Insulation needs to be installed with careful attention to detail, as inappropriate or incorrect application will crucially decrease performance. For instance, failure to butt all ends and edges of batts to give a snug fit could mean that about 5% of the ceiling area is not being covered. This could result in losing up to 50% of the potential insulation benefits.
- Avoid thermal bridges
- Eliminate gaps in insulation
- Do not compress bulk insulation
- Protect insulation from contact with moisture, provide vapour and moisture barriers to prevent condensation
- Provide a sealed air space of 25mm adjacent to reflective insulation
- Allow clearance around appliances and fittings
All electrical wiring encased in insulation must conform to AS3000: Electrical installations-buildings, structures and premises. It’s best to keep wiring clear of insulation, e.g. to run wiring on top of ceiling joists.
Neither good performing insulation or a 6 or 7-star energy rating are a guarantee for real energy efficiency. The building envelope needs to be treated as a delicate continuous shell. Each small gap and leakage will impair the performance of the insulation. It is essential to consider the end product in order to determine how energy efficient a building really is. Even small gaps in the insulation such as around windows or other wall penetrations can halve the potential insulation benefits. Adding good performing and appropriately installed insulation can save a lot on your energy bill and minimise the greenhouse gas emission
**** Also, an important edit. Please note, in order to avoid condensation issues the vapour barrier can NOT be on the outside face of the insulation. So in the image above the sips walls were wrappend and then another layer of insulation was installed.****