Common Wall Insulation Questions – Answered
Wall Insulation is a fantastic way of reducing the energy consumption of households, lowering bills and costs, and saving money. However, most houses across Australia are missing it. The inclusion of wall insulation as a requirement for home builders is a relatively recent one, so many older houses contain minimal to none. Today, our Australian experts are going to look at some more common questions people have about insulation!
Can insulation fail?
Insulation is designed to last a very long time, and the warranty on many batts will last for many decades. However, there can be a few factors that cause the insulation to fail and lose its strength. These can include moisture damage, physical damage, and poor installation. If the installation is installed poorly it can lead to gaps which can cause an increased airflow, meanwhile, water damage from a leaky roof will degrade the quality of insulation over time and not allow it to return to its full R-Value capacity.
Does insulation reduce noise?
Yes, introducing wall insulation can help reduce noise. This includes exterior facing walls, easement walls, and in between rooms. The most effective type of insulation for reducing noise is ‘soundscreen insulation.’ These insulation batts can reduce noise by up to 75%. Compared to an uninsulated wall are especially effective at reducing noise between rooms divided by an internal wall– separating noisy and quiet areas of the house.
Can you use wall insulation in ceilings?
While both wall and ceiling batts achieve the same functionality, the spaces in walls and ceilings can be different sizes, meaning what fits in a wall space may not be suitable for a ceiling. Wall batts are generally more rigid in structure as they are required to stand upright. They will also have a different R.Value, compared to ceiling batts. Before any installation, it is important to check the climate zone and R.value requirements of your region to ensure the build fits all the requirements.
Can wall insulation smell?
Properly functioning wall insulation should not have a noticeable smell in day-to-day life. Unfortunately, water-damaged insulation can start producing an unpleasant, musty odour. However, this may be a tell-tale sign that your insulation needs replacing. Insulation can give a smell ‘like burnt cookies’ if there has been a manufacturing fault where the batts have been ‘over-baked’. If you believe this has occurred, get in contact with an insulation provider and they can help answer any questions and provide instructions for how to remedy the situation. Your batts may even be under warranty.
Insulation providers
Are you spending too much money on heating and cooling? Or are you building a home or development and want to improve your energy rating? High-quality wall insulation batts may be the solution for you! Visit our Insulation Essentials store to see which products we have on offer, or organise forWall Insulation: Your Guide to Smarter, More Energy-Efficient Homes
Wall insulation offers a fantastic way to reduce household energy consumption, lower utility bills, and save money. Despite these benefits, many homes across Australia still lack proper insulation. That’s because wall insulation only became a standard building requirement relatively recently. As a result, older homes often have little to no insulation in the walls.
Today, our Australian experts answer some of the most common questions about wall insulation.
Can Insulation Fail?
Insulation typically lasts for decades, and most batts come with long warranties. However, several factors can reduce its performance over time. Moisture exposure, physical damage, and poor installation are the main culprits.
Improperly installed insulation leaves gaps, allowing air to flow through the wall space and reducing effectiveness. A leaky roof can introduce moisture, which damages the material and reduces its R-value. Over time, these issues can seriously impact performance.
Does Insulation Reduce Noise?
Yes, wall insulation helps reduce unwanted noise. It works well in external-facing walls, shared internal walls, and rooms that need acoustic privacy.
For the best sound reduction, use SoundScreen insulation, which can absorb up to 75% of noise. Compared to uninsulated walls, SoundScreen offers exceptional results—especially between rooms that separate noisy and quiet zones in your home.
Can You Use Wall Insulation in Ceilings?
Wall and ceiling insulation serve the same purpose, but they differ in size and rigidity. Wall batts are denser and more rigid to stand upright within wall cavities. Ceiling batts are typically softer and sized for larger open spaces.
Before choosing your insulation, check your region’s R-value and climate zone requirements to ensure compliance and optimal energy performance.
Can Wall Insulation Smell?
In normal conditions, wall insulation shouldn’t produce any noticeable odour. If you detect a musty smell, moisture may have seeped in and caused damage—this could mean it’s time for a replacement.
In rare cases, insulation can emit a “burnt cookie” smell if overcooked during manufacturing. If this happens, contact your supplier to discuss solutions or warranty claims. A reliable provider will help resolve the issue quickly.
Insulation Providers You Can Trust
Tired of high heating and cooling costs? Planning a new build or renovation? Installing quality wall insulation batts can improve your home’s energy rating and overall comfort.
Explore the full range of products at Insulation Essentials. Our experienced team can help you choose the right option and assist with installation.
Call us today or book a consultation to get started! one of our insulation experts to get in contact and assist with the installation process.
For more details, fill out our contact form, search our range of products or call us on (03) 8339 7111.