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Home | Indoor Improvements | Insulation
Insulation
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Insulation
An insulated home is cooler and summer and warmer in winter and the differences between insulated and un-insulated homes is often measured in degrees. Insulation is also energy efficient and can save you money, as you are not spending as much money on cooling and heating. There are several things to consider when installing insulation and these are listed below.
Types of Insulation
There are two types of insulation – bulk and reflective foil. There are several varieties of bulk insulation including fibreglass mineral wool (also known as rockwool), sheep’s wool, synthetic fibre and polyester. Bulk insulation comes in either blankets that are cut to fit or in pre-cut batts. It works by trapping pockets of air within the material, stopping heat from getting through to the home. Another type of bulk insulation is loose-fill insulation, which is simply pumped into the roof cavity. Some loose-fill materials are cellulose fibre and mineral wool.
Reflective foil insulation comes in single or multi-layered forms and work by reflecting heat away and by lowering radiant heat. The multi-layered forms, such as concertina foil batts, can provide more effective insulation by trapping air.
The R-Value
The r-value is the most important thing to consider when installing insulation. It does not matter so much what material you choose for if the r-values of the material are the same then they will perform identically. Simply put, the r-value is the thermal resistance of the insulation and the higher the number, the more effective the insulation will be. R-values range from between 1 and 4.
In normal circumstances, you will usually need a higher r-value insulation in your roof than in your walls and floor. This is because the majority of the heat is transferred through the roof. Generally speaking, you will need insulation that is at least 2.5 in your roof, and 1-1.5 in your walls. However, the actual requirements will depend on your area and so you should speak to a professional to determine what will best suit you.
Other Considerations
Ensure that your home is well ventilated, as this will increase the efficiency of your insulation. You should also shade your windows adequately through the use of curtains or awnings, as your insulation can actually serve to keep heat in if they are left bare and cause a hotter home. Any insulation should also be treated for fire and be non-combustible in order to avoid it becoming a fire hazard. A professional should be able to show you the fire rating of the material.
Also make sure to get multiple quotes on your home insulation. Quotes should clearly stipulate the r-value of the material and should also state your professional’s qualifications.
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