How Are Insulation Batts Rated? (And Other Insulation FAQs)
As insulation suppliers who have been in the business for over 30 years, we often get a range of questions about insulation. From general questions like, “How are insulation batts rated?” to more specific questions such as, “How much energy does insulation save?” we’ve heard many of the same questions pop up time and time again. That’s why today, we’re compiling a list of our most frequently asked questions to help with your next insulation installation.
Q: How are insulation batts rated?
A: Insulation batts are rated and measured according to a number known as the R-value. This value is representative of the material’s resistance to conductive heat flow. The easiest way to remember how effective your insulation is, is to check the R-value: higher the number, the more effective it is at insulating.
In order to achieve the R-value that is labelled on the packaging, it is important to install the insulation correctly. Incorrect installation can mean that your insulation actually performs at a lower R-value than it has been designed for.
Q: What R-value should I be looking for?
A: In order to determine the R-value that will be best suited for your project, we highly recommend that you book an energy assessment for the site. After you have had the property reviewed in the energy assessment, we can then quote you for a highly accurate and personalised R-value figure that is designed to complement your specific project.
Q: How much insulation do I need?
A: This can really depend on the type of project you are completing. You should predominantly consider the size of the building and walls. We recommend that you speak to an experienced insulation supplier in order to work out how much insulation you should buy for your project.
Q: Can I use insulation to make my home quieter?
A: You certainly can use insulation to make your home a more peaceful place. The type of insulation you need to be looking for is known as acoustic or sound insulation.
If cutting down noise pollution is a priority for your project, you should be considering either high-density glasswool insulation or SoundScreen insulation. Both types are fantastic at blocking internal and external noise between walls, ceilings and floors.
Q: How much money and energy does insulation help save?
A: These two figures are quite case-specific. However, these figures provided by the Australian Government speak to the effectiveness of insulation:
- Wall insulation saves up to 25% on energy used for heating and cooling
- Floor insulation can save up to 20% on energy used for heating and cooling
- Draught-proofing your home by blocking gaps between windows and doors can also cut heat loss by up to 25%, keeping the heat inside rather than letting it escape
If your ceiling or roof is not insulated, you can lose up to a shockingly high 40% on energy used for heating and cooling for the entire home – just via the roof.
Q: Where should I be insulating?
A: You should be insulating in as many places as possible in order to maximise the energy savings. Many buildings contain insulation in:
- The roof/ceiling (including veranda roofs if you spend lots of time there)
- Bulkheads (wall sections between ceilings)
- External walls
- Internal walls
- Water pipes that lead from a hot water system to the house
- Floors and/or under suspended floors
Q: How do I install insulation?
A: This question goes hand-in-hand with another question we get all the time – that is, “Can I install insulation by myself?” The answer is yes! In terms of how to do so, we have actually constructed an in-depth, free-to-access guide on how to install ceiling insulation on your own.
Q: How often should I replace insulation?
A: Generally speaking, we recommend that you replace undamaged insulation every 15-20 years. As insulation gets older, it can even open up in areas to reveal tiny gaps. These tiny gaps will mean that your insulation is half as effective as it was without the gaps. Therefore, it’s just best to replace insulation when the time comes to maximise its potential.
Wholesale insulation suppliers in Melbourne
At Insulation Essentials, our passion is to help contractors and owner-builders achieve the highest quality insulation solutions at the most effective price. We’re an Australian owned and operated business, and since 2000 we have been dedicated to providing solutions to hundreds of builders.
We supply a vast range of insulation through our online store. Order with ease and enjoy convenient, fast delivery with our e-cart system. Don’t hold off your insulation project any longer – fill in our enquiry form today or call us on (03) 8339 7111 to find out more.