Why should I insulate my walls?
I have already insulated my ceiling and underfloor - why walls?
Research shows that 30% of heat loss occurs through your walls. If you have already installed ceiling and underfloor – think of it like a tomato sandwich – the heat is going to squeeze right out the walls like a sliced tomato!
When was wall insulation mandatory in New Zealand?
Homes built before 1978 are likely to have no insulation in the external walls
Tell me more about CodeMark Certification & BRANZ
What does "CodeMark" mean in New Zealand?
CodeMark is an unchallengeable form of product assurance and controlled by MBIE. Building consent authorities (BCAs, usually councils) must accept a product certificate as evidence of compliance with the Building Code.
How about BRANZ?
BRANZ are an independent New Zealand based research organisation providing impartial evidence-based advice on critical issues in building and construction in New Zealand, to industry and government. They provide testing and consultancy services that drive better performance. They undertake and invest in research by BRANZ science teams and external research agencies to unlock new knowledge, addressing current and emerging challenges of the New Zealand built environment. BRANZ are approved to issue CodeMark Certificates in New Zealand
Why use BRANZ for CodeMark blow-in systems?
Eco Insulation selected BRANZ due to their specific knowledge and science in relation to New Zealand construction methods over the decades. The ecoinsulation Blow-in Retrofit Wall system is the only system on the market that has a CodeMark issued in NZ by BRANZ. BRANZ have applied an increased focus on how to manage liquid water ingress relative to the New Zealand Building Code, together with cladding systems assessment criteria in the marketplace.
What is the insulation product installed?
What is the insulation made from?
The dry glasswool insulation we use exclusively for our system is Supafil® Frame – made from recycled glass and sand. In addition, the product is silicone treated to provide the required performance and enhanced durability
Why do you use Supafil® Frame?
Supafil® Frame is manufactured by Knauf Insulation – one of the world’s largest and leading insulation manufacturers. Working with Knauf Insulation, we have been able to prepare comprehensive systems based on world-class processes, and applied specifically to New Zealand Conditions.
Is the product flammable?
Supafil® Frame is non-combustible.
Can it provide acoustic improvements to my walls?
Yes, Supafil® Frame provides BOTH acoustic and Thermal performance.
How does the R-rating compare to other products like polyester
Where installed, Supafil® Frame delivers high R-values in comparison to other exterior wall insulation types R2.8 for standard 100mm (4 inch) timber frame and R3.6 for brick veneer.
Is the insulation wet or dry when installed?
Supafil® Frame is a dry glasswool, unlike other expanding foam type systems that is injected wet. Also no risk of potential noxious fumes.
My house has weatherboards?
I have a weatherboard house – can my place have insulation installed?
Yes, as long as there is building paper present (on the outside of the frame and under the weatherboards).
What R-rating is the product in a weatherboard house?
Insulation installed in a typical weatherboard house with 100mm frame (in old words 4-inch framing) can achieve R2.8.
How does that compare to the NZ building Code?
R2.8 is well above the minimum R-Value for new houses constructed in Zones 1 and 2, and more than meets the requirements of new homes in Zone 3 – (South Island and Central plateau)
Where do you drill the holes in a weatherboard house?
Yes, Supafil® Frame provides BOTH acoustic and Thermal performance.
How does the R-rating compare to other products like polyester
We install from the inside. Any holes drilled through the outside produce a weak point which could fail over time. Additionally, it would put a hole through the building paper which must be present.
I have a brick house?
I have a brick house – can my place have insulation installed?
Yes, based on the design of the house we can fill the wooden frame together with the additional cavity to the brick veneer.
What is the R-rating for insulation installed into brick veneer houses?
Brick veneer cavity is typically 100mm plus 40mm, resulting in the insulation with an R-value of R3.6.
Where do you drill holes in a brick house?
We install from the inside and outside.
Bricks are porous – how is the liquid water managed in brick houses.
We apply a Masonry Protection Barrier to the outside faced of untreated bricks designed to prevent liquid water penetrating the brick. For houses with brick veneer external cladding we will also need to ensure that the outside face of the brick is sealed as most brick systems are porous. To achieve this, we will need to check the specific condition of the brick work and we will need to apply a specific sealant to the brick work. Our quotation will outline what needs to be done to ensure effectiveness of the sealing system, and once installed the maintenance required to ensure that seal continues to perform.
The final touches
How big are the holes in the wall linings?
We drill 25mm holes in the wall so we can insert our directional nozzle to ensure an adequate fill in each cavity.
How are the holes in my plasterboard linings patched?
We offer you the choice of patching the holes using a patented system resulting in an almost good as new finish. This can also be colour matched to existing paint as well. Let us know at time of quotation what you require.
Getting it done
Are your installers trained?
Yes, our installers and assessors are trained and confirmed as being competent to ensure all steps in our processes meet the CodeMark requirements.
How long does it take to complete?
A typical New Zealand three-bedroom home (weatherboard or brick veneer) can be insulated in less than a day by an accredited installer team. It’s quick, clean and doesn’t affect the structure or look of your house.