Insulation Perth is a vital component in homes that can help save energy. Insulation works to prevent heat from escaping and also reduces sound if used correctly.
The most popular types of insulation include: Foils, films, and paper fitted between wood-frame studs, joists, and beams. It is suited to standard framing and not effective if the framing is irregular or has obstructions.
Fiberglass is an insulator that uses thin glass fibers to slow the flow of heat and sound. It is used in a variety of applications including home and building insulation, cement and plastic reinforcement, thermal and acoustic insulation and fire resistance. It is also found in shower curtains, tent poles and automobile bodies. It is one of the most common types of insulation for new homes and commercial buildings. It is available in rolls of paper-backed fiberglass batts or as loose-fill insulation to be blown into attics.
In the home, fiberglass is a cost-effective choice and can help to reduce energy costs. It has a high R-Value that makes it resistant to the transfer of hot and cold air in and out of a home. It is a good choice for those who want to meet a specific R-Value requirement as defined by their region of the country.
When properly installed, fiberglass can increase the comfort of a home by keeping it cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. It is also effective at reducing outside noise and noise from other homes. It also discourages pests and insects from infesting the home.
It is easy to install for do-it-yourselfers and professional installers alike. This is because it is made up of recycled materials, which contributes to its green nature. However, it is important to properly measure and cut the fiberglass to ensure a proper fit. It is also essential to use caulking to seal any gaps or cracks before installing insulation.
It is important to note that fiberglass contains tiny glass particles that can cause irritation if the material comes into contact with your skin or lungs. This is why it is crucial to wear gloves, a mask and long-sleeved shirt while working with the material. It is also important to properly ventilate the space where you are working to keep airborne particles from becoming a problem. It is also a good idea to choose a professional to install your fiberglass insulation so that you can be sure they are using the best installation techniques possible.
Cellulose
Cellulose insulation is a popular choice for retrofitting older homes, and is used in new construction as well. It can be either damp sprayed or installed dry behind netting stapled over the building cavity. When damp sprayed, a small amount of moisture is added at the spray nozzle tip that activates natural starches in the cellulose fiber and causes it to adhere inside wall cavities. This allows a greater coverage with less settling and provides the necessary moisture barrier for effective thermal insulation. Cellulose also hugs around obstructions such as pipes, wires and plug sockets, eliminating cold bridges that can degrade the R-value of your insulation.
Cellulosic insulation is made from recycled paper, primarily newsprint that has been shredded and pulverized to reduce it to a fibrous form. It is then treated with a fire retardant, such as boric acid or ammonium sulfate. This process requires relatively little energy, as the raw materials are already available and the manufacturing process does not require heat or pressure to work. It is also very environmentally sustainable, as it can be recycled again and again after use, while fiberglass insulation must be disposed of after one use.
Loose-fill cellulose can be blown into attics and walls through long flexible tubes, or it can be blown into wall cavities using a special machine that inserts it between the wall studs. When installed at the proper density, it cannot settle in walls, and is therefore an excellent option for insulating existing wall cavities that have inadequate R-values. It is also extremely effective in insulating existing attics, where it can be blown into corners and around penetrations to provide an optimal R-value.
Loose-fill cellulose insulation must be dampened prior to installation to reduce its hazard of wetting and to promote a stronger, more permanent bond between the wall sheathing and the framing. Water leaks that are not detected and repaired quickly can cause wet cellulose to sag within wall cavities, reducing its thermal performance and causing mold and rot. Wet cellulose can also corrode metal fasteners, plumbing pipes and electrical wiring.
Rockwool
When it comes to insulation, rock wool is one of the most durable options on the market. The insulating material is made from natural and recycled materials that can be used again and again. It also doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so it’s better for the environment and safer to use in your home. Rock wool insulation can be found in a variety of forms, including blankets, rolls and boards, making it easy to find the right size and shape for your home.
Rock wool insulation is made from a combination of basalt rock and recycled steel-making byproduct known as slag. These ingredients are superheated, allowing them to liquefy and mix into a liquid state. They are then blown through spinning chambers that stretch the liquid and form it into long fibers. The fibers are then gathered together and compressed into slabs that can be cut into various sizes and shapes for use as insulation. This process eliminates all organic matter, which helps increase the mold- and mildew-resistance of the product.
Unlike fiberglass batts, which can retain moisture and damage the material over time, rock wool insulation repels water. This prevents the insulation from becoming mushy or sagging, which can cause it to lose its R-value and reduce its overall performance. Additionally, rock wool is a fire-resistant material and is able to hold up against flames for longer than fiberglass insulation.
Another benefit of rock wool insulation is its noise-reduction capabilities. The insulation features high STC ratings, which measure how well a material blocks sound. This can be an important feature for homes located near busy roads or other areas where you want to maintain privacy.
The durability of rock wool insulation can save you money in the long run. It can last for decades without degrading significantly or requiring replacement, which can save you on energy bills and maintenance costs over the years. It also won’t become brittle or crumble with age, so it will continue to provide a reliable level of insulation for the lifetime of your home.
Recycled Materials
Insulation made from recycled materials is a good choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact. Many types of recycled insulation have high R-values and are available in rolled or batt forms for easy installation. They also cost less than new products, making them a good option for remodeling and retrofit projects. Using recycled and reused insulation helps prolong the lifespan of the material, reduces landfill waste, and lowers energy use by reducing the amount of heat required to make the material.
One of the most popular eco-friendly insulation materials is cellulose, which is made from recycled paper, cardboard, and other post-consumer paper. This type of insulation has a higher R-value than fiberglass and is suitable for use in both walls and attics. It is moisture-resistant, fire-retardant and non-toxic, and it does not contain formaldehyde or other toxins linked to cancer and respiratory problems.
Another alternative is mineral fiber insulation. It is made from a combination of slag and other minerals, including basalt and diabase, and can be made with 40-60% recycled content. It is a good choice for acoustic insulation and can be used in wall cavities, attics, and floors. It can be manufactured in a wide range of thicknesses and densities for a variety of applications.
Shredded plastics are also a good choice for insulation. Like cellulose, shredded plastics are a poor conductor of heat and have tiny air pockets that slow down heat movement. They can be used as loose-fill, blown insulation in attics or cavity walls. Because shredded plastics are also an excellent water barrier, they help prevent mold growth in attics and rot in wood framing.
Other eco-friendly options include recycled glass, which is used in rigid board insulation and as a cladding material, and natural insulation materials like sheep’s wool, cork and denim. These are available in woven or tufted form for floor and wall insulation, and are often sold by companies that specialize in sustainable building, eco-refurbishment and green cladding.
If you’re considering a natural or recycled insulation option, it’s important to consult an expert. They can advise you on the best type of insulation for your home and explain the environmental implications of each option.