The latest innovations in insulation

Every builder knows if your insulation isn't up to scratch, a home is less comfortable to live in and costs more to heat. Changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 that include more stringent insulation requirements have led to a new innovative range of energy- efficient single-layer ceiling insulation products. Even better, they’re easy to fit and, like other products in the Earthwool range, they are soft and easy to handle.

Keen to be across insulation for your clients this winter? Knauf Insulation’s Technical Product Manager Guy Manthel and Brisbane Insulation Director Devin Hall weigh in on innovations.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

1. Insulation with extra high R values

After long making waves in colder countries, insulation products with very high R values are popping up in Australia. Knauf Insulation’s Earthwool R8.0 ceiling insulation batt is the highest R value product available nationally through Bunnings Trade – and a new extra-thick, single-layer format adds to its impressive performance. “It’s unique in that it lofts over the timbers,” Guy says. “It cuts off thermal bridging and increases real performance.”

2. Shorter insulation install times

Not only does the Earthwool R8.0 ceiling insulation batt have better thermal performance, it’s also quicker to install – by as much as 40 per cent compared to two-layer set-ups, Guy says. Devin adds that products like these are a “game-changer” for tradies. “You don’t have to install two products, so the installation cost is a lot less, but the customer gets the same thermal performance as if there were two,” he explains.

3. Less itch and no nasties

Insulation installation is often associated with dusty and itchy work. But Earthwool from Knauf Insulation uses a plant-based binder in manufacture – called ECOSE® technology – where no formaldehyde or chemicals are added, resulting in a naturally brown coloured soft-to-handle insulation. “We’ve got just over 100 staff across the country who are using these products – they’ve proven to be low-itch, low-dust and don’t get in your eyes,” Devin says.

4. Demand for better performance

The NCC 2022 changes have lifted insulation requirements for all new buildings and major renovations. In good news for tradies, Devin says homeowners are increasingly looking for even better performing insulation.

“When people have existing homes that either don’t have insulation or they want to upgrade, they don’t look at the minimum requirements – they look a few levels above that. We’ve had a lot more enquiries for products that are far above the minimum,” he says.

5. Whole building insulation

Insulation is about more than just ceilings, with a growing number of homeowners looking to insulate the whole building envelope. Especially in winter, insulating floors and walls are a top priority. “In homes without concrete slabs, people feel the draft through the floors and also through the walls,” Devin says.

6. More options for retrofitting

Demand is also rising among homeowners, and business owners, keen to retrofit insulation into existing buildings. “There’s some foil-faced roofing products that are really good for metal sheds, as well as some handy roll products, which are versatile for a range of uses,” Guy says.

“It’s a really significant opportunity – there’s a lot of businesses out there facilitating retrofits and expanding their opportunities.”

7. Increased focus on acoustics

With an increase in people working from home and flight paths over cities, there is a significant focus on reducing noise inside of homes. Homeowners are looking to upgrade insulation in their walls to reduce unwanted noise transfer from outside, as well as internally between rooms.

Did you know?

• A fully insulated home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling by around 40–50 per cent* compared to an uninsulated home.
• Most Australian homes built before 2010 are poorly insulated with an average star rating of just 2.8¥.
• The insulation services industry is worth an estimated $745 million^ in Australia, according to 2024 statistics from IBISWorld.
• An estimated 4,400# building insulation installers are working across Australia.

Now that the inside is sorted…

Take a look at our story on the best retaining and draining solutions as the weather gets wetter.