Although there are several different types of insulation, they all function on the same basic principle: slowing down heat transfer. Heat usually moves from places of high heat energy to places of low heat energy until it is an even temperature everywhere. Insulation resists this movement of heat to help keep your indoors cooler when it’s hot outside and warmer when it’s cold outside.

The R-Value of an insulation product indicates how effective it is at resisting heat transfer. The higher the R-Value, the greater the insulating power the product has. Or in other words, the higher the R-Value, the better job the insulation will do at keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Factors such as where in the home you’re installing insulation, your local climate and your budget should all be considered when choosing R-Value. If you are building a new home then you will need to meet the minimum requirements in your energy report, however you may choose to upgrade to a higher R-value in order to maximise your energy savings

All homes need, or a least benefit from, thermal insulation. It is the easiest and most cost-effective way to regulate temperatures inside your home and reduce your electricity usage. Homes that are not insulated lose heat very quickly in winter and gain heat rapidly in summer.

Insulation provides many benefits including:

• More comfortable indoor temperatures
• Reduced energy use
• Increase financial savings
• Lower environmental impact
• Acoustic benefits
• Fire resistance
• Moisture prevention
• Improved value of property

For the greatest thermal and financial benefits, you should install insulation in the roof, ceiling, walls, floors and between storeys of your home. If you have a limited budget and need to prioritise, the ceiling and roof are the most important, followed by the walls and then the floors. 

During renovation or construction are the best times to install insulation. That’s because the cavities are open and easy to access during these times. Once walls and ceilings are plastered or sealed up, it becomes much more difficult or impossible. If you are renovating or building – now is the time to install insulation.

To estimate how much insulation you will need for your project, you should calculate the square meters of coverage required. Simply calculate the area (length x width) of your wall or ceiling and minus the area of any windows or doors. If you’re not sure, get in touch with us at Pricewise Insulation and we can help.

Insulation products don’t have a set expiry date, but like many materials in your home, they can become less effective over time. High quality products installed effectively will perform for longer but factors such as extreme weather, mould and rodent infestations can reduce the lifespan. Check the warranty of your insulation product for a good indication of how long it will last.