Frequently Asked Questions - Insulation
I've heard that I can't install ceiling insulation because I have down-lights. Is this true? Are there any dangers with ceiling insulation?
Down-lights do pose a fire risk if insulation is installed too close - or incorrectly - around the transformer which is located in the ceiling space. Despite this it is still possible for you to have ceiling insulation installed. The installer will leave the required space around your down-lights and may place a ventilated container around your down-lights to minimise heat losses and still protect your insulation from fire risks.
Other than this, insulation poses little-to-no risks. Supposing your insulation is installed by a qualified provider, there are only benefits associated with having adequate insulation!
Can I install the insulation myself?
While ceiling insulation is relatively safe to install for the DIYer, to claim the government rebate, the installation must be performed by a qualified and registered insulation installer.
How do I know if I have insulation or not?
If your house is too cold in winter and too hot in summer, chances are you have no, or insufficient, insulation. Insulation can be installed under the floor (if house is on stumps), in the walls, and in the ceiling/roof space. Windows can also be insulated, but this process is quite different.
To check if you have insulation, you can check in your roof space first (ceiling insulation is the easiest to install and to identify) if you have access to your roof space, use a ladder to have a look. If you have bulk insulation installed, you will see the insulation placed between the ceiling joists.You may also see reflective insulation between the roof and the rafters, but this may also be sisalation - a waterproofing mechanism rather than insulation.
If you have a house that has an accessible sub-floor area, checking for insulation is a similar process to the ceiling. Under the floor you might find reflective insulation, they will look like paper, boards or a zig-zag material, bulk insulation just as in the ceiling, or ideally a combination of both.
The wall is harder to check, but if you can remove either the internal or external cladding (plasterboard, weatherboard etc.) then you may find insulation just as in the ceiling or underfloor. If bulk insulation in the walls has compressed and no longer covers the whole wall it is not considered adequate and should be replaced.
Another thing to note is whether the reflective insulation is dusty or has any debris on it, as this will reduce it's effectiveness and it may need to be cleaned or replaced
How long will the insulation last? Will insulation deteriorate?
Bulk insulation does compress over time, reducing its effectiveness. Generally ceiling insulation will be adequate for at least 10 years, after which it should be topped up or replaced.
Reflective insulation won't deteriorate, but a build up of dust or debris will eventually reduce its effectiveness. Again, it should remain effective for at least 10 years, but if you are able to clean it every few years, then it will be adequate practically forever, otherwise it may need replacing.
I have a flat-roofed house. Can I still install ceiling insulation?
Yes, you can. Installing insulation in flat roofs is not as simple as with pitched roofs, but it is still possible. Usually the installer will remove the roofing material and place insulation between rafters this way. Alternatively, they may remove internal lining like plasterboard and install it this way.
If you have a flat roof with exposed rafters installing insulation will be a little more complex. Insulation could be installed by covering the rafters with plasterboard or some other lining. If you really like the look of the exposed rafters, a compromise could be achieved by installing the insulation and taking up, say half, of the depth of the rafter.
Why is ceiling insulation the best option?
Heat rises, so in winter lots of your heat rises up through the ceiling. If it's not insulated, much of this heat is lost through the roof. In summer, the roof cops the brunt of the sun's heat and an uninsulated ceiling will radiate this heat into the home.The roof is responsible for between 25-30% of unwanted heat loss/gain.
Most roofs are pitched and provide sufficient access to allow the easy installation of ceiling insulation - even in the oldest homes.
The combination of these factors makes ceiling insulation the most economical and dramatic way to significantly reduce your energy use and achieve noticeable changes to the comfort of your home. Ceiling insulation is a great way to achieve reductions in energy use with minimal cost and effort.
Where can I find a good insulation installer?
By using our service you can receive free, competitive quotes from our qualified team of independent installers. Insulation Rebates, powered by Service Central, can take the hassle out of insulation installation by having fully licensed and registered tradespeople contact you! Simply click the link in the sidebar (top right) to begin the process and take advantage of the Government's insulation rebate scheme.