In our previous blog post, we highlighted the importance of having adequate heating sources installed in recreational properties so that you can be prepared for the changes in temperature. However, did you know that it is just as important to consider how well insulated your cottage is? You will want to ensure that your property is adequately insulated and with the proper type of insulation. This will help maintain the warm temperature inside your cottage so it is cozy all season long.

How structures control heat loss is just as important as how they are heated. Good-quality insulation makes a home more energy-efficient. It keeps cottages well ventilated, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, depending on the heat source, having high-quality, all-season insulation is cost-effective as it reduces property owners' energy bills. Essentially, the type of insulation you have does have an impact on how well-heated your property stays. 

A standard measurement of this heat loss is referred to as Thermal Insulation, otherwise known as the R-Value. R-Value refers to the resistance value or measure of resistance to heat flowing through the given thickness of materials. Essentially, the higher the R-Value, the greater resistance to heat transfer. This means the property will have better thermal insulating properties. As a baseline, exterior walls are recommended to have an R-Value of 40. We will go into detail about the different types of insulation and their respective effectiveness. 

Glass fiber batt insulation consists of very fine flexible glass fibers, easily recognized by its pink colour. This is the most common form of insulation. It is a great option as it's relatively inexpensive and easy for contractors to install. However, a drawback is that it leaves gaps for air to circulate, which in turn may lead to condensation. The R-Value of this type of insulation is 2.9-4.2 per inch. It is important that the proper amount of thickness is installed in order to reach the recommended R-Value of 40.

Mineral wool or rock wool is insulation made from fibrous materials formed by melting rock, slag, or ceramics. The materials are spun into fibers, so they resemble the texture of wool. Mineral wool insulation offers better thermal insulation than most other types as it's higher performing and longer-lasting. An advantage is that this type of insulation is extremely fire-resistant - something to keep in mind when it comes to wooden or log cabins! However, this option is more expensive than other alternatives, which may cause some recreational property owners to resort to cheaper alternatives. But like any quality insulation, the cost-savings are accumulated in the long-run. The R-Value of this type of insulation is 3.0-3.2 per inch, which is better than most other types.

Spray Foam insulation can either be Open Cell or Closed Cell. Open cell spray foam has lower insulation density, a lower R-Value of 3.5-3.7 per inch and is less expensive when compared to the closed cell alternative. In comparison, closed cell spray foam has a higher insulation density and is more rigid than its counterpart, which means it offers greater structural strength. The added structural strength of closed cell spray foam means less wall movement caused by wind, vibration or other activity by the occupants of the property. A benefit of closed cell spray foam, especially for recreational property owners, is that it's impermeable in that it is extremely resistant to moisture build-up. The R-Value for this type of spray foam insulation is 5.5-6.8 per inch, making it a more effective insulation type than its counterparts.

Overall, there are many different types of insulation that may suit your type of property. It is best to outweigh the advantages and disadvantages of the different insulating materials in order to ensure your property is adequately insulated and energy efficient. We recommend speaking to a professional when it comes to insulating your recreational property.

Taylor Souliere

Sales Representative

Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates

Cell 613 602 1100 | Email [email protected]

It's time to winterize your cottage! With the ability to work remotely, many plan to remain at their home away from home as long as they are able to. Some are even considering turning their 3-season cottages into full-season getaways. With that being said, as the seasons are quickly changing and the temperatures are slowly decreasing, we are reminded that we must prepare for the cold snow-filled winters Canada is known for. It is best to be prepared and take the steps necessary to properly winterize your cottage. Please stay tuned for additional posts on how to winterize your cottage. Our first recommendation addresses appropriate heating sources.

If you plan to enjoy the winter season at your cottage, it is important to have an appropriate heat source to adequately heat your property. Let's be honest, it is going to take more than a hot cup of tea or hot chocolate to stay warm during Canada's winters!

Although common heating options for seasonal cottages include fireplaces or wood stoves, these options are not always the most efficient sources of heat depending on your property. Various factors such as the size of your cottage and how well insulated it is can determine what heating source is more suitable. Wood-burning fireplaces are viewed as more recreational than functional. This is because the majority of the warm air that exits through the chimney represents more heat loss than heat gained from the flames. Although aesthetically pleasing, a wood-burning fireplace is considered an inefficient source of heat due to the amount of heat loss. In comparison, wood stoves are a better option as they do not pose as much fire risk due to being enclosed and they are more energy-efficient than traditional fireplaces. Of course, both these options must be certified by a Wood Energy Technology Transfer (WETT) Inspector in order to secure insurance. However, it is important to remember that these heating sources may impact your ability to obtain insurance coverage and can increase the cost of your insurance premiums.

If you have access to electricity, a great alternative is a pellet stove. Pellet stoves use electricity to burn specially designed pellets made from compressed sawdust and wood shavings. Pellet stoves burn hotter and cleaner than wood stoves and give off less creosote than traditional fireplaces. If you do not have access to electricity, another alternative is a propane burning fireplace. Propane burning fireplaces consist of incombustible logs covering vents and burns behind a glass door. This option can provide the same recreational benefits as a traditional wood-burning fireplace, but there are more advantages. Propane fireplaces are more energy efficient as they draw air for combustion outside of your cottage, so they do not use the warm air inside. There is also the added bonus of having a direct vent with propane burning fireplaces, as they lose less heat than a chimney.

Ultimately, there are more permanent heating sources that are more expensive to install initially, but overall will adequately heat your home. We recommend consulting a professional to determine the heat source that will suit your cottage best.

  Taylor Souliere

  Sales Representative

  Royal LePage Edmonds & Associates

  Cell 613 602 1100 | Email [email protected]