Insulation FAQ
Q1. How 'Green' is Eco-Insulation's product?
A1. Eco-Insulation is made from recycled materials and contains no harmful chemicals. Much of the material used would ordinarily end-up in landfills; instead it is reconverted to make an exceptional insulation product that is not detrimental to the environment. Eco-Insulation's manufacturing process uses very little embedded energy, minimizing carbon emissions. Even the product's packaging is made from recycled material which after use is returned to our factory to be used again.
Q2. With the rising cost of electricity we need to reduce our consumption, will the insulation help?
A2. Eco-Insulation is extremely effective in saving electricity. By trapping heat in the home in winter the cost of running heaters is dramatically reduced. On more moderate winter days you will most likely not feel the need to run heaters or when you do switch them on they do not have to run the entire day or evening, as convective heat is retained and you will only therefore run them for a short time, saving energy. The same applies if you are running under-floor heaters or air-conditioners which use very high levels of electricity. Air-Conditioners are fitted with a thermostat and in an un-insulated ceiling on a very hot day the air-conditioner appears to never switch off as it continues to work overtime to maintain the thermostatic setting. This is because as it cools hot air still beats down through your ceiling into the room, once you have insulated you have created a thermal trap that blocks the downward heat flow from your roof ensuring the air-conditioner reaches it's setting more quickly and then stays there ensuring substantial electricity savings. Eco-Insulation's product aids in the regulation of heat in your home bringing it to a more natural and even temperature, winter and summer.
Q3. What happens with downlights?
A3. Downlights are a common feature of many South African homes and form a part of many of Eco-Insulation's standard installations. Whichever form of insulation is installed, downlights or recessed lights need to be kept clear of the insulation material. Eco Insulation installers wherever possible place a 110mm UG pipe around the unit to prevent the insulation product from coming into contact with the down light. Where it is not possible to place the sleeve around the downlight because the unit is situated next to or under a roof truss then a clearing of 200mm is made around the unit.
Q4. We have had rats nesting in our ceiling; won't the insulation just encourage them?
A4. Eco-Insulation's product is unfriendly to rodents; although not harmful they find the material irritating and will therefore not nest in the product.
Q5. We have a very old house and I think lots of bugs in our ceiling, how will the insulation affect them?
A5. Eco-Insulation's product does not contain insecticides but is treated with a special additive that is unpleasant to insects of all kinds. The insulation rids the ceiling of insects and ensures they do not return.
Q6. I have children with allergies, will the insulation affect them?
A6. Eco-Insulation's cellulose fibre insulation is non-allergenic and non-toxic.
Q7. I often hear wind in my roof, will the insulation blow around?
A7. Eco-Insulation once installed in a ceiling cavity mats together naturally and stays there.
Q8. We live in the Cape and have a lot of wind noise in our roof; will the insulation help with this?
A8. Eco-Insulation has natural acoustic products that helps dampen noise. After the insulation is installed your home will immediately appear quieter.
Q9. We have a flat roof; can insulation be installed in this type of roof?
A9. Yes, unlike traditional batt roll insulation, Eco-Insulation's product can be installed without having to remove the roofing sheets. In most cases a simple flexing back of selected sheets is all that is required to effect the installation.
Q10. I have a lot of wires lying around in my ceiling how will the insulation damage them?
A10. Most modern ceilings carry a combination of wires from electrical to alarm wires etc. Eco-Insulation's product will neither damage nor corrode the wiring. Being a loose fill insulation type it is easy to locate and retrieve these wires post insulation if maintenance is required.
Q11. Does Eco-Insulation use formaldehyde, other harmful chemicals or glass fibres?
A11. No, Eco-Insulation is not manufactured with formaldehyde, or any other harmful chemicals. Eco-Insulation does not contain fibreglass or plastic. Eco-Insulation also contains no pesticides or insecticides and is certified environmentally friendly.
Q12. What is the difference between Eco-Insulation's cellulose fibre insulation and traditional rolled insulation batts?
A12. Research on cellulose fibre insulation has shown that air leakage through the walls and ceilings is reduced because cellulose has a better as well as natural ability to “tighten” the building by filling in small, hard-to-reach cavities and irregular surfaces. Eco-Insulation is machine blown and it offers greater performance value than other fibrous insulations. Its higher density and perfect fit dramatically reduce air leakage and air convection.
Q13. Is Eco-Insulation a fire hazard because it's made of recycled newspapers?
A13. Treated with a specially formulated fire retardant, Eco-Insulation is tested and classified in accordance with SANS 428 and is fire rated B/B1/2 – In the event of fire Eco-Insulation's product retards the spread of flame.
Q14. Will it lose flame resistance over the years?
A14. No, accelerated aging tests performed on cellulose insulation have shown that there is no noticeable degradation over time. Eco-Insulation offers a limited lifetime warranty which includes the permanency to the fire retardant treatment for the life of the structure.
Q15. What happens if the insulation gets wet?
A15. Eco-Insulation's product does not attract moisture. The insulating fibers have a natural ability to handle moisture. Moisture vapor in the air is absorbed and released depending upon the relative humidity of the surrounding air. The insulation fibers retain a natural moisture level between 5 to 8% by weight, as much as 15% has no effect on the thermal insulating characteristics. In the event of a geyser burst in the ceiling, Eco-Insulation's product will usually aid to contain the leak and the insulation will over a period of time dry out. It is however better to fix or prevent roof leaks, as water will damage the ceiling and may cause electrical problems with your wiring or geyser. In instances of a prolonged leak an Eco-Insulation team will be at hand to remove and replace the affected insulation, this may be done in the course of a standard householders insurance claim.
Q16. What are the Sound Control capabilities of Eco-Insulation?
A16. Eco-Insulation is effective in helping create a quieter home environment. This is especially true for airborne sound that is generated by traffic noise, airplanes, radios, televisions, and conversation. The sound control quality of Eco-Insulation is due to its density which is approximately three times greater than similar fiberglass products, this as well as its ability to fill any cavity into which it is installed. Eco-Insulation completely fills voids and gaps that allow sound transmission. The product has a Noise Reduction Coefficient of 0.90 (90% of sound energy absorbed).
Q17. Is there a lot of dust created during the installation of Eco-Insulation?
A17. During the installation process some dust will be generated, especially if there are gaps between cornices and the walls. Also when blowing around the manhole some dust will occur, this dust is simply vacuumed up once the installation team has completed the installation.
Q18. How is Eco-Insulation's product priced?
A18. Eco-Insulation is costed per square metre i.e. the length multiplied by the breadth of your home by the quoted cost per square metre equates to the total cost of the insulation including installation. Contact the Eco-Insulation agent in your area for a free no obligation quotation.
Q19. How many degrees cooler will my home be after installing Eco-Insulation?
A19. Temperature variations differ between installed homes, however the average difference on a hot day between the internal ambient and external temperatures commonly ranges between three to eight degrees cooler. In winter the insulation effectively traps convective heat creating a warmer, more pleasant and comfortable environment.
Q20. Will Eco-Insulation's product settle over time?
A20. All loose-fill insulation settles after installation and in accordance with national building codes Eco-Insulation is specified and installed at a settled density. The weight and bag count of required material on Eco-Insulation's coverage chart provides the exact information pertaining to the amount of insulation that must be installed to produce the specified R-Value.
Q21. How long does it take to install Eco-Installation?
A21. It takes around two and a half to three hours to install Eco-Insulation into the average home.
