| Batt and Roll Insulation | Made from flexible fibres, predominantly fibreglass.
Other materials include mineral wool, plastic fibres, cotton, and sheep's wool.
Available as pre-cut batts for standard spaces or rolls that can be custom-sized.
| Standard fibreglass R-values range from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch.
Medium and high-density variants offer higher R-values for enhanced performance. | Ideal for walls, floors, ceilings, and attics in new and remodelled constructions.
Installation involves fitting between studs, joists, and beams, best done by professionals. | Easy to handle and install, cost-effective with good thermal and acoustical properties.
Requires careful installation to avoid gaps and compression, and proper vapour barriers in moisture-prone areas. | Natural fibre options (cotton, sheep's wool) available for an eco-friendly choice.
Fibreglass insulation can irritate skin, eyes, respiratory system; protective gear recommended. |
| Blown-in and Loose-fill | Fibreglass: Fire-resistant, lightweight, effective thermal resistance.
Cellulose: Made from recycled paper, fire retardant treated, eco-friendly.
Mineral Wool: From basalt or steel mill slag, excellent fire and thermal resistance.
Rock Wool: Durable, natural rock-made, fire-resistant.
Applied with a blowing machine for comprehensive coverage. | Fibreglass: R-2.2 to R-2.7 per inch.
Cellulose: R-3.2 to R-3.8 per inch, denser with superior thermal resistance. | Used in attics, wall cavities, other hard-to-reach areas.
Process involves air sealing then blowing materials into place.
Ideal for new construction and retrofitting for enhanced energy efficiency. | Advantages: Improves energy efficiency, versatile applications, suitable for difficult spaces.
Considerations: Potential settlement over time, requires moisture control measures. | Cellulose insulation is sustainable, utilising recycled paper.
Natural fibre options provide eco-friendly alternatives.
Installation requires protective gear to avoid irritation from materials like fibreglass. |
| Spray Foam Insulation | Open-Cell Foam: Polyurethane-based, expands greatly, soft texture, less dense.
Closed-Cell Foam: Polyurethane-based, denser, rigid, higher insulation per inch. | Open-Cell Foam: R-3.5 to R-4 per inch, compensable with thickness.
Closed-Cell Foam: R-6 to R-7.5 per inch, highly efficient thermal resistance. | Used in walls, roofs, attics, crawl spaces.
Process includes cleaning area, spraying foam, and allowing it to expand and cure.
Ideal for sealing air leaks and insulating irregular spaces. | Advantages: Superior air sealing, moisture barrier, structural support.
Considerations: Higher cost, requires professional installation, needs proper ventilation. | Some closed-cell spray foams use blowing agents that have high Global Warming Potential (GWP), contributing to climate change.
During and immediately after installation, sprayed foam insulation can release harmful fumes. Adequate ventilation and protective gear are essential during installation. |
| Reflective System | Aluminium foil applied to substrates like kraft paper, plastic film, or polyethylene bubbles.
Radiant barrier sheathing for roofs uses plywood or OSB with a reflective foil layer. | Reflective insulation's effectiveness depends on its ability to reflect radiant heat, not R-values.
Performance influenced by installation location, cleanliness of the surface, and air gap size. | Installed in attics, roofs, walls, ceilings, and under floors.
Effective as radiant barriers, especially under roof rafters or over attic insulation.
Requires an air gap and clean surface for optimal performance. | Advantages: Reduces heat gain, ease of installation, lightweight.
Considerations: Less effective in cold climates, maintenance required to prevent dust buildup, correct installation critical. | Reduces air conditioning needs, offering energy savings and lower emissions.
Minimal health risks compared to fibrous insulation materials. |
| Concrete Block Insulation/ Foam Board or Rigid Foam/ Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) | Insulating Concrete Blocks: These are pre-made blocks that have insulation materials integrated into them, such as polystyrene beads or foams. They are designed for use in new construction.
Foam Board or Panels: Rigid panels of insulation (e.g., extruded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate) installed on the exterior or interior surfaces of a concrete block wall.
Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs): Used in new construction, ICFs consist of concrete poured between two layers of insulation material, usually expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.
Loose-fill Insulations: Such as perlite or vermiculite, can be poured into cavities of concrete blocks in existing structures. | Insulating Concrete Blocks: Typically have higher R-values ranging from R-1.2 per inch up to R-2.0 per inch due to integrated insulative materials.
Foam Board/Panel Insulation: Rigid foam panels can offer R-values ranging from R-4 to R-8 per inch, depending on the specific material.
ICFs: The overall wall structure, including the concrete and both layers of EPS foam, can achieve R-values ranging from R-17 to R-26. | New Construction: Insulating concrete blocks and ICFs are ideal as they incorporate insulation into the structure of the wall.
Existing Buildings: Foam boards or panels can be added to the interior or exterior surfaces of existing walls, and loose-fill insulations can be injected into the hollow cores of blocks. | Energy Efficiency: Significantly reduces heat transfer, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.
Cost: Initial investment might be higher compared to traditional concrete blocks, especially for ICFs and insulating concrete blocks.
Installation Complexity: Retrofitting existing buildings with certain types of concrete block insulation can be labour-intensive and requires professional expertise. | Sustainability: Reducing energy consumption contributes to lower carbon emissions over the building's lifetime.
Health: Some insulation materials, particularly foam boards, may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during installation, requiring proper ventilation. However, once installed and sealed, they do not pose significant health risks. |
