Types of Insulation
Glasswool Batts
This is made from a large percentage of recycled glass, where the melted glass is spun into a mat of fine fibre. These are relatively inexpensive. Good fire resistance. Can be an irritant, so wear appropriate gear. Made to an Australian Standard with R values clearly labelled. Easy to cut and install. Remains inert. Should not be compressed or moistened.
Rockwool Batts
More expensive than glass wool but has superior sound insulation. Can also be an irritant. It is made from volcanic rock melted at high temperatures and spun into a mat of fine fibres. Denser than glasswool so R value per unit thickness is higher. Good sound absorption properties.
Natural Wool
Available as batts, blankets and loose fill. Usually more expensive. Should only be made from new, scoured wool. Must be treated with a vermin/rot proofing agent during the scouring process, which means it must be treated to resist insect infestation. Dirt or grease can add to flammability. Some include synthetic (usually polyester) fibres to reduce settling and compression. The Wool Mark logo signifies batt is made from pure wool only. No Australian Standard as yet. Check that it has passed stringent fire resistance tests (preferably British Standard 5803 part 4) as Choice tests done on some wool batts have revealed failure to fire resistance.
Cellulose Fibre
This is made from pulverised recycled paper pulverised into a fine fluff. It is cheap to buy, but can only be used in celing areas. It is especially handy when access to the area is awkward. As it can be dusty you will need barriers to stop it entering your home through vents and exhaust fans. It can also be sprayed with a sealer. Must be kept dry. Must not be compressed. Generally pumped into roof by contractor.
Product should be manufactured to AS2462 and installed in a consistent, even layer. Settling of up to 20 mm per 100 mm thickness may occur, decreasing performance. Be aware that cellulose fibre insulation may settle over time, so confirm with the installer that it has been installed to provide the stated R-value in the long term. Also, make sure that it has had fireproof and insect proof treatment.
Extruded polystyrene (styrofoam)
Rigid boards of close cell polystyrene which retain air but exclude water. High R value per unit thickness. Suitable where space is limited. Easy to cut and install. Should only be used between non-combustible materials such as brick, aluminium and plasterboard. Most commonly used material for slab-edge and cavity brick wall insulation. Greater structural strength and moisture resistance than expanded polystyrene.
Expanded Polystyrene Boards
Semi-rigid boards of white polystyrene beads. High water absorbency. Combustible and should only be used between fire resistant materials. Must therefore be installed between non-combustible surfaces like reflective foil, bricks or plasterboard. Easy to cut and install. Available as preclad panels.
Polyurethane Foam
A semi-rigid spray-applied insulation system which is made up of microscopic cells that simultaneously insulates and provides an air-seal in wall, floor and ceiling cavities, applied as a liquid which expands into a foam, curing in just seconds. It creates a barrier which stops temperature leakage, insulates both thermally and acoustically, and stops irritants from entering the home. Does not settle or disintegrate.
Polyester Fibres
Another recycled resource made from Pet bottles, which can be made into batts or blankets. Does not create dust or irritation. Similar physical properties to glasswool and rockwool. Non-toxic, with no known physical or health hazards. Does not burn, but will melt if exposed to a direct flame. No Australian Standard as yet.
Reflective Foils (Silver Batts)
These can be installed in the roof, walls and under floor and can cut out up to 95% of radiant heat. They are made from aluminium foil laminated with glass fibre reinforcement. Supplied in rolls, one side often painted with an anti-glare paint. Does not have a significant R value itself, and requires a sealed air space of at least 25 mm between foil and solid surface to achieve full insulation qualities. Gaps in foil reduce performance. Valuable in combination with bulk insulation for enhancing performance. Useful barrier against transfer of moisture. Reflective surface needs to remain clean and dust-free. Dust build-up reduces R value.
IMPORTANT!!
You can choose the insulation type that you want.
However, the $1,200 rebate will not be provided where:
- the insulation has been installed by an installer who is not on the Australian Government’s Installer Provider Register
- the householder has not obtained two genuinely independent written quotes provided following physical site inspections.
Please let us help you avoid these mistakes.
Simply fill out the form below to let us find at least 2 registered installers in your area, and arrange for them to contact you. This saves you time and money, but more importantly it makes sure that they are approved installers.