Every insulation product has a different R-rating per inch (i.e. Extruded Polystyrene is rated R-5 per inch).

Under the Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Program for renovation grants, the brand name or type of product doesn’t matter, as long as the R-value is achieved. Be sure to check past the marketing material for insulation to make sure what the true R-value is of a product. This is an useful summary of R-values: http://cmhc.ca/en/co/maho/enefcosa/enefcosa_002.cfm.

Interesting fact: having a good amount of insulation in your home not only keeps the heat in during the winter, but also helps to keep the heat out in the summer! A well insulated home means a comfortable home, all year round.

People used to be told not to insulate to the floor due to flooding, but when you think about it, what are the chances of a flood in your basement, compared to the many days and years that will go by where you had no insulation in the place where you need it most? If you are prone to flooding, then these issues should be taken care of before you insulate to the floor. But generally speaking, take it right down to the bottom!