Fibreglass / Glasswool Insulation

Fibreglass also called glasswool insulation is the most common insulation used to insulate roofs in Australian homes. Fibreglass Insulation is -
  > relatively cheap to buy and easy to install
  > has good heat and cooling properties and is
  > made from up to 70% recycled glass.

How Is Fibreglass Insulation Made?
Fibreglass Insulation involves melting the raw materials, glass and sand at temperatures of around 1550ºC.

The liquid glass is then spun rapidly and extruded out of small holes to form fibres. These fibres are then coated with a resin to bind them together and shaped into batts.

Cost of Fibreglass Insulation:

Fibreglass insulation is generally the cheapest insulation to buy and easiest to install - so it is no wonder it is the most common insulation used for homes and roofs. There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of installing fibreglass insulation but as a guide here is what you could expect to pay to have fibreglass insulation installed in 100sqm home.

Manufacturing: Prior to the rebate most fibreglass insulation was manufactured in Australia however once demand outstripped production many insulation installers were forced to source fibreglass batt insulation from overseas (mainly China)

Environmental Issues: The main environmental benefit of fibreglass insulation is that it is manufactured out of up to 70% recycled glass. On the downside however the manufacturing process for fibreglass insulation requires a huge amount of energy and so has a high CO2 cost.

Fire Resistance: Fibreglass is one of the most resistant materials to fire - it requires extremely high temperature to burn. However fires can still occur due to poor installation of fibreglass where batts cover down lights & ceiling fans which can cause them to overheat. As a result of a number of fires attributed to improperly installed insulation the Government now requires all downlights to be covered by approved covers.

Advantages of Fibreglass Insulation: 

• Relatively easy to install if ceiling space is open
• Both Heating and Cooling properties
• Reduces noise - Acoustic properties
• Resistant to Fire
• Resistant to Insects
• Does Not Shrink
  
  

 Disadvantages of Fibreglass Insulation:

• Required Gaps around down lights and electric boxes reduces the effectiveness
• Loses effectiveness if Insulation becomes wet or damp
• Irritation during installation
• Can result in airborne fibres which may be an issue to asthma sufferers.
  
  

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