Insulation is a worthwhile investment, as having it installed will instantly improve the temperature within your home. A combination of ceiling, wall and underfloor insulation will reduce the amount of air which escapes, keeping your space cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Not only will this reduce your utility bills, but it will be kinder to the environment.

Consider this: During winter an uninsulated home will lose between 25-35% of heat from the ceiling, 15% to 25% from the walls and 10% to 20% from the windows. In summer heat gain will be up between 25% and 35% from the ceiling, 15% to 25% from the walls and 25% to 35% through the windows.

With a range of different insulation types available, and varying price points it is important to understand what it is you are getting for your money.

Types of Insulation Available

In Australia, there are a few types of insulation to choose from. Among the most common are:

  • Spray Insulation
  • Reflective Insulation
  • Batt Insulation
  • Loose Fill Insulation
  • Insulation Boards

At Tate’s Coating Services we specialise in high quality polyurethane spray insulation. This is applied as a liquid which expands to fill the area. This is quick drying and unlike other methods of insulation, any gaps are eliminated for maximum insulation benefits. Spray insulation can be used in walls, ceilings and underfloor.

Reflective insulation has paper or honeycomb on the inside and aluminium on one side, which is designed to reflect the heat. Batt insulation is generally made from fibreglass or cellulose and has air pockets to protect the home from the hot weather. Like batts, loose fill insulation contains air pockets and is most commonly used within the ceiling. It is made from wool, fibreglass or cellulose. Insulation boards are used under the flooring.

DIY vs Professional Installation

While it is always recommended you choose a reputable installer for your insulation needs, if you are going to DIY you will limit your options. Spray insulation and loose fill should both be professionally installed, and when not treated correctly, anything made from fibreglass can have potential side effects to your health.

Without any labour costs, the price for DIY insulation of batts will be approximately $1200 to $1300 for a 100m2 coverage area. Insulation comes with an “R” value between 2.0 and 5.0. The “R” value explains how effective it is, and a 5.0 batt will be more expensive than a 2.0 batt. Reflective insulation will be approximately $155 for a 60m2 coverage area, while a 10mm panel at 2400 x 1200 will be around $37.

Estimated Professional Costs

When choosing to have your insulation professionally installed, the price will depend on the difficulty of the job. $50 to $80 an hour for labour costs is standard but the material, access, obstructions and space are all factors which may increase this pricing. Generally, you will be given a quote with a fixed rate after having the area assessed by a professional.

Spray insulation can be difficult to cost estimate, as there are a number of variables to consider. New houses are generally quicker to insulate than old ones, and the type of cladding will dictate whether any holes need to be drilled. At Tate’s Coating Services we offer a free, no obligation quote for all of our insulation work.

Loose fill insulation will likely cost $3000 for 135 metres, with additional fees to remove any old fill or asbestos.

Why Choose Spray Insulation?

Spray insulation can have the highest “R” value of any insulation type.  As this is sprayed into the cavity before expanding to a harder foam, it can reach any holes and crevices giving you a tighter seal. Remember, spray insulation should only be installed by a trained professional, and when done correctly it will last for years to come.

For more information on our insulation services, please contact us today.