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How Much Insulation Does Your Home Really Need? A Room-by-Room Guide

  • dking43224
  • Sep 19
  • 2 min read

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Ontario’s extreme winters and hot, humid summers make proper insulation one of the smartest home upgrades you can invest in. But how do you know how much insulation your home really needs? The answer depends on the space, the material, and the R-value required by Canadian building standards.

At Enerliv, we’ve put together this room-by-room insulation guide to help homeowners make informed decisions.


🏠 Attic Insulation

Why it matters: The attic is the #1 source of heat loss in most Ontario homes.


How much you need:


  • At least R-50 for older homes (about 16–20 inches of blown-in insulation).

  • Newer homes may already meet this, but settling often reduces performance.


Best options:


🧱 Exterior Walls

Why it matters: Walls account for the majority of your home’s thermal envelope.


How much you need:


  • Typically R-20 to R-24 in Ontario homes.

  • Many older houses are under-insulated and benefit from upgrades.


Best options:

  • Batt and poly insulation for cost-effective coverage.

  • Spray foam for renovations or new builds requiring air sealing.


🪟 Basement & Crawlspaces

Why it matters: Cold basements make your whole house feel uncomfortable.


How much you need:


  • R-12 to R-20 on walls.

  • Rim joists should be sealed with spray foam.


Best options:

  • Basement insulation upgrades using rigid foam, spray foam, or batt.


🚪 Garages & Over-Garage Rooms

Why it matters: These spaces often go uninsulated, causing temperature swings in rooms above.


How much you need:


  • R-24 to R-32 in ceilings and walls.


Best options:

  • Closed-cell spray foam for maximum comfort and efficiency.


🔥 Fireproofing

Why it matters: Beyond comfort, Ontario homes must meet fire safety requirements for insulation.


What you need:


  • Spray foam insulation must be protected with an ignition barrier.

  • Multi-unit dwellings or basement apartments require fireproofing for code compliance.


✅ Final Thoughts


Insulation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each room has unique requirements — and understanding them ensures you maximize comfort, cut energy bills, and protect your investment.

At Enerliv, we specialize in spray foam, attic insulation, batt and poly, and fireproofing across Ontario.


📞 Ready to Find Out Exactly How Much Insulation Your Home Needs?

Book a free consultation with our team today.🌐 www.enerliv.ca | 📧 info@enerliv.ca

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