Our team of insulation specialists has been improving home comfort and reducing energy costs in Victorian homes for over 50 years. During this time, we’ve answered countless questions about products, processes, and insulation solutions for homeowners. Here, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Ceiling Insulation
How thick should insulation batts be in my ceiling?
A. In Metropolitan Melbourne, it’s recommended to use R5 batts, which are typically 215mm thick.
How long does it normally take to install batts in the ceiling?
A. Installation time depends on the size of the home, but our installers can typically complete up to 150m² in one day, which is the average size of a suburban home.
What is the difference between foil and batts?
Foil insulation reflects radiant heat away, while bulk insulation, like batts, prevents heat transfer.
Wall Insulation
What’s the process for retrofitting wall insulation through internal plaster walls?
Wall insulation is installed by drilling small 24mm holes, including below windows if needed. After installation, these holes are filled with a multipurpose filler and skimmed to ensure a smooth finish. You’ll need to sand and paint over the repairs afterward.
How does blow-in insulation affect the electrical wiring in the wall? Can I relocate wiring after installation?
Supafil wall insulation doesn’t ‘set’ like foam-based products. We use compressed air to apply the insulation in layers, which prevents settling over time (50-year warranty). This means you can still relocate electrical wiring in the future without issue.
Will there be gaps or voids in the insulation because the access is only through holes drilled in the wall?
The number and location of installation holes give a clear indication of where insulation has been applied, ensuring no gaps are missed.
We have an old house with an unusual structure. Do you use stud finders?
Our installers don’t rely on stud finders, as they can be unreliable in older homes. Instead, we use a fibreglass strip (similar to what electricians use) to probe the structure and locate the studs.
Are the holes in the weatherboards made with a hole saw or large drill bit? If a hole saw is used, can the cutouts be replaced after installation?
We use a 24mm spade bit to make small holes (about the size of a dollar coin). While we’ve experimented with hole saws, the finish isn’t as good, as the cut-out plugs often don’t stay in place after installation.
Do I need to move pictures from the internal walls during installation via the external of my home?
There’s no need to move anything inside your home!
Do I (the homeowner) need to provide scaffolding?
For single-storey homes, scaffolding isn’t necessary. However, if your home has multiple storeys, scaffolding will be required to access the upper levels.
Underfloor Insulation
What access is needed to install underfloor insulation?
Not all homes are suitable for underfloor insulation. You’ll need at least 50cm of space for our installers to work. We recommend having a professional assess the area before proceeding.
Products
The Supafil CarbonPlus datasheet seems to be for double-brick installations. Does this apply to weatherboard installations as well?
Yes, the same guidelines apply for both brick veneer and weatherboard constructions.
What’s the difference between Knauf Supafil CarbonPlus and Jet Stream® MAX for wall insulation?
The key difference is that Supafil is silicone-treated, acting as an extra moisture barrier. This makes it ideal for walls, while Jetstream is used in ceilings.
When you say “Greenstuff,” is it actually green in colour or just environmentally friendly?
It’s called Greenstuf because of its environmentally friendly nature—made from recycled content and the manufacturer’s commitment to recycling any excess. It was once dyed green, which is why the name stuck!
R Values
What does R Value mean?
R-Value measures the ability of insulation to resist heat flow. A higher R-Value means better thermal performance. The ideal level of insulation depends on your climate, home construction, and whether you use heating or cooling. (Note: R-Values used in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe are metric and differ from those used in the United States.)
Can a higher R-value result in “too much insulation”?
Yes, it’s possible to over-insulate a home. Too much insulation can trap heat, making it harder to regulate your home’s temperature. This can also cause moisture issues, reducing the overall effectiveness of your insulation.
Got More Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to assist you in making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Contact us or call 1300 782 591 today!