Insulation Perth helps reduce energy costs and keeps your home comfortable year-round. It also prevents pollutants like mold, dust and draughts from entering your living spaces.

There are many different types of insulation, each with a specific R-Value. The most common are fiberglass, cellulose and mineral wool. The type of insulation you choose depends on your specific needs and budget.

Fiberglass is a type of thermal insulation that consists of tiny glass fibers bound together in a matrix. It is lightweight, durable and an efficient insulator. Like other types of insulation, it reduces the transfer of heat from warm areas to cold areas in a home or commercial building. It mitigates three different types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation.

It is typically pink, yellow or white in color and has a spongy feel. It is usually sold in blanket form, known as batts, which are pre-cut to specific lengths and widths for easy installation. It is also available in bags as loose fill that can be blown into wall, attic and floor cavities. Many fiberglass batts have a paper or foil facing that retards the passage of moisture into living spaces.

In addition to being cost-effective, fiberglass is noncombustible and requires no fire-retardant chemicals to be installed. It can be found in new construction homes, as well as older homes that need to be re-insulated. It is most often installed in the attic to prevent heat loss through the roof and ceiling. However, it can be installed in walls and floors as well.

Although it does not deteriorate quickly, like other types of insulation, fiberglass can lose its R-value over time due to moisture accumulation. It is recommended to check the condition of fiberglass insulation regularly for signs of damage and consider replacing it if necessary.

If you suspect your fiberglass is no longer performing efficiently, it is recommended to consult with a professional to determine whether it is worth the cost and hassle of replacing it. Signs to watch for include increased energy bills, visible compression or gaps in the insulation.

When installing or removing fiberglass insulation, it is important to wear personal protective equipment. Fiberglass contains small particles that, when inhaled, can irritate the lungs and cause health concerns including coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath. It is also recommended to wear gloves and a mask when handling fiberglass insulation.

Cellulose

Cellulose insulation is a type of loose-fill product that is made from recycled paper materials. It is commonly blown into walls and attics using a blowing machine. This product is known for its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. It is also very effective at insulating homes and buildings. It can be used in new construction and retrofit applications.

Blown cellulose can be used to fill open attics and wall cavities as well as existing wall sheathing and framing. Before installing cellulose insulation, it is important to seal all air leaks in the structure. This will help to ensure that the insulation is properly installed and will perform as intended. It is recommended that a professional installer be used for installation to ensure the best results.

In addition to its thermal protection properties, cellulose is also an excellent fire barrier. It is a natural fire retardant and is much safer to use than fiberglass insulation in new construction and retrofits. It is also two to three times denser than fiberglass, which makes it better at resisting the spread of fire.

Another benefit of cellulose is its ability to absorb and contain moisture, which helps prevent the spread of mold and mildew. This is especially helpful in attics, where moisture can cause damage to the attic deck and roof and create a perfect environment for fungal growth.

Cellulose is a good choice for green building, as it uses up to 85 percent recycled materials. It is also treated with a borate treatment to help prevent pest infestations, which can be a problem with other types of insulation, including fiberglass.

One drawback to cellulose is that it can settle over time, which can result in gaps and pockets of uninsulated space. It is important to have a professional install this type of insulation, as the process is complex and requires specific equipment and tools.

If cellulose is exposed to moisture for an extended period, it can lose its insulating properties and become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can pose health issues for the home’s occupants. It is also not as moisture resistant as other types of insulation, and may require a longer time to dry out once it becomes saturated.

Mineral Wool

Mineral wool, also called rock or stone wool insulation, is an alternative to fiberglass. It’s made of natural rock such as basalt or diabase, recycled iron or steel slag, and other materials. It is heated at high temperatures, spun like cotton candy to produce very thin fibers, coated with a binder to hold them together and form the insulation, and then molded into blankets or boards. It can be used in new construction or added to existing homes. It is more expensive than fiberglass, but it has a higher R-value per inch of thickness (R-15 in 3.5″) and can provide superior soundproofing. It’s also stiffer, so it is easier to cut with precision and install to fit a space perfectly.

One of the benefits of this insulation is that it allows moisture to escape and doesn’t retain water, so it maintains its insulating properties even if it becomes damp. It also resists fire, and the manufacturers claim that it can protect a structure from both surface and internal damage.

As with cellulose, mineral wool can last for decades. However, severe weather and other factors can shorten its lifespan, so it’s important to have it inspected or replaced every 15 years or so.

Mineral wool is available in either a face or unfaced variety. A faced version has a reflective barrier that helps manage temperatures and maximize energy efficiency. It can be installed on its own or in conjunction with a vapor barrier.

An unfaced variety is more commonly found in homes because it is easier to cut and shape around electrical boxes and outlets, allowing for a more precise installation. It also allows for a better fit inside walls to minimize air gaps.

The hygroscopic adsorption of both the Etalon and Spoiled samples showed that, although the bonding resin between the fibers was about the same in the new and deteriorated samples, there was less bonding resin between the mineral wool particles in the Spoiled samples. This may account for the higher thermal conductivity results that were measured in the Spoiled samples compared to the new Etalon samples.

Spray Foam

Spray foam insulation or spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a type of plastic foam that is sprayed onto walls, roofs and other surfaces. The two-component liquid mixture of isocyanate and polyol resin comes together at the tip of a gun and reacts to form an expanding insulation that can fill nooks and crannies with ease. It is a popular alternative to fiberglass insulation and is usually sprayed directly onto roof tiles or concrete slabs, into wall cavities or through holes drilled in a wall. It can also be applied over existing drywall in addition to being used as an air-sealing layer during new construction and renovation projects.

When sprayed, it becomes very thick and offers a strong vapor barrier that prevents unwanted moisture from entering the walls or other interior structures of your home. This is especially important in climate zones where excessive moisture can cause rot, mildew and mold growth.

Foam insulation of all types blocks a great deal of sound and hinders the movement of airborne sound from one room to another. It also provides an effective fire barrier, preventing a house from spreading in the event of a fire.

It also stops a great deal of energy loss, saving you money on heating and cooling. Foam insulation will reduce the amount of air that escapes a building during cold weather and helps keep your property cool in warm weather.

While it has its advantages, there are some concerns with spray foam insulation. The materials it is made from are a source of poisonous fumes that can infiltrate the interior of a home, causing respiratory problems and other health issues. These fumes can be even worse for those who already have breathing problems. They can also create a toxic environment for children and pets.

Having your spray foam insulation installed by professionals will ensure that it is properly installed and does not pose any safety or health risks. The experts can provide an affordable and effective solution to your insulating needs. We offer a hybrid method of spray and batt insulation, which combines the air-sealing benefits of closed cell foam with the cost-effectiveness of fiberglass. Contact us for more information about our products and services!

Hester Odle