How to Install Insulation
A Guide to Effective Insulation Removal and Installation

We need to have energy-efficient homes with good insulation as we face global energy challenges in our time, such as hefty energy bills. Good insulation installation counts in the construction of new homes or upgrading of the old home. However, before a new insulation installation, consider insulation removal if the present insulation is broken, outdated, or useless. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the process of removing and installing old insulation so that your house is all set to soak up the right temperature throughout the year.

Understanding What is Insulation

Insulation is all about materials or techniques used to lower heat transfer between the interior and exterior of a building. An insulant is defined as a material added in the barriers of walls, floors, and roofs to formulate a thermal barrier.

It works by letting hot areas slowly lose heat, which moves to cold ones. In winter, it preserves the heat created by the heating system inside the house, whereas during summer, it allows the heat from outside to keep out of the building. Insulation is used in spaces where high temperatures are expected and must be avoided without the use of heating and cooling appliances, which will consume more energy.

Types of Insulation

There are three classes of insulation: bulk, reflective, and composite, which is a combination of bulk and reflective insulation. We will discuss the first two in this section.

1. Bulk Insulation

Bulk insulation works by trapping air pockets between its fibers. All insulation materials marketed in Australia must meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4859, Materials for thermal insulation of buildings. There are various types of insulating materials available. There are several types of bulk insulation; a few will be discussed below.

Glass wool insulation

Glass wool insulation consists of fine glass fibers designed to trap air, effectively reducing heat transfer. This type of insulation is commonly installed in areas like walls, ceilings, and floors to enhance thermal efficiency.

Wool insulation

Sheep wool insulation provides natural protection against fire, pests, mold, and mildew. Commonly installed in walls and roofs, wool insulation offers a sustainable and effective solution for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.

Cellulose fiber insulation

It is made by using recycled fibers obtained from plants or paper. You can fit it into attic, wall, and floor spaces as it is blown into these areas, and it has excellent soundproof qualities.

Polyester insulation

Made from polyethylene terephthalate, this material is often created using recycled components. Polyester insulation is an ideal solution for enhancing soundproofing, offering both environmental benefits and effective noise reduction.

Polystyrene insulation

Polystyrene insulation is of two kinds. Expanded polystyrene is light and is widely used in walls, on roofs, and under concrete floors. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) is a dense, moisture-resistant material used for basements and foundations. It has a greater environmental impact because it requires hundreds of years to decompose.

Natural Fiber Insulation:

Cotton, sheep wool, hemp, cellulose, and straw bale are materials that can be used for insulation. These natural fibers are renewable, sustainable, and have good insulation properties. It is often found in environmentally friendly or allergy-sensitive applications.

2. Reflective Insulation

Reflective insulation works in a different way from the others; it reflects radiant heat rather than slowing down its transfer by conduction or by the flow of fluids.

• Reflective insulation usually consists of shiny aluminium foil laminated onto paper, plastic, or foam and comes in various forms: sheets, concertina-type batts, and multi-cell batts.
• An air gap of at least 25 mm is created next to a shiny surface.
• Reflective insulation is usually installed in attics, roofs, and walls to reduce radiant heat gain and is especially helpful in reducing summer heat buildup to improve energy efficiency in warm climates.
• You will have to check reflective insulation for dust and dirt since it can lower its effectiveness in trying to keep heat from the surface.

The Process of Installing Home Insulation

It is time to begin the insulation installation process. Follow these steps for a successful installation:

Removing Old Insulation

If replacing old insulation, the first step is insulation removal. Dust, allergens, or removing mould usually stick in old, worn-out insulation, so it’s a job that should be done with care. Here are the key things to keep in mind:

Removing Blown-In Insulation: If your attic or walls have blown-in insulation, you will need an insulation-removal vacuum for this job. It would make sure all the particles were extracted without leaving residue on the surface of your attic or walls, which would give an excellent surface for the new insulation.

Pick the Right Insulation Material

The appropriate material must depend on the following criteria:.

Climate Suitability: Areas like Melbourne that have seasonal changing patterns would require the insulation materials that have a high R-value and high resistances to heat flow.

Application Area: Fibreglass batts are ideal for use in ceiling insulation, while spray foam would be more effective on walls that are too difficult to access.

Installing Ceiling Insulation

Ceiling insulation may be one of the most effective strategies to avoid cold in the winter and stay cool in the summer. How to install insulation in ceiling? You have to follow these installation procedures:

• Clean up the area in the ceiling. You need to make sure that it is dry. Remove all the old insulation that was already lying there. Provide some good ventilation.
• You need to measure the ceiling space and cut the insulation batts to fit between the joists. They should not be compressed because this would degrade the efficiency of the insulation.
• Install the batts in position so that none are overlapping and there are not any gaps among them as well. Sealing gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and vents will also increase energy efficiency.

Installing Underfloor Insulation

This type of insulation, particularly in older homes, prevents cool air from passing underneath the floor. How to install underfloor insulation? In the following points, we will address installing underfloor insulation in existing house:

• If your home has a crawl space, make it dry and debris-free.
• Hard foam boards or batts are the perfect ones to be used with underfloor insulation.
• Between the floor joists, install the batts, and anchor them to the supports with insulation. Ensure there are no spaces for cold air to penetrate the house.
• This process eliminates the possibility of moisture by installing a vapour barrier be low the insulation.
• This would be a bit more complicated if retrofitting is done to underfloor insulation in an existing house, but it is possible if carried out with good planning.

Wall Insulation Without Removing Drywall

Blown-in insulation is available in Australia and can be put in without removing the drywall. How to insulate walls without removing the drywall Australia? A special machine blows insulation into the holes formed in the walls. Once the operation is finished, the holes are sealed and plastered over. Similarly, machines are used for removing blown in insulation from attics by sucking the material out using a vacuum. The technique is particularly useful for installing new insulation in old homes; thus, it is in high demand throughout the retrofitting process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not compress the insulation, as this reduces its thermal performance by restricting its capacity to trap air.
• Do not block vents or exhaust fans, since this may cause moisture to accumulate and mould to form.
• Allow enough time during installation so that every gap is sealed for maximum effectiveness.

Selection of the Proper Insulation

Consider factors like climate, R-value, and the specific area to be insulated when choosing insulation for your house. The R value of an insulating product indicates its ability to resist heat flow. The R number represents the level of insulation. The appropriate level of insulation is influenced by your climate, building structure, and if additional heating or cooling are required.

• Material R values refer to the insulating value of every material. You should exceed these for greater comfort and energy savings.
• The total R value indicates how well your home prevents heat transfer. Each material has its own unique R value. The total R value is calculated by adding the R values of all the materials in your home.
• Up R, also known as winter R values, describe the prevention of upward heat transfer.
• Down R, also known as summer R values, reflect prevention of downward heat flow.

Benefits of Proper Insulation

The good news is that investing in insulation installation offers multiple benefits for you as a homeowner:

• Insulated homes need less energy to maintain a reasonable temperature, resulting in lower utility bills.
• Insulation also regulates inside temperatures, reducing hot and cold areas and producing a more comfortable living environment.
• Insulation can also help absorb sound, resulting in better acoustics and reduced noise transfer across rooms or floors.

In Summary

You will benefit from proper insulation installation in an energy-efficient home. Learn about the many types of insulation, how to properly prepare the area to be insulated, and the best installation procedures. Consider insulation removal and installation, if necessary, and seek professional advice on the proper level of insulation for your home. GTG Constructions is a trusted collaborator for insulation removal and installation. Contact us if your home requires help with a timely, as well as professional insulation removal service and installation.