Whether it’s ceilings, walls or floors, insulation is not just about retaining heat during winter, it will also protect your home from heat during summer, or provide an acoustic barrier. Insulation products may be slabs, or boards or blankets made from polyester or wool, and can be installed during the building or renovation process. Others, such as window furnishings, may also be decorative.

Insulation

Whether it’s ceilings, walls or floors, insulation isn’t just about retaining heat during winter, it also keeps the house cool in summer, and provides an acoustic barrier. There are various types of insulation available including slabs, boards or blankets, which are generally made from polyester or wool. Insulation can be installed during the building process or retrofitted into an existing house. The right levels of insulation lead to a healthier home, with ambient internal temperatures.

What is the best type of insulation for New Zealand homes?

The right insulation for your home will depend on where it is located, and what level of insulation is required. In many cases, a combination of different materials in different areas of the home can produce the best results. Some of the most common insulation materials in New Zealand are listed below.

Fibreglass insulation

Fibreglass insulation is the most commonly used material for thermal house insulation. Fibreglass batts generally have a high fire rating and do not absorb moisture. Fibreglass is also one of the less costly insulation options on the market.

Wool and mineral wool

Wool is a popular natural insulator because of its inherent thermal qualities. Wool also has the ability to absorb a significant amount of moisture without affecting its insulating ability. It is also an effective natural acoustic barrier and has high fire ratings.

Mineral wool insulation is a very different product, generally made from molten, stone or industrial waste that is spun into a fibre-like structure. Mineral wool is known for its stability and fire resistance.

Synthetic insulation

There are various synthetic insulation options available in New Zealand including polyester, polystyrene and foam. Each has different benefits and is suitable for different situations. Synthetic insulation includes spray-on insulation, foam insulation and some blanket, roll and slab insulation products.

What is an R-value?

In New Zealand, there are various requirements relating to the level of insulation required in new homes, and those that are rented properties. The required R-value of the insulation depends on where in the country the house is located. The R-value is a measure of how well a layer of insulation resists heat flow through a given thickness of the material.