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Insulation & Building Envelope

Attics, basements, air sealing, windows, doors and home energy assessments.

Last reviewed November 2, 2026
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Quick tips

  • Weatherstrip and insulate the attic hatch

    An unsealed attic hatch is a major air leak in many homes. Weatherstripping plus a piece of rigid foam on top costs under $50.

  • Air seal and insulate basement rim joists

    Rim joists are often leaky and uninsulated. Sealing them with foam and adding rigid insulation can noticeably reduce drafts and heat loss.

  • Replace worn door weatherstripping and sweeps

    If you can see daylight or feel a draft around an exterior door, the seals need work. New weatherstripping costs roughly $20–$50 per door.

  • Caulk gaps around pipes, wires and vents

    Small holes where services pass through walls and ceilings add up to a large leak. Use fire-rated sealant around chimneys and flues.

  • Use window insulation film on drafty windows

    Shrink-film kits cost a few dollars per window and reduce drafts and heat loss through old single-pane glass for the winter.

  • Top up attic insulation to R-50 or more

    Many older Ontario homes have only R-12 to R-20 in the attic. Upgrading toward R-50 to R-60 often cuts heating and cooling losses noticeably, and HRS has offered up to $1,250 for standalone attic insulation.