Insulation is one of the most important elements of every build.
That’s why every garden suite we build includes the Thermal-Lock system: a panelized wall insulation method that wraps the structure in a continuous layer of protection from the foundation to the roofline.
It’s a key reason our garden suites exceed EnerGuide’s home-building standards, feel consistently comfortable all year long, and deliver significant energy savings for homeowners.
So, what makes Thermal-Lock superior?
How Thermal-Lock Insulation Keeps the Home Warm
In a typical build, insulation is added between studs, which leaves gaps in protection. Wood conducts heat, so anywhere there’s framing, there’s an opportunity for heat to escape. The technical term is thermal bridging. Over time, that leads to cold spots, drafts, and higher utility bills.
The Thermal-Lock system solves this problem by wrapping the entire wall structure in continuous rigid foam panels. The studs are slotted into the insulation, creating a tight, interlocking fit with no gaps. The entire structure is encased in a minimum of two inches of insulation. That continuous layer means that there’s no thermal bridging, no gaps, and far less energy loss.
The best part: Thermal-Lock is manufactured by Plasti-Fab, right here in Alberta!
Real Results: Proof that Thermal-Lock Insulation Reduces Energy Loss
When we used to build in subdivisions, we would get reviews from our clients about how inexpensive it was to heat their home in the winter, especially in comparison to their neighbours.
One of our homeowners even had their gas meter replaced twice. Their gas company kept checking the equipment because the consumption was so low in comparison to their neighbours, that they assumed the meter was faulty. It wasn’t! Their house just wasn’t losing heat the way most homes do. This is the performance that our Thermal-Lock walls deliver.
The EnerGuide rating is measured in gigajoules (GJ) per year. The lower the rating, the less energy you consume. The rating is calculated by the energy it consumes minus the energy it produces, 89 is the Energuide rating for this Infill, which performs better than a typical home built in Edmonton. This rating is with no geothermal, no air source heat pump, no solar, we achieve this through our building envelope using the Thermal-Lock Wall.
What It’s Like to Live Inside a Thermal-Lock Home: Stable Temperatures, Cleaner Air, Quiet Comfort
Beyond lower energy bills, this system has a noticeable impact on the garden suite’s feel.
Homeowners tell us their spaces are quieter, more stable in temperature, and free from cold spots and sudden drafts that you often feel in conventionally framed homes. They also note that there is no condensation build-up because the Thermal-Lock has adequate vapour permeability to prevent condensation and loss of thermal efficiency.
It also contributes to better indoor air quality. Because the envelope is so well-sealed, we use a balanced heat recovery ventilation system that keeps fresh air circulating while conserving energy. That means better humidity control, fewer allergens, and cleaner air for the homeowner.
The Thermal-Lock wall is environmentally safe and contains NO chlorofluorocarbons.
Thermal-Lock: Built for Alberta’s Climate
Edmonton’s temperature swings are no joke. Winter can dip to -30°C and summers bring their own extremes.
The Thermal-Lock wall system is designed with our climate in mind, helping the home stay cool in summer, warm in winter, and efficient all year round, without relying on oversized mechanical systems.
We also consider long-term durability. Plumbing on exterior walls is protected by the full panel thickness of the Thermal-Lock system, reducing the risk of freezing. Window and door openings are also fully insulated behind headers and footers to eliminate the weak spots that usually leak heat and moisture.
What’s Next for the Hazeldean Garage Suite
With the garage suite’s framing complete and the Thermal-Lock system fully installed, the Hazeldean suite is ready for the next milestone: getting sealed from the elements. In the coming weeks, we’ll install the roof, windows, and doors, which are the final pieces that complete the building envelope and make the space weather-tight before snow starts to fall in Edmonton.
Once the shell is closed in, the interior work begins and the suite starts to feel more like a real home.
See the full framing process of the Hazeldean garage suite:
In the meantime, if you’re considering a garden suite of your own, or are interested to learn more about what’s involved, please reach out to us at info@eehomes.ca or 780-708-4660.
Learn more about how we use Thermal-Lock to insulate our builds!
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About Energy Efficient Homes
At Energy Efficient Homes, we believe infill should feel good, for your family, your neighbours, and the neighbourhood as a whole. Every project is rooted in collaboration, designed with care, and built to support a more livable, walkable Edmonton.
If you’re interested in building a garden suite for your backyard, please reach out!
