Masonry and Insulation: Keeping Your Home Warm in Winter and Cool in Summer.

​Masonry is an excellent material for building walls and structures due to its durability and strength.  Take, for example, the award-winning Galt Collegiate Institute in Cambridge which uses fossilized limestone. However, one of its downsides is that although it has inherent insulation properties, it needs some assistance during extreme temperatures, which in Cambridge, Ontario, means that it can allow heat to escape during winter months (with an average low of almost -10°C) and enter the home during summer months (with an average high of almost 30°C). Fortunately, there are several ways to use masonry and insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

1. Insulate Your Walls: One of the most effective ways to improve the insulation of masonry walls is by adding insulation material to the cavity between the walls. This can be done during construction or as a retrofit project by drilling holes in the walls and blowing insulation material into the cavity. This can significantly improve the thermal performance of your walls and reduce energy costs.
2. Use Thermal Mass: Another way to use masonry to improve energy efficiency is to take advantage of its thermal mass. Thermal mass refers to the ability of masonry materials to absorb and store heat, which can help regulate indoor temperatures. By exposing masonry walls to sunlight during the day and using shading devices to prevent overheating, you can use the thermal mass of the walls to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
3. Insulate Your Roof: Adding insulation to your roof can also help improve the energy efficiency of your home. Insulation can prevent heat from escaping through the roof during winter months and keep the heat out during summer months. There are several types of insulation materials available, such as fiberglass, spray foam, and cellulose, and the choice will depend on factors such as the climate and the building design.
4. Consider Passive Solar Design: Passive solar design involves using the natural elements of the sun, wind, and landscape to regulate indoor temperatures. By designing your home with the right orientation, window placement, and shading devices, you can use the sun's energy to heat your home in winter and keep it cool in summer.

For further guidance, do not hesitate to search for the top masonry contractors in Cambridge, ON and ask for other ways that masonry can help with insulation and thus lower your Grandbridge hydro bills.