About Warm & Willow
A practical information resource on home insulation and weatherproofing for Canadian homeowners, contractors, and builders.
What this site covers
Warm & Willow focuses on the thermal envelope of Canadian residential buildings — the combination of insulation, air barriers, vapour retarders, and weatherproofing materials that determine how well a house retains heat through winter.
The site covers three primary areas: attic and roof assemblies, above-grade wall and window systems, and below-grade foundation and basement construction. Each section addresses the specific climate conditions found across Canada's climate zones, from the milder Pacific coast to the subarctic north.
Content is written for practical application — material comparisons, R-value requirements by zone, installation sequences, and common failure modes. Statements about code requirements reference the National Building Code of Canada and publicly available provincial supplements. Where specific performance data is cited, sources are linked.
Scope and limitations
This site provides general informational content. Building requirements vary by province, municipality, and property type. Code values cited reflect the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and may differ from locally adopted codes. Before undertaking any insulation or weatherproofing work, the applicable local building permits and inspections should be confirmed with the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
This site does not provide engineering advice, certified energy assessments, or contractor referrals. For EnerGuide assessments required for Canada Greener Homes grant eligibility, registered energy advisors must be engaged through Natural Resources Canada's program.
All external links point to publicly available resources from government agencies and recognized building science organizations. No affiliate or commercial relationships influence the content.
Coverage areas
Attic & Roof
Blown-in cellulose and fibreglass, spray foam roof assemblies, ventilation requirements, vapour barrier placement, R-value targets by climate zone, and post-retrofit assessment.
Attic insulation guide →Walls & Windows
Air sealing materials, exterior continuous insulation, double-stud wall assemblies, window rough opening sealing, weatherstripping durability, and thermal bridging reduction.
Weatherproofing guide →Foundation & Basement
Interior vs. exterior foundation insulation, rim joist treatment, slab-on-grade systems, crawl space conditioning, frost depth considerations, and bulk water management.
Foundation guide →Contact
For corrections, factual updates, or questions about the content on this site, use the form below. This is not a contractor referral service and does not provide individual project advice.