types of insulation  Home insulation fits into two categories based on the way it performs it function: Bulk Insulation Glasswool batts Polyester batts Rockwool Wool blend batts Reflective Insulation Reflective foil laminate Reflective foil laminate with bulk insulation blankets 1. bulk insulation 1.A. Glasswool batts  At Insulco, glasswool batts are made from 65% recycled glass that is then melted down and spun into a matt of fibres. We also produce a range of different R-values to suit all climates and requirements. Glasswool batts are easy to cut and move around, making installing insulation in your home a simple DIY project. You must ensure that the batts are fitted tightly into the joists – any gaps around and between the edges of the batts will greatly reduce the effectiveness of your insulation. Glasswool fibres are not harmful to your health, but some people may experience a slight skin irritation during installation. If this is a problem, we recommend that you wear sensible protective clothing, such as dust mask, gloves and a long sleeved shirt, during the installation process.  Top 1.B. Polyester batts  Polyester batts are made from polyester fibres that are layered into a mat. They look similar to glasswool batts, but are softer to the touch. The thermal performance of polyester batts is typically not as efficient as glasswool – due to the nature of thin fibres. Therefore, to achieve the same performance (R-value) you will typically need a thicker polyester batt than glasswool. This, and the nature of raw materials, makes polyester batts more expensive for a given R-value than glasswool.   Top 1.C. Rockwool  Rockwool is made from melted volcanic rock (basalt) that is then spun into fibres. Rockwool is typically a denser material than glasswool, and possesses excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties. The same installation precautions as glasswool should be used when handling rockwool.  Top 1.D. Wool blend batts  Insulco wool blend batts are made from a mixture of 60% sheep wool and 40% polyester fibres that are layered into a mat. Wool is a natural material with good insulation properties, however the density of wool insulation is often quite low. This means that a greater thickness of insulation is required to achieve the same R-value as other more dense products. For fire safety and to prevent insect infestation, it is important to choose a wool blend batt that is made from fully scoured wool and that has been treated with a vermin and rot-proofing agent.  Top 2. reflective insulation 2.A. Reflective foil laminates  Traditional double-sided reflective foil laminates are made from aluminium foils that are then laminated to paper and reinforced with glass fibre scrim. Recent developments have seen the replacement paper, with a woven polymer fabric, in products such as wall wraps and Heavy Duty sarking. Both types of product provide thermal insulation properties when installed adjacent to an airspace of at least 20mm. Reflective foil laminates also provide a layer protection against water, dust and other airborne matter, both during construction (wall wraps) and after the home is completed (sarking). Reflective foil laminates are graded in terms of their strength as per AS4200 – Light Duty, Medium Duty, Heavy Duty and Extra Heavy Duty. To be used in Australian homes, they must also have a Flammability Index less than/equal to 5 when tested to AS1530.2. Some types of double-sided reflective foil have an anti-glare coating on one side to make installation safer in sunny conditions. It is also important to ensure that any holes or joins in the foil, or any gaps around the edges are taped up, as this will effect insulation performance. Top 2.B. Reflective foil with bulk insulation blankets  This is a product that sees glasswool blankets bonded to reflective foil laminate. Typically, this is a product that is used under metal deck roofs for insulation, as well as condensation control and to reduce rain and hail noise. The insulation performance of the blanket will be highest if the foil faces a still air gap. Top