Insulation and Ventilation
Insulation & Poly
Today’s homes are required to be properly insulated to meet building standards. Particular attention is given to providing air-vapour barriers to the room side of the insulation. Even after satisfying the requirements and recommendations, as modified by Canada’s many climates, home location and design, local temperature variations and the type of heating system installed, no house is completely draft free. During a storm, even the smallest opening permits some air and water infiltration when under wind pressure.
All the exterior walls and ceilings contain professionally installed insulation and poly (vapour barrier) to meet or exceed the building code requirements. Adjustments or alterations of these areas in any way may cause frost or moisture damage, frozen water or drain lines and many other serious problems.
Drywall
The interior walls and ceiling of your home are finished with “drywall” (gypsum wallboard). Cracks may appear over doors, windows and archways due to the shrinkage of larger sized wood members (behind the drywall) used to span these openings. Such cracking is usually minor and rarely serious. Small defects may appear near or at the joints of adjacent sheets and at the other nail or “nail pops”, again related to the shrinkage of the supporting wood frame. Cracks and “nail pops” will be repaired after your first two years of possession by the drywall company (a warranty from them is given to you at your walk-through).
The drywall in your home was installed on the exterior walls and all ceiling using nails and screws placed at regular intervals on each stud or joist as required to maintain as smooth as surface as possible. Drywall on interior walls is glued to each stud and fastened with nails, only on the perimeter. This is done in order to eliminate nail and screw popping due to shrinkage and settlement as much as possible. Some cracking and “nail pops” are likely to occur, and will be repaired at two years by drywall company. However, the paint touch up is the responsibility of you, the homeowner(s).
Attic Ventilation
Your attic has been provided with sufficient ventilation to provide a good air exchange. The soffit is perforated to supply attic ventilation. It is aluminum and maintenance-free.
Insulation FAQs
Question: How long will “nail pops” and drywall cracking continue?
Answer: Minor adjustments, such as nail pops and small drywall cracks, are common and a natural part of the home’s settling process. This typically occurs within the first couple of years after occupancy. As the home adjusts to its environment, these small shifts are normal and should gradually stabilize over time.
