Installing Insulation: What You Should Know

Installing Insulation - What you need to know

Insulation has incredible benefits to households and the environment. If you are building or renovating, now is the time to get your insulation right because once the plaster goes up, you won’t be able to make any changes. The good thing is, with careful application and an awareness about the best practices, installing insulation is not difficult. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the most important things you should know for installing insulation.

Choosing your insulation

Choosing the right insulation for your specific application depends on a number of factors such as your specific climate and whether you want your insulation to have particular properties. Consider if you require acoustic, non-flammable or low-allergen properties.

One key factor you should consider is the R-value of an insulation product. R-values indicate how resistant the insulation material is to heat flow. So a higher R-value means a higher insulating ability. At Pricewise Insulation, for walls we recommend a minimum R-value of 2.5 for insulation in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, and a minimum of 2.0 for Brisbane, Perth and northern New South Wales. For ceiling/roof insulation, we recommend at least R4.0, with an upgrade to R6.0 for those living in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

If you are unsure which type of insulation is optimal for your application, why not speak to some insulation suppliers? At Pricewise Insulation, we’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

Before you start

Before attempting to install insulation, make sure you take adequate safety measures. Gloves and enclosed shoes are necessary, and safety glasses and a dust mask are critical for protecting you from dust and other loose particles.

In addition to this safety gear, you will also need a utility blade to cut the insulation material, and a step ladder to reach higher places. A short stick or rod is useful for installing the insulation in high places too.

Where do you install insulation?

Insulation can be installed almost everywhere in the house including:

  • Walls, both exterior and interior Walls, both exterior and interior
  • Floors
  • In between floors of multi-storey houses
  • Roof and ceiling

We understand all houses are different, so if you are unsure where to install insulation in yours for the optimal results, speak to us at Pricewise Insulation, Australia’s trusted insulation suppliers.

What to watch out for

Poor installation of insulation can significantly reduce its efficiency and could cause other health and safety issues. Get a professional to help you install your insulation, or if you are planning a DIY, pay attention to the following: 

  • Make sure there are no cracks or air gaps: these could reduce the efficiency of the insulation drastically.
  • Do not compress the insulation material because this will reduce efficiency too.
  • Try and insulate behind any wires, and if that’s not possible insulate around them.
  • Cut gaps in the insulating material for any light switches and power points.
  • Do not cover up any ventilation or other important areas that need to remain unobstructed.
  • In the ceiling, make sure you maintain minimum clearances around downlights to avoid a potential fire risk.

Need insulation supplies?

If you’re ready to get insulating, or need guidance towards the best products for your home, we’d be happy to help. Pricewise Insulation is one of Australia’s premier insulation suppliers, and we have an extensive range of high quality products to suit almost any application.

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