14 Jun Home Insulation – Why is it So Important? What are the Different Types?
When it comes to insulation for new homes, there are many different types to choose from. From traditional materials like fiberglass and mineral wool, to newer materials such as foam and cellulose, there’s a wide range of options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here we will look at the importance of proper insulation and some common types so you can decide what’s best for your new home.
Insulation Has a Huge Impact on Energy Efficiency
Proper insulation in all the right places will help to maintain a stable temperature throughout your home during all seasons, reducing your reliance on expensive and inefficient heating and cooling systems. Keeping your home warmer during winter, and cooler during summer through adequate insulation will:
Reduce your utility bills – Unless your home is off the grid, saving energy, means saving money. In fact, by appropriately insulating your home, you could save hundreds of dollars on your energy bills each year.
Maximise comfort – Minimising heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter will ensure a steady, pleasant atmosphere all year round.
Promote a healthy home – Major temperature fluctuations can cause a wide variety of health issues, from common colds to serious viruses. Extreme changes in temperature can also create the conditions needed for mould and mildew to develop and thrive, this can lead to allergies, skin conditions, and even respiratory illnesses.
Minimise noise – High quality insulation minimises sound transmission throughout your home. The kids can sleep soundly all night while the parents throw a dinner party! It also helps to prevent outside noise making its way in – whether it’s loud neighbours, barking dogs, or traffic from a busy road, you can relax in your peaceful sanctuary regardless of any external noise.
What Are the Different Types of Insulation?
There are 2 main types used in residential construction:
Bulk insulation
Considered the best type of insulation, it works by trapping millions of tiny pockets of air within its structure, these pockets provide excellent resistance to heat flow. Bulk insulation is available as batts, blankets and boards, or as loose fill which can be pumped into the ceiling or wall cavities. There are many different materials for bulk insulation, including:
Fiberglass – This consists of extremely fine glass fibres and is one of the most popular insulation materials. It’s commonly used in many different forms of insulation, including blanket (batts and rolls), loose-fill, and is also available as rigid boards and duct insulation.
Mineral wool – This contains an average of 75% post-industrial recycled content. It is commonly available as blanket (batts and rolls) and loose-fill insulation.
Cellulose – Made from recycled paper products. The paper is first reduced to small pieces and then fiberized, creating a product that packs tightly into building cavities. In new construction, cellulose can be either damp-sprayed or installed dry behind netting.
Reflective foil insulation
This works by reducing the radiant heat transfer across an enclosed space. The best place to install reflective foil is in the ceiling, as it reflects radiant heat away from the interior of the building.
When building a new house, insulation is not typically something that you will need to decide on. Your builder will use the appropriate type and material to suit the needs of your home, taking into consideration the local climate, and the design specifications.
Comparing Insulation Products
From batts to boards, all insulation products have an R value. This measures the material’s thermal resistance (resistance to heat flow). The higher the R value, the greater the resistance, which means a greater insulating effect. Provided they are correctly installed, insulation products with the same R value will provide the same insulation effect.
Your trusted builder will be able to advise you on the best insulation for your specific house design. Batts or blanket insulation are commonly used and they are highly effective. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and discuss your options with your builder.
Home Builders – Canberra Region and Surrounds
If you are looking to build your dream home in ACT, NSW, or Queensland, reach out to the Elliott Hardie team today. We take a modern approach to the building process, working closely with each client to create a home that truly reflects their individual wants, needs, tastes, and desires. Enquire online now, call us on 02 6170 2438, or make an appointment to visit our display home. Canberra locals rely on us to deliver premium quality, bespoke homes on time, and on budget.