5 Types of Insulation Explained

Today we are comparing and contrasting the most popular kinds of insulation that we supply to owner-builders and contractors. As trusted wholesale insulation suppliers in Melbourne, we often get the question, “Which type of insulation is right for my project?” With this guide, you’ll be able to answer that question in no time.

 

Glasswool insulation

Glasswool insulation (also known as fibreglass insulation) is one of the most popular choices of insulation for residential and commercial properties. It is commonly used for a variety of areas, including between walls, in the roof and even under floors.

Predominantly made from recycled glass fibres, glasswool is layered like wool with tiny air pockets in between. This structure makes glasswool ideal for encasing heat and limiting airflow, especially since glasswool is not a good conductor of heat. The lack of airflow is not only effective for insulating, but it also helps to discourage mould growth, as glasswool does not absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. The fact that glasswool is incombustible is also a huge plus point.

Yet another reason why glasswool is so popular is because it is easy to install. In batts, it is lightweight and can fit in between studs and trusses without a hassle.

 

Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation is actually a specific type of glasswool insulation. The purpose of acoustic insulation is to significantly reduce noise transfer between rooms while still being a good thermal insulator. In order to achieve this goal, acoustic insulation is often much denser than traditional thermal glasswool, meaning it has a greater mass of glass fibres. This increased density allows the insulation to absorb sound quite effectively.

Acoustic insulation most commonly installed in areas of a property that transfer sound to other rooms, such as the interior and exterior walls, and between floors in a multi-level dwelling. This helps to provide privacy to the property, especially if it is located in a traffic-heavy location. Investing in acoustic insulation for properties in busy areas can also be an attractive selling point for prospective buyers.

 

Polyester insulation

As the name suggests, polyester insulation is predominantly made from polyester fibres. It is an extremely versatile material that is used across industries for products like apparel, bedding and medical items.

The main difference between glasswool and polyester insulation is the fact that polyester has little to no chance of creating or releasing dust, as the fibres are not brittle and cannot be broken or crumbled into small breathable particles. This makes polyester insulation quite safe for those who suffer from certain allergies – particularly asthma.

Polyester is also an itch-free fibre, which can make the installation process easier for DIY projects.

 

Air Cell insulation

Unlike glasswool and polyester insulation,