Home Insulation

With the onset of winter, it’s now we can appreciate the effects of good insulation.

A fully insulated home is the most cost-effective way of improving the energy efficiency and comfort of your home as you will not only spend less on heating in the winter, but you will also spend less on cooling in the summer. By installing insulation in the ceiling, walls and flooring, you can save up to 45% on your energy bill.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the correct insulation for your home, however the two main considerations are the ‘R’ value and product type. R value is the measurement of a material’s thermal resistance – how well it blocks out heat. The higher the R value, the greater the thermal resistance and therefore the greater the insulating effect and energy savings. Different locations of a newly built house have different BCA (Building Code of Australia) minimum insulation requirements, but generally ceiling insulation has a minimum R value of 3.5, walls 1.5 and floors 1.

The types of insulation can be broadly split into two different product categories: bulk insulation and reflective insulation. Within each category, there is a variety of products to choose from, depending on the application.

Bulk insulation is the most common form of insulation and is available as batts, boards, or loose fill (where it is pumped or blown into the space to be insulated). The table below shows the range of materials available, their application and product benefits.

Reflective insulation most commonly comprises a thin layer of foil laminated onto a substrate of plastic or paper and is designed to prevent radiated heat from entering your home. This type of insulation works best when placed with the foil facing an enclosed air space of at least 25mm.

Of course, all Comdain homes are insulated to the minimum regulations and when your Comdain Homes custom built luxury home is finished, you won’t see the insulation every day, but it is worth installing the best insulation your budget can allow so you can continue to reap the benefits of comfortable living and energy savings throughout the year and long into the future.