Homeowners are well aware of the benefits of installing insulation. It will reduce the amount of heat lost in the winter and keep the home cooler during summer. However, its effectiveness is quickly compromised when there are air leaks or unwanted air infiltrates the building through low-quality, faulty or damaged insulation.
Things to be aware of are gaps between individual pieces of insulation, especially with batts used in the roof, and whether or not the insulation has holes or is compacted. Some gaps are naked to the human eye or hidden from view.
To get a comprehensive overview of where the
Insulation is not working efficiently, an assessment utilising blower door and thermal imaging technology is recommended. This kind of testing is ideal for homes where access is sometimes tricky such as wall cavities and suspended wooden floors where insulation is present between the joists.
Older homes in Australia with floorboards often have no insulation underneath making them even more air leak prone. If walls and ceilings are also uninsulated, this can account for a staggering 70% of heat loss. Best results for reduced energy consumption are achieved by installing good quality insulation, having it properly sealed and then rechecked for gaps.