Heat rises—and in an under-insulated Ottawa home, a significant portion of that heat goes straight through the attic and out the roof. Natural Resources Canada estimates that up to 25% of a home's heat loss occurs through the roof and attic. Upgrading your attic insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency improvements you can make.
What R-Value Does Your Ottawa Attic Need?
R-value measures insulation's resistance to heat flow—the higher the number, the better the insulation. For Ottawa (Climate Zone 6), the Ontario Building Code and NRCan recommend:
- Minimum code requirement: R-50 for new construction
- Recommended for existing homes: R-50 to R-60
- Optimal for maximum savings: R-60+
Many older Ottawa homes have only R-20 to R-30 of attic insulation—well below current standards. If your home was built before 2000, there's a strong chance your attic is under-insulated.
Types of Attic Insulation
Blown-In Cellulose
Made from recycled paper treated with fire retardants. Blown-in cellulose fills gaps and voids effectively, conforms to irregular spaces around wiring and pipes, and provides excellent thermal and sound insulation. It's the most popular choice for Ottawa attic upgrades because it's cost-effective and easy to install over existing insulation. R-value: R-3.5 to R-3.7 per inch.
Blown-In Fibreglass
Loose-fill fibreglass is lighter than cellulose and doesn't absorb moisture. It's a good option for attics where moisture could be a concern. However, it can settle over time, slightly reducing R-value. R-value: R-2.5 to R-3.7 per inch.
Fibreglass Batts
Pre-cut rolls of fibreglass insulation. While common in new construction, batts are less effective for retrofits because they're difficult to install around obstructions and often leave gaps that reduce overall performance. R-value: R-3.1 to R-3.4 per inch.
Spray Foam
Closed-cell spray foam provides the highest R-value per inch and creates an air barrier. It's ideal for cathedral ceilings, knee walls, and rim joists, but is significantly more expensive than blown-in options for large attic spaces. R-value: R-6.0 to R-7.0 per inch (closed-cell).
Attic Insulation Costs in Ottawa
For a typical 1,000–1,500 sq ft attic space:
- Blown-in cellulose (to R-50): $1,500 – $3,000
- Blown-in cellulose (to R-60): $2,000 – $3,500
- Blown-in fibreglass (to R-50): $1,800 – $3,500
- Spray foam (rim joists + top-up): $3,000 – $6,000+
Energy Savings You Can Expect
Upgrading attic insulation from R-20 to R-60 in an Ottawa home typically reduces annual heating costs by 15–25%. For a home spending $2,500/year on heating, that's $375–$625 in annual savings. Most homeowners see a return on investment within 3–5 years.
Important: Air Sealing Before Insulating
Before adding insulation, it's critical to air-seal your attic. Gaps around plumbing stacks, electrical wires, pot lights, attic hatches, and ductwork allow warm air to escape directly into the attic. Air sealing alone can reduce heat loss by 20–40% and prevents moisture problems that can damage insulation and roof structure.
Available Rebates
Attic insulation upgrades qualify for rebates under the Home Renovation Savings Program (up to $10,000 for combined eligible upgrades). An EnerGuide evaluation before and after the work is typically required to qualify. Dtech Services can coordinate the entire process for you.
Upgrade Your Attic Insulation
Stop losing heat through your roof. Contact Dtech Services for a free attic insulation assessment and quote. We serve Ottawa and all surrounding communities.
