THE IMPORTANCE OF WALL INSULATION IN YOUR ADELAIDE HOME
Installing wall insulation in your Adelaide property is just as important as installing it in your roof. While the roof of your home retains and loses about 25 to 35 per cent of it’s heating, walls also contribute another 15-20 per cent to the losing and holding of warm air in your house. Therefore, it is vital to add wall insulation in your home to maintain comfort.
Insulation can be added to the majority of construction types employed in Australia. There are a few exceptions that may not need added insulation including straw bale designs and autoclaved aerated concrete. However, besides these concessions, it is necessary to install insulation in a property, no matter what the climate is.
Different wall types that require wall insulation in your Adelaide home
Cavity brick walls
Despite a high thermal mass, cavity walls can overheat in summer and become too cold in winter if they are not insulated. When insulation is installed, it protects the internal brick skin from any climate or temperature changes outside and successfully controls the temperature inside the property.
Brick veneer
If you reside in a home with a brick veneer, insulation will be vital in keeping your house comfortable all year round. Unfortunately in summer, the bricks heat up and later in the evening begin to release this stored up heat into your home. Alternatively in winter, they do they opposite and remain cold. Rather than transmitting this coolness into the home, instead it sucks up the heat that is inside the house.
Reverse brick veneer
Alternatively to brick veneer, reverse brick veneer walls do the opposite. As the thermal mass is on the inside they are more efficient. While reverse brick veneer walls do achieve a better comfort level, insulation is still essential to ensure thermal comfort.
Timber framed
If your home is timber framed, then insulation is a number one priority. As timber framed walls are considered low mass construction, to uphold thermal heat with this design, insulation is vital.
How is wall insulation installed into your Adelaide property?
The method of wall insulation really depends on the type of walls your home features. For homes with cavity brick, brick veneers and reverse brick veneers, insulation can be installed by pumping loose bulk material through the cavity. This can be achieved in two methods, the first being with small polystyrene balls. These balls are manufactured using carbon dioxide and are coated in a non-toxic bonding agent that locks them into place. The small polystyrene balls are pumped in walls around the house to provide insulation throughout.
The second method is the use of mineral fibres, which are often referred to as mineral wool. To ensure the wall cavity remains dry, the mineral fibres are treated with a moisture repellent. They are then blown into the wall cavity either in the top of the cavity or through a run of small holes. The entry points really depend on the accessibility.
When it comes to insulating timber frame walls, the loose bulk method can be used, however it can be labour intensive. The materials have to be pumped into the vacant spaces between the noggings and studs. While this method is possible, a much better way to install insulation is installing it directly into the stud frame. To do this however, the external cladding or internal plasterboard lining must be removed.
For further information about our wall insulation service in Adelaide, contact our friendly team today.