Compare Roof Insulation Products

On this page, we have had a look at the most common questions asked and have rated the Insulation as a pass or fail. As Roof Insulation Installers, we supply many types of Roof Insulation products; however, there are some products we will not install. Let’s take a look and Compare Roof Insulation Products.

Our reason for not installing certain insulation products is that we are not happy to guarantee craft on products that, in our opinion, are not up to scratch. We do not supply blow in paper insulation or install the same.

To Compare Roof Insulation products, we have opted to look at the most critical questions we have been asked over the years. From this, we have compiled a comparison.

The Importance Of Fire Rating

As we are all aware, Fire Rating is critical in any home. As a result, the two products with the highest Fire Rating are Aerolite Insulation and Ecose Insulation. Therefore the Aerolite and the Ecose are the only two insulation products certified safe for Hospitals and Schools.

Insulation products like the Isotherm and Cellulose Insulation are combustible with a BB 1/2 fire rating. This means that these particular insulation products have a limited fire rating and are therefore not safe for Hospitals and Schools and may not be installed in these buildings.

Roof Insulation That Is Safe For Hospitals and Schools

When we Compare Roof Insulation products, only AA 1/1 insulation can be used in these establishments confirms the importance of fire rating. However, this is the importance of good quality safe insulation for roofs.

Condensation

Many homes are affected by moisture and condensation, especially in the Western Cape region, where our winters are long and wet. This is where roll form insulation products like Isotherm, Aerolite and Ecose separate themselves from the rest. As roll form, insulation materials do not contain paper.

As we know, Cellulose paper will absorb water until the inevitable ceiling collapse. 

Insulation Lifespan

Roof Insulation with a longer lifespan means that energy-saving benefits are longer. The higher the lifespan, the better the investment for effective roof insulation. As a result, the energy-saving cost per year improves exponentially the longer the lifespan.

Electrical Wires and Insulation

Where ever possible, all Electrical wires must be above the Insulation. One of the main reasons for this is that most home fires will start with a short electrical wire. As a result, the wire will burn back to the DB box.

However, where all wires are in the Insulation, the heat is stored. As a result, especially BB 1/2 insulation types will burn or smoulder with the electrical wire.

Down Light Cones

It is important to remember that downlight cones will eventually melt into the electrical wires. This works because simple downlights will build up the heat while they are switched on. As a result, these cones can melt into the electrical wires as the heat builds up.

The image on the right shows how these downlights cones have melted and caught on fire in the roof space.

Water Absorption In Insulation

All our roll for Insulation products does not absorb water. In the event of a roof leak, the water will flow through the Insulation, alerting you to the prospect of a roof leak.

On the other hand, Cellulose Paper insulation will absorb water. If the roof leak or the water pipe continues to leak, the Insulation will eventually get heavy enough to collapse the ceiling. As one can imagine, this is not only costly, but it can also be a hazard to family and friends.

Will the Wind Affect Your Insulation

Roll form Insulation like Aerolite, Ecose and Isotherm will not be affected by the wind in the roof space. The Insulation is cut slightly wider than the beams and is pressed down onto the ceiling. As a result, an excellent tight fit is created.

However, Cellulose insulation is paper dust like Insulation. We have two large Roof Vacuum machines for removing cellulose, and in most cases, the Insulation has shifted substantially in the roof space. South Easterly facing areas have very little Insulation on one side and more on the opposite end, reducing the Insulation’s effectiveness.