nshineton
Member
Hello everyone!
I've searched the forums for this information, but either my searches are lacking definition, or no-one has asked this question before... which I find VERY hard to believe...
So, a fellow I'm working with is looking at getting paper insulation intalled in his roof-space and has asked me for my thoughts and opinions. Of which I have none. So I'll handball it on to you, and hopefully the combined wisdom of many will prove fruitful.
Thanks in advance!
Neil Shineton
Paul Denton
Member
Neil
By paper, if you mean the fluffy stuff blown in to the roof space, just don't do it. I have heard many tales of woe from other people paying to have this removed once they realise how much trouble it causes later down the track. I know many people think they are doing the right think by using a "recycled" material, but there is not much point if one day it ends up in skip and being carted to a local landfill.
Go for something like pink batts, they are cheap and easy to handle and they work, just make sure you have the correct clothing, dust mask etc as they will cause you to itch if go rub you skin on them.
Regards
Paul
nshineton
Member
Thanks Paul,
I too have heard many tales, but never from a real source (I mean that with no offence to yourself, my only 'source' being the Australian media, which I think we can all agree is a little 'sensationalist' at times...
I searched the forums looking for this type of info, but it wasn't as prevalent as I hoped. Still, I appreciate the response, and shall send it on to my colleague.
Cheers again
Russell Moore
Member
Here are some problems with it:
It doesn't insulate as well as most other forms of insulation to begin with, and because it compacts over time, this gets worse over time.
If it ever gets wet, it compacts and never regains its volume and insulation value.
It can blow about in really strong winds, leaving high and low spots.
My advice is to stick with batts of some kind. They are harder to install, but are better in the long run.
dave lawrence
Member
I think it is ok if installed perfectly in a "still air" (i.e. enclosed compartment)in a dry climate.
But Roof spaces need moving air !!!
In humid climates ,all bulk insulation absorbs moisture to some degree.
problem is it is rarely installed perfectly (i.e adequate clearances around light fittings etc ). Also all the above points as mentioned by Russell Moore are correct.
LanceTurner
Key Master
A lot of the problems with this material relate to the older versions. We have it here in our rental place and it is a pain, it has certainly settled and it does indeed blow about.
The modern versions of it are usually installed with a sealing coating over the top to prevent these issues, but I can't say how well this performs or how long it lasts.
I have to say, when it comes to batts, I really, really avoid fibreglass and mineral wool. It is a horrible irritant to work with and overseas studies have shown that glass fibre levels inside even a well sealed home can be above recommended levels. The industry of course denies all this and states that the fibres are biosoluable, which just means they eventually break down inside the body. But, if they are continually replaced by floating fibres in the home then the irritation is there permanently, even if you can't feel it.
Some scientists studying glass fibre issues have openly stated they expect glass fibres to be the next asbestos (you will have to look it up if you want details). While I can't say 100% that it will be this bad, using mineral fibres just makes no sense. If they are a proven irritant and there are possible health issues, why would you use them when there are safe alternatives like polyester fibre, which you can get in recycled versions?
Paul Denton
Member
Neil
Russel hit the nail on the head regarding problems with blown in insulation. My work mate sitting next to me mentioned that he had cleaned out his blown insulation listing all the same problems. He also mentioned his neighbours were not to happy when one of the bags of removed material burst sending fluff all over his street.
Lance is absolutley right, go for polyester rather than fibre glass if you can. I have seen some batts that are in a plastic sleeve (green batts ?), so this might reduce the problem with stray fibres and handling but I have no idea what they actually contain or what you do if you need to cut it to shape. Breathing any fibre, of any type, natural or otherwise, will lead to ill health eventually, just ask any sheep shearers, flour millers, coal miner or cabinet maker. Apart from going into my roof space to retrofit what should have been installed at build time, I have made all steps to isolate the air in my roof space from the air I breath. Over time there is always a build up of dust, faeces from vermin and who knows what other nasties. Also make sure vents from bathrooms and the like are preferably vented outside and not connected to your roof space, to avoid you breathing dirty air coming in and to prevent condensation and moisture going into the roof space to assist critters like termites and ants making a cosy home for themselves . While building codes vary state by state, they do get ignored (I'm on non-compliant house no 5 since moving to WA 15 years ago) and most likely the roof space is directly connected to your living space as builders generally go for cheap and easy.
Good luck with your install, regardless of Government incentives/rebates (or the lack of them), roof insulation has one of the greatest rewards in terms of low outlay, money saved in heating/cooling costs, and increased levels of comfort. In my book is generally the best first step to take.
Regards
Paul
Hi everyone,Believe it or not, Excel Building Solution's Warmcel insulation is made from 100% waste recycled newsprint. But even more exciting is that it's been successfully installed in more than 1 million homes in the UK alone! With this excellent track record, and a thermal conductivity of just 0.036 W/mK, it's a great alternative to blown fiberglass or bat insulation.Houston Air conditioners It can be layered into walls being built, or blown into attic spaces and already sheetrocked walls for extra protection from the cold. Excel also offers soundproofing material made from the same stuff. Definitely worth a look if you're considering an addition in the future.
nshineton
Member
Thankyou one and all. As previously stated, this info will be passed on to a colleague... my house (which has just reached lockup) has lovely 2.5R batts in the walls, and 3.5R batts in the roofspace (I think they're 3.5, maybe they're more!)
I myself am not a fan of the paper insulation alternative, but as seems to be implied above - if air movement is a problem it can be sealed...
I guess it's just one of those things, eh? Either it's too much hassle, or it's perfect, it's each persons individual call.
Happy Wednesday, all!
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