Reflective Insulation

Report 2 Downloads 275 Views
Home

Insulation

Why install insulation? Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow. It can make your home more comfortable by reducing the amount of warmth escaping in winter and reducing the amount of heat entering in summer. By insulating you can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills and help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In an uninsulated house most heat is lost or gained through the ceiling and roof - this is the most important part of the home to insulate. Insulating external walls can bring further benefits. Sealing air gaps also helps. Opening and closing windows and window coverings at appropriate times to control air flows and heat transfer will also increase your comfort levels. This is particularly important in summer to prevent your house overheating. If you allow too much direct summer sun into your home through windows then insulation may act to keep the home warmer for a longer period of time.

Typical areas of heat transfer

How insulation works The two main types of insulation are bulk insulation and reflective insulation. Bulk insulation works by trapping small cells or layers of air within the insulating material. Many pockets of still air are very effective at retarding heat transfer. Reflective insulation works by reflecting significant proportions of light and heat. Some reflective foils can be used both as a vapour barrier and to reduce heat transfer. The R value is a measure of resistance to heat flow - the

Insulation.

higher the R value the greater the resistance and the better the product is at insulating.

E n e r g y S m a r t i s a W es t e r n A u s t r a l i a n G o v e r n m e n t i n i t i a t i v e

Bulk insulation Cellulose fibre Composition: Finely shredded recycled paper.

Wool Composition: Wool. Wool is a natural material with good

frames. Perforated expandable foil batts that allow the free passage of moisture can be used under timber floors.

insulation properties. Only fully scoured

Multiple foil batts

Borax and boracic acid are added as fire

wool that has been treated with a vermin

Composition: Several layers of double-

retardants and to deter insects and rodents.

and rot-proofing agent should be used - for

sided foil held apart by separating strips to

Cellulose fibre is pumped or blown into

fire safety and to prevent infestation by

form a layered cell structure.

ceilings by contractors to the required depth

insects.

for the R value purchased. Depending on the

The R value of wool is dependent upon the

joists or between wall studs. They must be

density at which it is installed. It is therefore

butted firmly against each other and

important to ensure that it is installed at the

against building frames to prevent airflow.

required density by an experienced

In ceilings the batts may sag over time and

contractor. The density of wool insulation

become slightly less effective. Covering

can be quite low, which means that a

ceiling joists can also create a safety

If your roof space is prone to air movement,

greater thickness of insulation is required to

hazard by obscuring safe footing positions.

ask your supplier if they provide a seal over

achieve the same R value as other more

the top of the cellulose fibre to minimise

dense products.

installation method, this material may settle over time with an associated reduction in performance. It is recommended that your contract guarantees the compacted depth and R value.

movement of the product.

Glasswool (fibreglass) batts

Reflective Insulation

These batts can be installed over ceiling

Other insulation products The range of products listed in this

Composition: Melted glass spun into a mat of

Reflective foil laminate

fibres.

Composition: Usually metallic foils,

with other products available on the market

Batts with different R values are available.

laminated to paper and reinforced with

at any time. When choosing any insulation

Fibreglass batts are flexible and easily cut and

glass fibres.

product, remember to ask about the R

installed by a householder or a contractor. A

This is supplied in rolls and often used as

values for both summer and winter

dust mask, gloves and a long sleeved shirt

both a vapour barrier and insulation. Double

should be worn during the installation

sided and single sided foils are available. To

process. Fibreglass blankets with foil backing

optimise their effect, the shiny metallic

are also available and are typically used under

surfaces must be adjacent to a still air gap

the roof as insulation and a moisture barrier. If

of 25 mm or more.

you choose batts make sure they are installed without gaps and the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Some types of double sided reflective foil have an anti-glare coating (often blue) on one side to make installation safer in sunny

Polyester batts

conditions.

Composition: Polyester fibres spun into a mat.

Any holes or joins in the foil or any gaps

These are similar to fibreglass batts, except that polyester is not known to cause irritation during installation. Foil-backed polyester blankets are also available.

Polystyrene foam boards Composition: Polystyrene shaped into boards. These can be used in double brick and brick veneer walls and against solid concrete and rammed earth walls.

Rockwool Composition: Melted volcanic rock (basalt) spun into fibres.

around the edges will affect insulation performance and should be taped up. Dust build up on shiny surfaces will also affect performance.

performance relevant to your requirements and if any performance guarantees or test certificates are available from reputable authorities. It is also important to consider other properties such as durability, fire safety, installation safety and pest resistance.

Building materials Building materials have varying insulating properties. Aerated concrete bricks and panels, some wood fibre boards and prefabricated wall panels comprising of a sheet of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two lining boards, such as

Reflective foil with bulk insulation blankets

plasterboard, are all good insulating

Composition: Usually reflective foil laminate

Paints and materials that are white or light

bonded to glasswool.

coloured can help keep houses cooler in

These are typically used under the roof as a

summer by reflecting the hot sun. Special

condensation barrier and insulation. As with

insulating paints are marketed but presently

normal reflective foil, the insulation

there is no conclusive proof that their

performance will be highest if the foil faces

reflectivity is significantly better than a high

a still air gap.

quality white paint. Paint does not have any

Available in loose fill form for vertical wall

Expandable foil batts

cavities and as batts and blankets for ceilings

Composition: Double-sided reflective foil

and frame walls. Rockwool is denser than

laminates folded into an expandable

fibreglass and possesses superior thermal

concertina form.

and acoustic insulation properties.

brochure is not necessarily comprehensive,

These can be cut to fit between wall studs and floor joists and are stapled into place where they must fit tightly against building

building materials.

insulating properties itself and should not be used as a substitute for appropriate insulation.

Selecting insulation for your zone When selecting the type of insulation best suited to your needs remember that, while each of the different types has a varying physical look and size, you can compare the insulating abilities by comparing the R value. For bulk insulation, R values are related to thickness, density and nature of the insulating material. Increasing the depth of the bulk

How thick (in mm) does the insulation have to be? Common bulk insulation materials

R1.0

R1.5

R2.0

R2.5

R3.0

R3.5

Cellulose fibre loose fill

40

60

80

100

120

140

Glass fibre batt

44

66

88

110

132

154

Polyester or wool blanket

45

68

90

113

135

158

Polystyrene expanded

39

59

78

98

117

137

Polystyrene extruded

28

42

56

70

84

98

Rockwool batt

28

42

56

83

99

116

Wool (20%) Polyester (80%) batt

45

68

90

113

135

158

insulation will increase its R value. Reflective insulation does not have insulation properties by itself. Instead the insulation

These values are indicative only. R value is reduced if the material is compressed to a lesser thickness that

value depends on the particular installation

affects the density. Refer to manufacturer’s catalogue for values at various densities.

details, including the presence of still air gaps next to the shiny surfaces, as well as the properties of the reflective material itself. Reflective insulation has different R values depending on how it is installed and can have different R values in summer and winter (with the winter R value being less). Settled dust will reduce the effectiveness of reflective insulation products where the dust covers any upward facing shiny surfaces. It is important to ensure that the R value used for reflective insulation is the correct one for the particular circumstances in which it is to be used, with allowances made for dust settling on surfaces over time.

Recommended levels The level of insulation required for your home depends upon two things: the climate and the type of construction used. The map (right) gives a general indication of the climate zones that dictate the level of ceiling, wall and under floor insulation required. Using the map, determine which zone your house is in. Then select the “Easy Guide to Insulation” attachment for your zone and select the type of construction used for your home. The guide will give you the level of ceiling and wall insulation required for a house that is built on a concrete slab on ground in your zone. For other types of floor construction, refer to the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Also refer to the BCA for installation requirements for reflective foil laminates, and combination foil and bulk insulation. Insulation in new homes and renovations must adhere to the requirements for the BCA. The ‘Easy Guide to Insulation’ may be used to select insulation levels for existing houses, however, retrofitting insulation in existing walls and in some ceilings may be difficult.

Using the map determine your zone to identify which 'Easy Guide to Insulation' attachment is applicable to you. The map is available to download on the Sustainable Energy Devleopment Office website.

General installation and safety tips

Ceiling vents

Whether installing the insulation yourself or

cardboard, thin plywood or a similar product

having a professional do it, ensure the

so that insulation material does not fall into

manufacturer’s instructions concerning

rooms below and to prevent unnecessary

installation, safety and care of the product are

air and heat flow into the roof space.

correctly followed.

However, ceiling vents above unflued gas

Installation tips Bulk insulation Loose fill insulation is often installed to the

including fire retardants, in accordance with

In older homes with ceiling vents, the vents should be covered from above with

heaters should not be covered to allow adequate ventilation. Instead a barrier as described previously should be built around the vent to stop insulation falling through.

the appropriate standard.

Electrical safety When installing your own insulation, extreme care must be taken when inside the roof cavity. Because of electrical wiring, the roof cavity is a very dangerous place. If you have any concerns check with the supplier before attempting to do any of the work yourself. You should seek advice from an electrical contractor if you have any queries or concerns about the wiring itself, such as

Moisture

loose wiring that is not fixed to the brackets.

insulation and allow access to the roof cavity.

Allowing your insulation to become wet will

Reflective foils generally have metallic

However, this limits the R value of the

decrease its effectiveness and may damage

coatings that will conduct electricity. These

insulation. Insulation can be installed to a

your ceiling.

materials should be prevented from touching

height of ceiling joists in order to contain the

greater thickness provided suitable mechanisms are in place for restraining the insulation and allowing safe roof access. Some types of loose fill insulation may blow around in the roof space if the roof space is ventilated. Loose fill insulation can be sprayed with a coating to prevent this and the installation of baffles can also assist. Batts should be firmly butted against each other and against ceiling joists, wall frames, etc. Batts can easily be installed to a thickness greater than the ceiling joists. This need not restrict roof access as ceiling joists are usually still visible.

any electrical fittings and contacts.

Safety tips

Wiring should be kept clear of insulation in general, avoid placing insulation over wiring

Health issues

and/or install a spacer to keep the insulation

The insulation industry abounds with claims and counter-claims about the health and safety risks of competitor products. Fibreglass and rockwool can cause short term irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and

All gaps, tears or holes in reflective foil should be minimised or taped up except when using some products in wall cavities or under timber

In all cases, the manufacturer’s safety advice and installation instructions should be followed.

throat. A good dust mask, goggles, gloves and a long sleeved shirt should be worn when handling these materials. Breathing in any insulation fibres should be avoided and care should be taken when handling any insulation material.

Reflective insulation

clear of wiring.

Fire safety All insulation products should have flammability test certificates. Cellulose fibre

floors to prevent condensation.

insulation is treated with a fire retardant by

Hot flues, exhaust fans and downlights

resistant, although greasy wool is potentially

There should be a gap of at least 90mm

flammable, due to lanolin coating the wool.

between any insulation and hot flues or

Polyester does not burn but will melt if

exhaust fans, a 200mm gap between halogen

exposed to a flame. Polystyrene is

downlights recessed into the ceiling and a

combustible and should only be installed

50mm gap between incandescent downlights

between fire resistant materials. Fire

recessed into the ceiling and insulation. A

retardant polystyrene is also available and

sheet of metal or a similar fire-resistant barrier

may be suitable for exposed situations.

should be used to maintain this gap. It is also

Fibreglass and rockwool products are non-

possible to purchase downlight guards, which

combustible.

are placed over each downlight in the ceiling

It is recommended that your contract

and insulation can be placed up to the edge of

guarantees that the insulation is

the guard.

manufactured with the correct chemicals,

the manufacturers. Wool is naturally fire

More Information

Use the information in this brochure to assist you to decide which insulating products are suitable for your particular application and estimate the R value you require. Look up the Energy Smart Directory or local newspapers and contact a few insulation suppliers. Check the price per square metre, the R value of the material, whether it is installed professionally or DIY, and any other advantages or disadvantages of their particular products. Based on all of these factors choose which insulation is best for you. As in any purchase, check to make sure you get what you pay for, especially the thickness of the insulation and the absence of gaps in the installation.

The information and advice contained in this brochure is provided in good faith. However the accuracy and appropriateness of that information and advice is not guaranteed. The Sustainable Energy Development Office, its employees and agents disclaim all liability in respect of any act or omission occurring in reliance on the contents of this brochure. This document can be made available in alternative formats to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

Published in May 2009 by the Sustainable Energy Development Office. Level 9, 197 St Georges Terrace, PERTH WA 6000. Printed on 100% recycled paper

SEDO100/003/001

If you want to know more about insulating your home, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter, simply phone the Sustainable Energy Development Office’s Energy Smart Line on 1300 658 158 or visit the Sustainable Energy Development Office’s web site at www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Where to from here?