During the second half of the 1900s fiberglass was the home insulation of choice. However, new innovations have resulted in a range of impressive new types of insulation. We’ve pulled together six popular types of insulation for Australian houses which you should definitely consider for your next project.

What are the most common insulation types?

  1. Polyurethane spray insulation

Spray foam insulation involves spraying liquid from a gun that rapidly expands to fill any cavity, even if they’re hard to reach. Although traditional methods of insulation may leave gaps around areas like trusses, spray insulation provides a complete air seal.

Polyurethane spray repels water which helps resist mould and results in a longer-lasting insulation. It’s also a non-allergenic, eco-friendly choice that helps make your house more stable.

Whether you’re in the middle of building or live in a house that needs insulation retrofitted, spray foam is a good choice.

  1. Reflective insulation

Reflective insulation is a cost-effective product that is commonly found in Australian houses. A material that is similar to aluminium foil deflects around 95% of the sun’s heat. It’s useful in hot climates and keeps homes cool year-round.

Reflective insulation is great combined with other types of insulation. You may want to apply polyurethane foam to seal the underfloor and roof areas. Then reflective insulation can adhere to the foam for a super-effective “insulation duo”.

  1. Batt insulation

Batts are pre-cut to allow easy installation between the house’s studs and joists. Their easy application and effectiveness make them Australia’s most popular choice of insulation.

While batts are a common insulation type, they have their limitations. Their fibres can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. They steadily lose their efficiency over time. Also, as they do not create a seal, gaps in hard-to-reach areas will allow heat conduction. Check out this comparison of batts and spray foam for more details.

  1. Blanket roll insulation

Rolls of insulation are an easy-to-install product type for the roof area. Large areas can quickly be insulated with it. Blanket rolls are excellent used as a second layer of protection from air transfer. After applying spray foam, blanket rolls are a good option if you have the budget.

  1. Rigid board insulation 

Rigid board insulation is also known as board-stock and comes in a range of varieties. These include narrow sheets with impressive R-values through or foil-coated boards that act as heat deflectors.

Insulation boards are useful in ceiling and roof areas for reducing your home’s heat in summer and reducing heat loss in winter. It offers excellent insulation; however, the production of this product isn’t environmentally friendly, and they are known for accumulating moisture.

  1. Loose-fill insulation

When materials such as rockwool or fibreglass are blown into areas to insulate the house, this is known as loose-fill insulation. It is suitable for the roof, walls, and underfloor. Like polyurethane spray foam, it is a handy option for insulating difficult-to-reach places.

Which is best for your house?

Choosing the right type of insulation for your house is an important decision. While it’s tempting to make a choice based on price, over the long run you may end up paying much more. Polyurethane spray foam may cost a little more to install, but it’s well worth the investment.

Spray foam insulation will outlast other products and it’s eco-friendly which is a bonus. This insulation also provides superior protection from Australia’s harsh elements, meaning you’ll save on power bills and enjoy a house that’s not too hot or cold.

To find out more about our spray foam insulation services, get in touch with us today. We’re happy to discuss your options and provide a no-obligation quote.