Insulation Options

3 min read

Insulation Options in Australia

Customers choose different types of insulation for various reasons. 4 popular brands of thermal insulation that we sell are Knauf Earthwool, Fletcher Pink Batts, CSR Bradford Gold and Polyester Solutions. These brands all have in common that they are safe and relatively easy to install, are non-combustible, and are available in a range of "R-Values" to suit different climate zones. They all come conveniently packaged in plastic or poly bags which are relatively easy to carry around and transport.

Comfort and Ease of Handling

Insulation manufacturer's have come a long way in making their insulation more pleasant to work with. Both Pink Batts and Bradford's thermal insulation range have undergone noticeable improvements, and the glasswool of today is definitely less itchy to work with compared to 10 - 15 years ago. Knauf Earthwool is considered by many to be the most pleasant to work with of the glasswool range, mainly due to the non-itch factor, the fact that it is practically odourless, and the easy cutting/installing. Polyester insulation is arguably one of the cleanest and most comfortable types of insulation to install. It generates no excessive dust, and can be easily torn to the required length, whereas for glasswool insulation you will need a sharp knife to cut in either direction.

Allergies and Asthma

Bradford is an approved partner of the National Asthma Council Australia. Polyester insulation contains no breathable sized particles and is as such considered to be 100% safe for asthma sufferers. Having said that, any dust and other particles generated from insulation after it's been installed is negligible. During installation, it is recommended to wear a dust mask, in particular when installing underfloor or ceiling insulation.

Compare Insulation - Ease of Storage and Transport

Earthwool batts are exceptionally well compressed, making it by far the easiest and cheapest insulation to store and transport. You can fit almost twice the amount of Earthwool on your vehicle compared to Bradford Gold or Pink Batts, and almost three times when compared with polyester. This can be an important consideration if you are going to be picking up the insulation yourself or paying for freight to an area out of the standard delivery zones.

Video - Brand Comparison

R-Value and Thermal Properties

The R-value of insulation measures the thermal resistance of the insulation. As such, if properly installed, the "thermal insulating effect" of the one brand shouldn't differ from another brand with the same R-value. When installing wall insulation, the R-value option is usually limited to the thickness of the wall stud, i.e. the space inside the wall cavity - this is typically either 75mm or 90mm.

With ceiling insulation, the R-value you are able to use is generally not limited to space, so the question is more how much insulation do you need. A higher R-value will increase the level of thermal protection, which in turn helps to reduce your home's power consumption. As electricity prices rise, an increasing number of homes will find that the savings in their power bills over time will more than justify the initial investment in ceiling insulation.
If you currently have no insulation in your ceiling, then even a small layer of thermal insulation will make a significant and noticeable difference.

When considering which wall or roof insulation options are the most appropriate for your home, don't forget the under floor. A raised timber floor with no insulation will often remain the "cold spot" in winter, even if the air in the room is maintained at a comfortable temperature.

Durability and Warranty

If installed correctly, insulation should last as long as your home. The various manufactures nonetheless provide various product warranties. Earthwool is covered by a 50 year warranty, Pink Batts come with a life time guarantee, and Bradford states a 70 year warranty. If you require more information or advice on what insulation options may be the most suitable for your home, please call 1300 729 639 or email sales@pricewiseinsulation.com.au.