Insulation is a much more complex part of construction than you may think. A well insulated home should ensure that ambient temperature is maintained at comfortable levels. If passive design techniques are not used in the construction of a property, for instance, your home will quickly become a heat trap with even the best insulation. Heat loss, on the other hand, is typically caused by draughts. Finding the right balance is important when it comes to creating a cozy environment that results in significant savings on your energy bills.
Beneficial Insulation Properties
First and foremost, you should consider what you want and need from your insulation. Weather proofing is, of course, one of the most important functions of effective insulation. However, with the right type of insulation and installation, there are other benefits. Condensation is one of the major causes of structural damage in a home. Low quality or poorly installed insulation will allow moisture to build up in your roof space, cavity walls or under your floors. It may also interest you to know that some types of insulation can also provide soundproofing.
R-value Considerations
R-value measures resistance to heat flow – the higher the value the greater the insulation. However, it is important to note that R-value is compromised if insulation is not properly installed. It is also essential to ensure that your insulation material meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 4859. Further considerations include whether the material requires professional installation, environmentally beneficial properties and the price per square meter. These are all questions that any reputable supplier should be readily able to answer.
Bulk Insulation Properties
You are probably already familiar with bulk insulation if you live in South Australia. This type of insulation reduces heat transfer so that your home does not feel like an oven at the height of the summer months. The properties of bulk insulation can be exploited in the same way when used in roof spaces, walls and under floors. The purpose of bulk insulation is to regulate heat transfer so the building stays relative cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation works exactly as the name suggests – by bouncing heat off the surface of the material. However, it is important to note that the reflective quality of this type of insulation is affected by the cleanliness of the surface. If dust or dirt is allowed to build up on reflective insulation, the R-value is gradually reduced. It is also important to have a layer of air adjacent to the shiny surface; otherwise the ability of the material to reflect heat is compromised.
Professional Installation
No matter how high the quality or suitability of insulation, if you do not use an experienced and reputable builder you are likely throwing money down the drain. Gaps in insulation or materials that are packed into insufficient space will have a significant impact on the R-value. Your builder should understand how insulation works and help you choose the right material for your climate and property needs. When you get insulation right, you can save on your energy bills throughout the year.
Efficient Home Energy Advice
If you would like more information on efficient home energy in South Australia, you can visit the state government’s website. There you will find useful tips on types of materials, as well as where and how to install your insulation. It helps to understand what current trends are when you are planning on building a home or carrying out major renovations. If you need expert construction inspections, reach out to Houspect South Australia today.
