Buying insulation
What is the best insulation type for sound proofing?
If you’re looking for a quieter home, the best soundproofing insulative materials are glass wool, rock wool, and extruded or expandable polystyrene. Some batts are specifically designed and labelled as acoustic insulation.
What is the most fire safe insulation type I can buy?
Some materials are particularly fireproof: rock wool, polyester and glass wool do not combust and, even if exposed to flames, will produce very little smoke or fumes. Check their specification sheets.
What is the minimum amount/thickness of insulation I can get away with?
In each climate zone, the Building Code of Australia has determined a minimum amount of needed insulation expressed in R-value (the efficiency of a material at stopping heat flow through it.) This should be the minimum you use. For the sake of your ...
If I have some insulation, is it better to do a top up or completely replace the insulation?
You can do a top up. No need to throw out effective insulation in good condition. Even if your insulation has some holes or is compressed, you can usually still add another layer of insulation on top. And this is cheaper than removing existing ...
Do I need to buy insulation with reflective foil?
There are two main types of insulation product: • bulk: which primarily affects conduction heat flow • reflective foil: which primarily affects radiation heat flow. Reflective insulation is an extra layer to help reduce heat flow. In many cases, ...
What R-value and thickness insulation should I buy?
Climate Zone 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Ceiling insulation for homes with very light coloured roofs R4.1 R4.1 R4.1 R4.1 R4.1 R4.1 R4.1 R6.3 Ceiling insulation for homes with light coloured roofs R4.6 R4.6 R4.6 R4.6 R4.6 R4.6 R4.6 R6.3 Ceiling insulation for ...
I’m worried about insulation due to the Pink Batts crisis, should I be worried now?
The pink batts home insulation scheme did prove one thing: you must be a well-informed consumer to be able to choose an experienced and qualified installer. So, it’s essential to know: • The basics of insulation • How to find a reliable, trustworthy ...
What are the most important questions I should I ask the supplier?
You should look to ask the following: • What warranties do they have • What are their online reviews like • What products and brands they offer, and why. Established businesses will give you evidence-based reasons for offering specific insulation ...
How do I find a safe, reputable supplier?
• Usually suppliers that have been in business a long time are the most reliable. • One simple way to ensure a reliable, high-quality insulation installer is to use one already fully vetted. We can help you get a free, no-pressure home quote from our ...
What type/brand of insulation is best to buy?
The benefits of each type of bulk insulation material are summarised below. Insulation material Low toxicity Environmentally friendly Soundproof Polyester ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ Natural wool ✓✓✓ ✓✓✓ ✓ Glass wool ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Rockwool ✓ ✓ ✓✓ Cellulose fibre ✓✓ ✓✓ ✓ ...
How much insulation do I need?
This will depend on which climate zone you live in. In each climate zone, the Building Code of Australia has determined a minimum amount of needed insulation expressed in R-value (the efficiency of a material at stopping heat flow through it.) This ...
How do I find the right supplier?
Follow this checklist to ensure that you find the right insulation installer for your home: • Informative, Transparent Sales Process • No Pressure Tactics — You should never feel rushed towards a decision • Clear, Easily Understood Quote that details ...