Search all WA Government Sites Print this page	[ Selecting Insulation ] [ Types of Insulation ] [ Installation and Safety Tips ] Whether installing the insulation yourself or having a professional do it, ensure the manufacturer's instructions concerning installation, safety and care of the product are correctly followed. Installation tips Bulk insulation Loose fill insulation is often installed to the height of ceiling joists in order to contain the insulation and allow access to the roof cavity. However, this limits the R value of the insulation. Insulation can be installed to a greater thickness provided suitable mechanisms are in place for restraining the insulation and allowing safe roof access. Some types of loose fill insulation may blow around in the roof space if the roof space is ventilated. Loose fill insulation can be sprayed with a coating to prevent this. Batts should be firmly butted against each other and against ceiling joists, wall frames, etc. Batts can easily be installed to a thickness greater than the ceiling joists. This need not restrict roof access as ceiling joists are usually still visible and the batts will usually return to their original thickness if walked on. Reflective insulation All gaps, tears or holes in reflective foil should be minimised or taped up except when using some products in wall cavities or under timber floors to prevent condensation. Hot flues, exhaust fans and downlights There should be a gap of at least 100 mm between any insulation and hot flues or exhaust fans and a 50 mm gap between downlights recessed into the ceiling and insulation. A sheet metal or similar barrier should be used to maintain this gap. In addition, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans should direct steam vapours outside if possible, so as to not exacerbate problems of condensation in the roof space. Ceiling vents In older homes with ceiling vents, the vents should be covered from above with cardboard, thin plywood or a similar product so that insulation material does not fall into rooms below and to prevent unnecessary air and heat flow into the roof space. However, ceiling vents above unflued gas heaters should not be covered to allow adequate ventilation. Instead a barrier as described previously should be built around the vent to stop insulation falling through. Moisture Allowing your insulation to become wet will decrease its effectiveness and may damage your ceiling. Safety Tips Health issues The insulation industry abounds with claims and counter-claims about the health and safety risks of competitor products. Fibreglass and rockwool can cause short term irritation to the skin eyes, nose and throat. A good dust mask, goggles, gloves and a long sleeved shirt should be worn when handling these materials. Breathing in any insulation fibres should be avoided and care should be taken when handling any insulation material. Fire safety All insulation products should have flammability test certificates. Cellulose fibre insulation is treated with a fire retardant by the manufacturers. Wool is naturally fire resistant, although greasy wool is potentially flammable, due to lanolin coating the wool. Polyester does not burn but will melt if exposed to a flame. Polystyrene is combustible and should only be installed between fire resistant materials. Fire retardant polystyrene is also available and may be suitable for exposed situations. Fibreglass and rockwool products are non-combustible. It is recommended that your contract guarantees that the insulation is manufactured with the correct chemicals, including fire retardants, in accordance with the appropriate standard. Electrical safety When installing your own insulation, extreme care must be taken when inside the roof cavity. Because of electrical wiring, the roof cavity is a very dangerous place. If you have any concerns check with the supplier before attempting to do any of the work yourself. You should seek advice from an electrical contractor if you have any queries or concerns about the wiring itself. Reflective foils generally have metallic coatings that will conduct electricity. These materials should be prevented from touching any electrical fittings and contacts. Wiring should be kept clear of insulation in general. In all cases, the manufacturer's safety advice and installation instructions should be followed.
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