Why Insulate?

In any building, whether it is insulating your home or office, effective insulation is extremely important. Insulation helps keep the building interior warm, dry and comfortable. That’s a much healthier living or working environment, and can save significant money in heating.

A healthy family environment

Because it's drier and warmer, a well-insulated home is a lot healthier for families. A cold, damp home can promote mould and mildew, which can lead to asthma, recurring colds and flu.

A recent study by the Wellington School of Medicine confirmed that people who live in insulated homes are healthier. The ideal minimum temperature recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a home is 18 degrees Celsius. Without effective insulation, that temperature is difficult and expensive to achieve.

Installers of NOVAtherm ceiling and wall insulation and NOVAfloor underfloor insulation have plenty of stories to back up this finding, like the experience of Hamilton home owner Tash, who stated:

“The house is now significantly warmer and drier, vastly improving my

son’s respiratory conditions resulting in a peaceful night’s sleep for all.”

Do you or your family suffer from Asthma?

Insulation will assist in creating a warmer and drier home in the cold winter months, when asthma is more likely to be challenging. A recent study lead by Wellington School of Medicine showed that well insulated homes with effective heating significantly reduce symptoms, days off school and healthcare visits for children.

Creating a warm home in winter and cool in summer

To create a warm home in winter and cool in summer you need to consider the thermal envelope of your home or building.

The envelope is the roof, walls, windows, glazing and floor construction, enclosing all habitable spaces, bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms in the building.

To assist in creating a thermal envelope you need to install effective insulation in the ceiling, walls and under the floor.

Saving your money on your power bill

Effective insulation can reduce heat loss in winter, allowing you to turn your heating down or off so you can save on your power bill.

Effective insulation in the ceiling can cut heat losses from a building by over 40%. Insulation in exterior walls can cut overall heat loss by roughly one quarter, and by using insulation in internal walls around living spaces the amount of energy required to heat them will be reduced too. Insulating under floor boards can improve heat retention even further, as well as cutting out uncomfortable draughts.

During summer, insulation will keep your house cool, reducing your need to turn on a fan or air conditioning to create a more comfortable environment

New Zealand Building Code requirements

If you are renovating or building a new home then you need to consider the New Zealand Building Code requirements for insulation.

The Building Code in New Zealand requires that insulation meets certain criteria which cover durability, internal moisture, hazardous building materials and energy efficiency. You need to ensure the insulation you choose meets building code requirements.

One of these Building Code requirements, energy efficiency, relates to insulation’s R-Value. The code divides the country into three zones for energy efficiency compliance and the R-value of insulation tells you how effective it is. A higher R-value gives greater insulation effect, therefore creating a warmer home.

Below is the typical R-values required to meet New Zealand Building Code requirements:

Making New Zealand homes warmer with insulation

Happy homeowners with InsulPro insulation

Are you entitled to $1,300 toward the cost of your home insulation?

Why Insulate?

Creating a warm home in winter and cool in summer

Saving your money on your power bill