Insulation is one of the most impactful investments you can make in a Canadian home — directly reducing heating costs, improving comfort, and qualifying for federal and provincial rebates. The catch is that different insulation types suit different applications, and Canadian energy codes have specific R-value requirements that vary by province. Buy the wrong type or the wrong R-value and you'll fail inspection.
| Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass batt insulation | $0.50–$1.20/sqft | The most common insulation in Canadian homes. R-12 (2×4 wall) to R-22 (2×6 wall). Easy DIY installation. Available at every Canadian hardware retailer. Owens Corning EcoTouch and CertainTeed are the top brands. |
| Mineral wool / Rockwool batt | $0.90–$1.80/sqft | Superior fire resistance, better sound control, and holds its R-value when compressed (fibreglass loses R-value when compressed). Recommended for fire separations, basement suites, and home theatres. Rockwool Safe'n'Sound is the standard for sound control. |
| Rigid foam (EPS/XPS/Polyiso) | $0.60–$2.00/sqft per inch | EPS (grey foam) for basement walls and under slab — most economical. XPS (blue/pink Styrofoam) for higher moisture resistance. Polyiso for wall assemblies requiring highest R-per-inch. Required by most Canadian energy codes as a thermal break in basement assemblies. |
| Spray polyurethane foam (closed-cell) | $2.50–$4.50/sqft | The highest R-per-inch insulation available (R-6 to R-7 per inch for closed cell). Air barrier properties eliminate air leakage. Highest upfront cost but reduces air infiltration losses that other insulations don't address. Always hire a certified spray foam applicator. |
| Blown-in (cellulose or fibreglass) | $0.80–$1.50/sqft | Ideal for attic floors and hard-to-reach spaces. Cellulose (recycled paper) has good environmental profile. Fibreglass blown-in settles less. Rental blowers available at Home Depot for DIY attic top-ups. |
| Vapour barrier (6-mil poly) | $0.10–$0.20/sqft | Required on the warm side of insulation in all Canadian climate zones. 6-mil poly sheeting is the standard. Often forgotten in renovation budgets — add to your material list. |
Ontario (OBC 2012/2024): R-20 basement walls, R-31 above-grade walls, R-60 attic. BC (BCBC): R-20 basement, R-22 walls, R-40 attic. Alberta (ABC): R-20 basement, R-22 walls, R-50 attic. Check your specific municipal permit requirements as local amendments often increase these minimums.
In Canadian climate zones (all major cities), the vapour barrier goes on the warm side — the interior side of the insulation. Installing it on the cold side traps moisture in the wall and causes rot and mould. This is the most common insulation installation error.
Never install batt insulation directly against a concrete basement wall without a continuous rigid foam thermal break first. The concrete-to-warm-air temperature differential causes condensation that wets batt insulation and grows mould. Rigid foam + batt in the stud cavity is the correct basement wall assembly.
Federal and provincial rebates for insulation upgrades can offset 30–50% of the insulation cost. The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for insulation upgrades — requires an EnerGuide assessment before starting work.
Minimum requirements: Ontario R-22 (2×6 wall with cavity fill), BC R-22, Alberta R-22. Most Canadian energy codes now require continuous insulation in addition to cavity insulation to meet thermal bridging requirements. Check your specific provincial and municipal building code for current minimums.
The best basement wall assembly for Canada: rigid EPS or XPS foam board (minimum 2") against the concrete wall, then 2×4 framed wall filled with R-14 or R-20 batt insulation. This prevents condensation on the cold concrete from contacting the batt insulation. Never use batt only against concrete.
Yes for batt insulation and blown-in attic insulation — both are common DIY projects. Spray foam must be installed by certified applicators (proper PPE and ventilation required). All insulation work that is part of a permitted project must pass inspection before drywall.
Insulation upgrades that improve your EnerGuide rating qualify for the Greener Homes Grant, including attic insulation, basement wall insulation, and above-grade wall insulation. The specific grant amount depends on the improvement achieved in your EnerGuide rating, measured in a post-retrofit assessment.
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