Fighting Climate Change
Why Savvy Homeowners Should Consider Ceiling Insulation Before Switching On The Air-Conditioning.
14/02/2020
Home insulation is as much about keeping warm in winter as cool in summer. Now that summer is in full swing, before automatically turning on the air-conditioning, savvy homeowners should consider ceiling insulation that can provide a five-degree differential in indoor temperatures.
“Effective ceiling insulation provides high resistance to the flow of both temperature and sound. Essentially, when you install plasterboard and insulation it creates a heat flow barrier between the roof tiles and the ceiling.” says Jolene Blundell, Product Manager for Saint-Gobain Isover, manufacturers of ThinkPink Aerolite. “On average, 35% of a home’s energy is lost or gained through the ceiling when no insulation is present. By increasing the thermal properties of your home the temperature fluctuations are reduced and far less energy is required to heat or cool interior spaces. This, naturally, leads to reduced electricity costs and reduces your personal carbon-footprint. We can all, in our own little ways, become more environmentally friendly.”
While some individuals still resist installing insulation in their homes, due to the initial cost, it must be remembered that it takes only two years to make a return on your investment. “ThinkPink Aerolite will pay for itself over and over again,” says Blundell. “Once you have realised savings equivalent to your purchase price, you continue to save money in the years to come. In a world where monthly living expenses continually inflate, anything that actively saves money and contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment is a winner. Coupled to this, the product has some exceptional sustainability credentials – it uses less energy to cool and heat buildings, the factories in which it is manufactured are CFC and HCFC-free, and it is made from 80% recycled glass.”
An added benefit to home-insulation, which people don’t take into account, is its acoustic properties. “Thanks to its exceptional acoustic insulation properties, insulation reduces the levels of noise from outside and absorbs and insulates noise from the inside. When we are comfortable in our home or work environments, we are happier and experience fewer health-related issues. Research has shown that well-designed sound environments in schools help to improve concentration and enable better communication. Learning becomes less tiring and more enjoyable and effective when students can comfortably hear and understand their teacher. The same is true for hospitals, where it has been established that, by reducing the stress and sleeplessness created by high noise levels, patients recover faster and staff become more productive. Additionally, our homes are our sanctuaries and great insulation protects us from noise and contributes to a sense of security and privacy. In a world where the increasing pace of urbanisation and densification means that people are living closer together, compounded by disruptive noises from car engines, ambulance sirens and construction sites, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes a true refuge, and that means keeping noise levels from the outside to a minimum.”
Adding to its thermal and acoustic properties, effective insulation literally adds a layer of safety to your home. “Top of the range insulating materials are made from Glasswool and have zero health risks,” says Blundell.
“Glasswool is certified as a non-combustible product and won’t burn or create smoke. This makes it the globally recommended product for hospitals and clinics because of its great fire rating. Furthermore, it contains no asbestos, doesn’t emit toxic fumes, is bio-soluble and has a Class III rating by the World Health Organisation. It is also odourless so won’t attract vermin and, due to its composition, it doesn’t breed mould or micro-organisms.”
The benefits to insulating your home seem to speak for themselves. In a world with ever spiralling costs, and environmental concerns, it is a no-brainer. “Any home fitted with ceiling insulation will have a much more consistent temperature during summer and winter. Add the host of other benefits and that it can easily be installed during construction or can be retro-fitted, it should be must-have in all our homes,” says Blundell.
For more information or a list of installers and suppliers please logon to www.aerolite.co.za