R6.0 insulation batts in polyester are the ultimate solution to ensure you have the best insulation performance for a comfortable home environment all year round.
Previously, the only way to achieve an R6.0 insulation in a ceiling was by installing fibreglass batts. Fibreglass manufacturers can make an insulation batt with a loft (thickness) of between 250mm and 275mm, depending upon the brand.
Polyester insulation, on the other hand, has a limit of R4.5 which has a loft (thickness) of around 230mm. However, we have found that two layers of R3.0 Polyester insulation batts will achieve the same performance as R6.0 batts. Two layers of R3.0 Polyester insulation batts equals a thickness of 350mm which is 75mm to 100mm more than its R-Value equivalent in fibreglass.
As you can see from the table below, ValuePoly is highly competitive on a per square metre basis at $19.41. Compared to fibreglass at $18.26 to $19.63 per/m2 (depending upon the retailer).
R6.0 430mm | Fibreglass R6.0 | Value Poly 2 layers of R3.0 |
Thickness (loft) | 250mm to 275mm | 350mm |
Price per Square Metre | $18.26 to $19.63 | $19.41 |
Thanks to its superior energy-saving properties, R6.0 in polyester insulation is around 350mm thick and is a perfect insulation choice for people who seek high-level performance with all the benefits of polyester batts.
So you may ask, “Why choose Polyester insulation batts”?: There are many benefits that polyester insulation offers that other materials can’t.
Mostly that it is super-soft and very people friendly too. It has no glass splinters that will get under your skin or into your lungs to cause irritation. It is easy to handle and install, meaning you don’t have to worry about getting professionals in to do the job. This makes polyester insulation batts the preferred insulation for DIY installation.
Many householders have a strong preference to install polyester instead of fibreglass because:
- High-quality solution to last the lifetime of your home
- Non-irritant, non-toxic, and non-allergenic
- Completely people safe to touch and work with
- A minimum of 45% recycled components – from recycled PET bottles
- Hydrophobic – not impacted by water at all
- Rodents-proof – they don’t like it and won’t eat it
- Fire – it will not carry a flame and is compliant with Australian standards
- 50-year Durability Warranty
- Manufactured in Victoria
- No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Why is R6.0 rated insulation the best for me?
While the minimum R-Value for ceiling insulation in most states is either R3 or R4 (as set by the National Construction Code), NatHERS, which will be the new minimum standard for Victoria, says that ceiling insulation needs to be between R5.0 to R6.0. Whether it’s R5 or R6 will depend on the climate zone your home is located in.
So if you’re looking to upgrade your insulation or your new building to R6.0, Polyester is an easy to install, affordable option for a well insulated roof.
To learn more about Why R6.0 insulation is the ideal insulation for Victorian homes please check our blog on “What R-Value is in my Roof”
How do I install two layers of insulation in my roof?
There is some debate around whether to cross hatch or not to cross hatch.
Cross hatching is done by laying the first layer of your insulation batts parallel to the timber joists, then by laying the next layer of insulation the opposite way, or perpendicular, to the first layer.
There is a benefit associated with installing insulation in this way, namely gaining extra coverage over the joists by using this method. This will marginally increase the value of the insulation.
However, this comes at the trade off of not being able to see the joists once the insulation is installed. This makes moving around the roof space much harder. This is because you won’t be able to see the timber structure that you can stand on and you may miss the timber when you step. You need to only step on the timber as the plaster surface cannot support much weight at all. For safety reasons, if you really want to use this method, it is better to avoid the cross-hatching process in areas where you will have access more frequently and limit it to areas where you will not need to return to.
People Also Ask:
⇒ Where can I learn more about this from an industry expert?
ecoMaster has been working in the energy efficiency / retrofit arena for over 20 years. During that time we learnt an enormous amount about diagnosing issues, distinctions on various products as well as developing the best installation practices. We have done the research, so you don’t have to. All that information has now been condensed into a series of ecoMasterClasses. Click here to gain access.
⇒ Is R6 insulation worth it in Victoria?
The short answer is Yes. The higher the R-value of the insulation in your roof, the more thermally efficient it is. But after about the R6.0 – R7.0 range the added thermal value versus the cost is not as comparable to the added value that R6.0 provides.
⇒ R 5 vs R 6 insulation?
Whether you should use R5.0 or R6.0 can depend on a few different factors. The main thing you want to consider is what climate zone your home is in.
In cool climates like high country and coastal areas, R6.0 is probably the best match for you. Whereas in metro areas you may be able to settle with a total R-Value between R5.0 and R6.0.
What’s Next?
We hope this article has helped you learn how to use simple ways to save on your utility bill. This in turn will help you on your energy and thermal efficiency retrofit journey to make your home more comfortable all year round, and reduce your costs and carbon emissions.
Next, explore how to make the most of your walls and insulate them properly and check How To Assess, Retrofit And Repair Sarking Wall Wrap In New And Existing Walls.
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