Insulation Perth is an important part of any home or building. It helps to control the temperature, reduce noise and save energy.
The most popular insulation for existing homes is fiberglass, which comes in blankets (also known as batts or rolls). It can be blown in using a hose or installed by laying it over existing walls.
Fiberglass is one of the most popular options for insulating homes and businesses. Its thin, lightweight fibers help to keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, reducing heating and cooling costs, while also reducing noise pollution. Fiberglass is also fire-resistant and moisture-resistant, adding another layer of protection to your home. It can be installed in attics, crawl spaces, walls and basements.
While fiberglass may have gotten a bad reputation for its toxicity in the past, it’s far less toxic than spray-in foam insulation made with antiquated chemicals such as asbestos or formaldehyde and is still used in a wide range of products including fishing rods, sports cars and bullet proof vests. As long as standard safety precautions are followed, it can be a safe choice for homeowners and commercial building owners.
When properly installed by a professional, fiberglass is a durable and effective option that can be a good fit for many homes. It comes in a variety of forms including batts, rolls and loose-fill, and can be custom-cut to suit your project’s needs. Fiberglass is relatively easy to install, and does not require any special tools or equipment.
However, it is important to note that if improperly installed, fiberglass insulation can cause a number of problems, especially if it gets wet or is exposed to moisture. The presence of moisture will reduce the insulation’s effectiveness, and can cause mold growth. Additionally, if the fiberglass is in contact with the skin, it can cause irritation and lead to respiratory illnesses such as coughing, sneezing and nosebleeds. This is why it is important to take precautions to avoid contact with fiberglass, including wearing gloves and protective clothing.
Cellulose
Cellulose is an eco-friendly insulation made of recycled paper products and treated with fire retardants. It’s thick and dense, which helps it fit well in nooks and crannies of walls and attics. It’s also flexible enough to fit around wires and ducts, making it ideal for retrofitting older homes.
It can be blown loose-fill into attics or dense-packed into walls. In loose-fill form, cellulose insulation is typically used in attics and wall retrofits, and is also installed when new homes are built. It’s a popular choice in both commercial and residential insulation, due to its low cost and effective R-value that reduces energy bills.
Because cellulose is made from recycled paper, it reduces waste in landfills and conserves natural resources. It is also a healthier option than fiberglass, as it does not contain harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems. It has been tested to withstand fire and is highly resistant to moisture. Its ability to fill small cracks and crevices makes it an excellent sound barrier, too.
Unlike fiberglass, which can deteriorate and lose its R-value over time, cellulose does not. It also retains its shape well, a benefit for homeowners who want to save money by not having to replace it as often as other types of insulation.
While cellulose insulation is not as environmentally friendly as fiberglass, it does use less energy to produce and install. The cellulose manufacturing process uses up to 85% post-consumer recycled newspaper and depletes fewer natural resources than fiberglass, which is made from more raw materials. It also requires less water and petro-energy to manufacture, according to the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association. This reduces the need for additional raw material and reduces carbon emissions.
Foam Boards
Foam board insulation is a robust tool for enhancing the energy efficiency of residential and commercial structures. Its thermal resistance and moisture protection make it an ideal choice for homes, new construction projects, and retrofit applications. Foam board insulation is available in a variety of thicknesses and R-values, which allows it to meet specific building requirements.
Foam boards are rigid insulation panels that can be used in place of traditional fiberglass batts and blown-in cellulose. They are typically installed between wall studs to reduce air infiltration, which is a common source of energy loss. Foam boards also provide a layer of moisture resistance that helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
There are three common types of foam board insulation: expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso). EPS is generally cheaper, but has a lower R-value per inch. XPS offers a higher R-value, but is prone to moisture damage. Polyiso has a high R-value and is less susceptible to moisture damage, but it is made from petrochemical materials, which increases its embodied energy footprint.
Before installing a rigid foam insulation board, it’s important to prep the area. You’ll need to sand down the edges of the board with a sander, as well as use a face mask to protect yourself from dust and fumes. Once the boards are prepared, they can be installed between wall studs or above the slab.
To install the insulation between studs, you’ll need to first measure the spacing of the studs. It’s recommended to keep the distance between studs consistent, which will help ensure that your finished wall has a uniform look. Once you’ve determined the stud spacing, you can either nail or glue the boards in place using furring strips.
Reflective Foil
Foil insulation is an effective way to slow down the transfer of heat and energy. It reflects radiant heat, keeping your building cooler in summer and helping you save on air conditioning costs. It also reduces moisture build-up and condensation, reducing the risk of wood rot and mould growth in your roof structure.
If you’ve ever browsed the insulation aisle of your local home center, you may have come across a product called Reflectix. It comes in tightly spooled rolls of shiny, foil-looking material that resembles bubble wrap. Unlike the large bales of fiberglass or rigid foam that fill up your shopping cart, this thin and compact product appears to be a quick and easy solution for your insulating needs.
The reflective surface of the radiant barrier reflects up to 97% of the radiant heat from the sun, preventing it from entering your building. This type of insulation works well alone or in combination with other insulating materials like fiberglass and foam board. It is typically installed on frame walls and ceilings for a low-cost and effective insulating solution that helps you improve your HERS rating and optimize your energy efficiency.
While reflecting radiant heat is its main function, this insulation can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the thermal performance of your metal building. It can be placed in the walls and ceiling of your building, as a sarking under steel tiles, or between roof trusses and rafters.
If you choose to install foil insulation in your building, it is important to leave a minimum of 3/4” of enclosed air space. This will allow the reflective surface to function as designed and increase the R-value of your building. It’s also essential to keep your reflective insulation clean, as dust particles can dramatically decrease its effectiveness.
Spray Foam
Spray foam insulation, or polyurethane foam (SPF), is a popular insulation material for both residential and commercial applications. It serves as a comprehensive solution, managing thermal, air and moisture control within a building’s envelope. As a result, it helps to keep a property warm and comfortable in the winter and cool and comfortable in the summer without straining your heating or cooling system.
The cells of spray foam are filled with a low-conductivity gas that blocks the flow of thermal energy, providing an R-Value of up to R-6 per inch. Spray foam is also effective in blocking vapor and water, which helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This is especially helpful in homes and commercial buildings where moisture can cause damage to the structure.
Like cellulose and fiberglass, spray foam offers sound dampening properties as well. It can be used in walls, attics, floors and ceilings to reduce noise, increase efficiency and make your home or business a more comfortable space to live or work.
In addition to keeping the indoor temperature comfortable, spray foam insulation can help lower energy bills. It reduces the amount of work needed for heating and cooling systems to maintain a stable indoor temperature, saving you money throughout the year.
While cellulose and fiberglass insulation need to be replaced after a few years, the cellular nature of spray foam means that it will last as long as your structure does. This cuts down on waste and makes the investment in spray foam a wise one. Spray foam insulation can also improve the overall durability and strength of your steel or metal building. It can provide extra structural support, helping to resist dents and dings that would otherwise weaken the integrity of your metal roof or siding.