Frequently asked questions
Professional installation ensures your insulation is installed to meet Australian Standards (AS 3999) and the National Construction Code (NCC). AIIA professional installers assure correct fitment, no gaps or compression, and safe practices around electrical and structural elements.
Absolutely, but only when done correctly which is a benefit of using AIIA professional installers who will maintain safe clearances and follow AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and AS 3999 (Insulation Installation).
Yes. By reducing energy use, insulation lowers carbon emissions and helps create a more sustainable home.
Homes with good insulation are often more attractive to buyers because they are more energy-efficient and comfortable.
: Installing insulation in your roof can significantly improve your homes energy efficiency and reduce your electricity costs. By creating a thermal barrier, insulation minimises heat transfer, which helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduces the need for heating and cooling systems.
The R-Value of an insulation product indicates how effective it is at resisting heat transfer. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power the product has.
Glasswool and rock(stone)wool insulation products that carry the ICANZ FBS-1 Trademark have been manufactured to meet international standards for fibre bio-solubility, which have been proven safe to handle – this is further enhanced when using recommended PPE as per manufacturer’s guidance.
It is advisable to have the old insulation removed as it has more than likely been contaminated with vermin faeces, toxic lead dust along with moisture ingress via roof and mould. Then vacuuming the ceiling as there most likely is years of accumulated dust under the older insulation
Older homes may have a old insulation that is most likely compressed and broken down and due for replacement.
The removal vacuum and disposal process also gives the home owner the opportunity to have electrical cabling inspected by a qualified electrician allowing for new upgrade of lighting along with any other additional electrical improvements prior to the installation of new insulation product.
Generally, floors can loose up to 20% of the homes winter heat loss in the colder states of Australia and the benefit is to improve home comfort, reduce energy consumption, reduce home energy bills and reduce winter heat loss out of the home.
The reverse applies to the hotter states of Australia where subfloor insulation can assist in heat gain via an above floor zone. Helping to reduce summer air conditioning costs.
Floor areas make up a large square meterage of homes space and therefore it is advisable to insulate subfloor insulation to help reduces draft, moisture and dust ingress
There are a range of suitable insulation products for subfloor applications so speaking with a qualified insulation installer should be able to narrow down a suitable product choice.
It is always preferrable to insulate first before having either air conditioning or solar panels installed. Regardless of what the other two trades say.
Insulate / Air condition / Solar Panel should be the correct sequence of events.
The access into the roof is just one aspect of installing insulation and a well insulated roof needs to be able to gain best access to all parts of a ceiling.. Ducted air conditioning can make the roof cavity space tighter and the potential for damage has increased. Not to mention if old insulation needs to be removed first. Or old electrical cabling needs upgrading or rubbish removed.
While a higher value means better thermal resistance, choosing the right value depends on your local climate, budget & where the insulation is to be installed.
It is always best to discuss your requirements with your local install expert before starting your project.
You should consider upgrading your old insulation if your home was built more than 15-20 years ago.
Over time, early insulation standards and natural product compression will drastically reduce your homes thermal efficiency.
Thinking on what R value to use has changed a lot in the last 10 years. Prior to 2002 insulation wasn’t required in new builds and anyone who put it in was likely to have a low R value and be thought of as a bit alternative.
The National Construction Code (NCC) states that R4 is the minimum to be installed – not long ago, this would have been seen as very high spec.
Approximately half of your insulation retrofit cost is labour. Think about spending a little more on a higher R value to future proof your home.
You do not want the insulation to touch your roof directly. Where the pitch of your roof heading toward the top plate is low you will likely need to use either a lower R value batt, these aren’t as high, or a perimeter batt. This will give you a total thermal envelope.
Both have a use, and they give you the same R value when installed correctly. Batts are typically cheaper but loose fill blow in can get into the hard to reach areas where batt installs would be costly in terms of labour, and may provide better coverage. Check with your local AIIA member regarding your specific circumstances.
As with most products there is variations in terms of quality. Because you want to do this once, look to reputable manufacturing company. Reputable company’s, may have Codemark, but not necessarily, and not for all products. Look at their online technical specifications. The product when it arrives onsite, should be in the manufacturer’s packaging and state the technical data including the R value and that it meets the Australian/NZ Standard 4859.1.
Insulation which meets the Australian Standards for Ignitability AS/NZ 1530.3 and Combustibility AS/NZ 1530.1 can be laid over IC rated downlights. If you have other lights, such as halogen, you are unable to lay insulation over the top due to the heat they generate and the fire risk.