to moisture issues compared to some alternatives.
Best for: Exterior walls, ceilings, and floors where acoustic control or fire resistance matters. Also useful where moisture resistance is helpful (e.g., basement rim-joists, exterior walls).
Cellulose (Blown-In)
- Cellulose is made from recycled paper or cardboard, treated to resist fire and pests.
- It fills gaps well, good for older homes, irregular spaces, or retrofits.
- Offers decent thermal insulation and can help reduce air leakage when installed properly.
Best for: Wall cavities in older homes, attic spaces, and existing walls where adding batts might be difficult.
Considerations: Like other fibrous materials, moisture must be controlled to avoid mold risk. Proper vapor barriers and moisture management help.
Spray Foam (Closed-cell or Open-cell)
- Spray foam offers one of the highest R-values per inch among common insulation materials.
- It seals cracks, gaps, and joints; it helps make a home airtight, limiting heat loss and drafts.
- Closed-cell spray foam also acts as its own vapour barrier, which helps with moisture control. Pembina Institute
- Good for attics, roofs, basement rim joists, or where walls meet foundation; places where thermal bridging or air leaks are common. natural-resources.canada.ca
Best for: New homes, attic spaces, areas with irregular framing, basements, or where you want maximal energy efficiency and airtightness.
Things to note: Installation must be done by professionals. Because spray foam expands and seals air, the installation must consider ventilation and code compliance.
Rigid Foam Board / Foam Panels / Continuous Insulation
- Rigid foam boards (polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, etc.) provide continuous insulation and reduce thermal bridging. Wikipedia
- They work well on exterior walls, foundation walls, basements, and even under siding (insulated siding) to add extra protection against cold and heat loss. Wikipedia
- Because they create a continuous barrier, foam boards help keep heat in and cold out, which is useful in Edmonton’s climate.
Best for: Exterior walls, foundation walls, basements, exterior sheathing before siding, and areas where thermal bridging is a risk.
Note: Must be installed correctly. If placed inside, it needs a proper vapour barrier strategy; if outside, it must be protected from weather and moisture.
Recommended Insulation Strategies for Different Parts of an Edmonton Home
Depending on your home type and which area you are insulating, here are practical recommendations:
Attic & Roof
- Use high-value insulation like loose-fill fiberglass, cellulose, or spray foam. For example, R-50 or more is often recommended for attic insulation in Canadian climates. canadiangeographic.ca
- In older homes with existing insulation, blown-in cellulose or fiberglass loose-fill can top up and improve insulation.
- For new builds or major renovations, consider a spray foam + rigid board combination to reduce air leaks and improve energy efficiency.
Exterior Walls (New Builds or Renovation)
- For new homes or when walls are opened, rigid foam board insulation on exterior wall sheathing can reduce thermal bridging. Combine with standard wall cavity insulation (fiberglass batts, mineral wool, or spray foam).
- Mineral wool is a good option if you want fire resistance, soundproofing, and moisture tolerance.
- In retrofit situations (older homes), blown-in cellulose can work well if walls are opened or cavities accessed.
Basement & Foundation Walls
- Use rigid foam boards against foundation walls to limit heat loss. These help create a continuous insulation barrier outside the living space.
- For rim joists and wall transitions, closed-cell spray foam offers air sealing and insulation efficiency.
- Combine with a proper vapour/moisture barrier to avoid dampness.
Mixed Age Homes / Retrofit Projects
- In older homes, begin with assessing existing insulation. Then choose insulation upgrades based on where gaps or thermal weaknesses are.
- For attic and roof: blown-in or loose-fill insulation.
- For walls: blown-in cellulose or mineral wool batts, where possible.
- For basement, crawl spaces, or rim joists: foam board + spray foam combo for best protection against cold and moisture.
How Insulation Improves Home Performance
Using proper insulation and choosing the right material gives real benefits for Edmonton homeowners:
- Better temperature control; homes retain heat in winter and stay cooler in summer.
- Lower energy use for heating and cooling which reduces the carbon footprint.
- Protection against moisture, mould, and structural damage (when combined with vapour barriers and proper ventilation).
- Improved indoor comfort: less draft, more consistent temperature, quieter interiors (especially with mineral wool or foam + batts).
- Longer house lifespan; insulation helps reduce stress on structural elements, prevents freeze-thaw issues, and protects materials.
One example: many Canadian builders working toward “net-zero” performance combine spray foam insulation, rigid board sheathing, and high-quality windows. This approach dramatically reduces heating needs and improves energy efficiency. Pembina Institute
Why Hiring a Professional Contractor Matters
Insulation isn’t just about stuffing walls with material. It requires planning, correct installation, moisture/vapour management, and understanding local climate demands.
When you work with Steadfast Constructions Ltd., you get:
- Expert assessment of your home’s insulation needs (attic, walls, basement), based on age, layout, and condition.
- Help selecting the best insulation type for each area (fiberglass, mineral wool, spray foam, rigid board), tailored to the Edmonton climate.
- Proper installation by trained staff, ensuring no gaps, a correct vapour barrier, and compliance with building codes.
- Integration with other renovation work, if you’re doing a larger remodel, we plan insulation as part of the overall project: framing, siding, foundation work, attic refurbishment, etc.
- Advice on long-term home performance: energy efficiency, moisture control, and durability.
This reduces the risk of poor insulation, moisture damage, energy waste, or code violations.
Real-World Considerations for Edmonton Homes
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re insulating in Edmonton:
- Winters are cold and long: picking insulation with high R-value and good air sealing matters.
- Moisture and humidity changes: ensure a vapour barrier and proper ventilation to avoid mould or dampness.
- Older homes may have uneven framing or tight spaces: blown-in insulation or spray foam may work better than batts.
- For exterior walls and foundations, rigid foam board or continuous insulation helps reduce heat loss and thermal bridging.
- When renovating, using insulation upgrades is often easier when walls, attic, or basement are opened anyway, a good time to do it together with other work.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home insulation options makes a big difference for Edmonton homeowners. With the right insulation, whether fiberglass, mineral wool, cellulose, foam board, or spray foam, homes become more comfortable, energy-efficient, and durable.
If you plan a renovation or insulation upgrade, working with a professional team like Steadfast Constructions Ltd. helps ensure the job is done well. They can assess your home, recommend the right insulation types for each area, and manage installation with proper moisture control and code compliance.
If you’re ready to improve your home’s insulation, for comfort, safety, and long-term value, reach out to Steadfast Constructions Ltd. We’d be happy to help you choose the right insulation plan and make your house better suited for Edmonton’s climate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the most common insulation types for homes in cold climates?
A: Some of the most common options are fiberglass (batts or loose-fill), mineral wool, cellulose (blown-in), spray foam, and rigid foam board insulation. The choice depends on the part of the house you are insulating (attic, walls, basement, etc.).
Q: Can I insulate an older home properly without a full renovation?
A: Yes. In many older homes, blown-in cellulose or loose-fill insulation in attic or wall cavities works well. Spray foam or rigid foam board insulation helps in basements or areas with irregular framing. Proper moisture and vapour barrier planning matters.
Q: What is R-Value, and why does it matter for Edmonton homes?
A: R-value measures how well insulation resists heat flow. A higher R-value means better insulation performance. In cold climates like Edmonton, higher R-Value insulation helps keep heat in, reducing heating demands and improving comfort.
Q: Do I need different insulation types for the attic, walls, and basement?
A: Often yes. For example, loose-fill or sprayed insulation is good for attics. Walls may use batts or foam board. Basements or foundation walls benefit from rigid foam board or spray foam. The goal is to match insulation type to space, moisture risk, and thermal needs.
Q: Is professional installation necessary, or can I do the insulation myself?
A: For simple attic insulation or adding batts in unfinished spaces, a DIY approach can work if done carefully. But for spray foam, foundation walls, or full-home insulation upgrades, hiring a professional ensures correct installation, moisture control, and compliance with building codes.
