Insulation 2002

 

                          ENERGY  SMART  HOMES.

 

Energy used for the heating and cooling of Housing is a chief contributor to global warming.

From my experience the vast majority of roof cavities are not insulated!

In Sydney there is more Global Warming going on than House Warming

If you consider that 42% of heat can enter your home through an un-insulated ceiling in summer and the reverse also applies in winter, (you can loose up to 42% of warmth through an un-insulated ceiling); for comfort and pecuniary purposes alone, every house should be insulated

 

The Councils are very aware of the global and local benefits of Insulation and encourage residents to Insulate.

In residential situations Insulation is used for Temperature Control and Noise Control.

The most common insulations are

• Fibreglass wool batts made from spun fibres of molten glass.
• Rockwool Batts made from spun fibres of volcanic rock.
• Sheepswool Batts
• Foil Insulation.

All Insulations have an R-value.

The R-value is a measure of how well an insulation material reduces heat flow.

A minimum R-value would be R1.5 rising to R4.

 

WHERE , WHEN and WHAT?

If you retile your roof, a  medium weight foil insulation, should be installed between the rafters and the tiles. You should also install batts between the ceiling joists.

 If you replace your rusted corrugated roof, a R1.5 or R2.5 roof blanket should be installed under all new metal roofs.

 The wool side should be up. It prevents condensation from staining your ceilings.

If you reclad your house, a vapor barrier should be installed on the warm side and a breather foil placed under the cladding. Then pack the stud walls with your choice of batts.

Foil Insulation provides a heat, fire, moisture and hail resistant barrier and is extremely efficient.

If you are not renovating but still wish to insulate then any of the batts can be easily installed in the roof cavity between the ceiling joists. If you are fit and inclined you can install it yourself and save some money otherwise pay for the installation.

The roof cavities, particularly in older homes are full of decades of dirt and black dust. There are companies that vacuum these spaces. This is a wise move before installing the insulation. It is good for the health of the household particularly asthmatics and for the improved performance of the insulation.

Here are other pointers associated with good insulation performance.

1. Do not compress the insulation.
2. Insulate right to the corners and avoid gaps
3. Keep it dry and away from flues, exhaust fans and transformers for down lights.
4. Keep the density and depth consistent

 

 

Insulating your home will improve your comfort levels, lower your heating and cooling bills and play your small part in reducing global warming. It is a very friendly thing to do!