Can ceiling segments be used in walls?
Ceiling segments are too thick and not rigid enough to be fitted into studs without compression (and subsequent R-value). Wall segments have a water repellent added whereas ceiling segments don't.
Can home insulation reduce condensation and mould growth on ceilings of a bedroom?
When correctly installed, home insulation can assist in reducing condensation and mould problems by keeping internal surfaces warmer. Other factors that should also be considered are ventilation, low room temperatures and high humidity levels in the house.
Will home insulation fitted into timber studs eliminate noise transfer between rooms?
Glasswool and rockwool assist in muffling noise, to eliminate noise transfer between rooms requires attention also to the appropriate layers of plasterboard and close attention to eliminating flanking noise. It is the overall system, not just the insulation that should be considered.
What are the best options for reducing noise being transferred from the first floor to ground floor of a house?
Two types of noise need to be considered here: airborne noise and impact noise.
Airborne noise is reduced by increased mass of the system, a higher NRC Glasswool or Rockwool segment will also improve the floor/ceiling noise reduction.
Impact noise, eg. footstep noise, is best reduced by the use of carpet and underlay.
Are glasswool and rockwool a health hazard and can they cause cancer?
Glasswool and rockwool are now manufactured using the latest bio-soluble formulation and are assessed as non-hazardous. Bradford Insulation's rockwool and glasswool are not classifiable as carcinogens to humans.
Bradford Gold and Bradford SoundScreen insulation has been recognised as safe for asthma and allergy sufferers by the National Asthma Council Australia's, 'Sensitive Choice' program.
Installation of Gold batts requires careful attention to sealing gaps between insulation and studs or joists. Why is this so important?
Even if only 5% of an area of wall or ceiling is left uninsulated then up to 50% of the potential benefits may be lost. Similarly holes, tears or joins in reflective insulation should be taped.
What thickness of insulation is needed?
This depends very much on the operating temperature of the system, the desired level of control of heat loss (or gain), maximum surface temperature for personnel protection, and condensation control.
In addition, the reflective properties (surface coefficient) of the insulation cladding affects heat loss and surface temperature at a given insulation thickness.
Has fibreglass been banned in the USA?
This rumour has been around for nearly 20 years. The answer then was no and it is still no.
Is fibreglass the next asbestos?
A Fibreglass (or glasswool as it is now called) home insulation has been in use around the world since the mid -1930’s. Glasswool insulation has been comprehensively researched over more than 30 years and the World Health Organisation has concluded that glasswool does not pose any serious health hazard.
Will I get itchy installing glasswool?
The great benefit of creating an insulation product out of glass fibres is that they are inert and strong to provide lifetime performance. However when the fibres are cut to shape the factory some sharper edges and a small amount of loose dust is generated.These may cause minor temporary irritation for some people during installation. This is a mechanical irritation not chemical – it can be relieved by washing with soap and water or avoided by installing with dust mask and long sleeve shirt as recommended by Bradford.
After installation there is no risk of irritation if left undisturbed. In general roof spaces and building sites are dusty environments and Bradford recommends protective equipment be worn when working with any material in these spaces.
Am I eligible for a government home insulation scheme for insulation?
If your home was built before Jan 2000, you could be eligible for a 1/3 off the cost of insulation up to the value of $1300. Please ring us on 0800 277 123 to find out more.