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Author: emdagency

Trufill is now on masterspec

We’re making our consenting process easier – Trufill Documentation Is Now on Masterspec 

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Industry.

Getting building consents approved can be one of the most frustrating parts of a project. Architects and builders know how much time can be lost pulling together the right product documentation and making sure it’s in the correct format for council. 

At Trufill, we want to make that process as smooth as possible. That’s why all of our insulation documentation is now available directly on Masterspec. 

What is Masterspec? 

Masterspec is New Zealand’s leading specification system for the construction industry. It’s the go-to tool used by architects, designers, and councils to ensure projects are properly documented and compliant. Put simply, it standardises product information so that it’s easy to specify, easy to submit for consent, and easy to approve. 

Why This Matters 

By having Trufill insulation systems available on Masterspec, we’ve taken away the extra steps. Our products are right there in the system you already use, which means: 
 

  • Faster specifications – no hunting around for the right documents. 
  • Fewer delays – everything is in the correct format for council. 
  • More confidence – you know you’re using the latest, most accurate information. 

Check Us Out on Masterspec 

Whether you’re an architect looking to streamline your next project, or a builder wanting to keep jobs moving smoothly, you can now find Trufill insulation specifications ready to go on Masterspec. 

Take a look for yourself and see how we’ve made the insulation consenting process easier. 

Blown insulation provides a solution that meets the wall insulation requirements in nz

Understanding Wall Insulation Requirements in NZ and What Homeowners Need to Know

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Wall Insulation.


Maintaining a warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient home in New Zealand has become more of a focus in recent years. Wall insulation plays an important part of achieving this. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an existing one, it’s important to understand the current wall insulation requirements in NZ, and how they might impact you. This article will guide you through these requirements for both new builds and existing homes.

Wall Insulation Requirements for Existing Homes in NZ

First off, there are no requirements mandating a certain level of wall insulation in existing homes. In fact, many older homes in New Zealand have little or no wall insulation. If you’ve already insulated your ceiling and underfloor, it’s worth considering wall insulation as the next step in improving your home’s energy efficiency. While wall insulation is not mandated under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA), it plays a vital role in completing your home’s thermal barrier. Insulating your walls helps create a more energy-efficient home, leading to lower energy bills and increased comfort throughout the year.

The best time to add wall insulation is when you’re removing cladding or internal linings. This allows for a more cost-effective and straightforward installation process. This is not always possible, and there are newer wall insulation systems available in New Zealand that can be installed without the need to remove your linings.

For existing homes, Safe-R Insulation offers a CodeMark certified wall insulation system called CosyWall Insulation. This system is designed specifically for retrofitting wall insulation into older New Zealand homes. CosyWall can be blown into external wall cavities either from the inside, through internal linings, or from the outside, through the cladding. Small holes are drilled for the installation, and they are easily repaired afterward, making the process minimally invasive.

It’s important to note that retrofitting insulation into the external walls of an existing building is considered “building work”. Building work must comply with the Building Code. In most cases, a building consent is required. This ensures that the retrofitted insulation material and any associated repairs (such as fixing cracks in claddings or reinstating linings) meet the relevant Building Code performance criteria. We highly recommend hiring an experienced insulation company to install your wall insulation.

Wall Insulation Requirements for NZ New Builds

For new builds in New Zealand, wall insulation requirements have become more stringent due to recent changes in the Building Code, specifically clause H1 Energy Efficiency. As of 1 May 2023, all new homes must meet a minimum wall construction R-value of R2.0. This requirement applies across New Zealand and reflects the standard that was previously only required in the colder climate zones of the South Island.

To meet this R-value, walls will typically need insulation materials with an R-value of R2.4 or higher. Fortunately, this new standard can be achieved without changing the current wall construction methods, as the R2.0 target is achievable with standard 90mm wall framing.

Table showing minimum wall insulation requirements for NZ new builds
Table showing minimum wall insulation requirements for NZ new builds

Safe-R Insulation has developed the Trufill High Performance Insulation System to comply with these new requirements. Trufill is a CodeMark certified insulation system that meets the new H1 Energy Efficiency requirements for wall insulation in NZ. The Trufill system can be installed at varying densities, achieving R-values between 2.0 and 2.75 within a 90mm wall cavity. This flexibility makes Trufill an excellent choice for new builds, ensuring that your home not only meets but exceeds the current insulation standards.

Meeting Wall Insulation Requirements with Safe-R Insulation

Understanding and meeting wall insulation requirements in NZ is essential for creating a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Whether you’re retrofitting an older home or building a new one, proper wall insulation can significantly improve your home’s thermal performance, reduce energy costs, and enhance overall comfort.

Safe-R Insulation offers industry-leading insulation products designed to meet these requirements, including the CosyWall system for retrofitting older homes and the Trufill high performance system for new builds. Both systems are CodeMark certified, ensuring compliance with NZ Building Code standards.

If you’re looking to improve your wall insulation, contact Safe-R Insulation or one of our resellers today. Our experts will help ensure your home remains warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient all year round.

Trufill High Performance Insulation

Why Blown Insulation is Considered High-Performance Insulation

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Uncategorized.


When it comes to insulating your home, not all insulation methods are created equal. Blown insulation is widely regarded as a high-performance insulation solution, and offers unique advantages that set it apart from other types of insulation. This article will explore why blown insulation is so effective, covering key factors such as its ability to fill gaps and voids, its adaptability in tight spaces, and its role in creating airtight, energy-efficient homes.

The Installation Process Fills All Gaps and Voids

One of the primary reasons blown insulation is considered high-performance is its ability to fill gaps and voids that other insulation methods often miss. When insulation is installed, it’s important to mare sure there are no spaces left uncovered, as these can become pathways for heat to escape or enter. Traditional insulation materials, like batts or rolls, can be difficult to fit perfectly into irregularly shaped or hard-to-reach areas, leaving gaps that reduce overall effectiveness.

Blown insulation, however, is applied using a blower machine that evenly distributes the insulation material throughout the targeted area. Whether it’s a wall cavity, ceiling space, or floor, the insulation is blown into every nook and cranny, ensuring comprehensive coverage. This complete fill significantly enhances the thermal performance of your home, making it warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Variable Densities for Higher R-Values

Another advantage of blown insulation is its adaptability. Unlike traditional insulation, which comes in fixed thicknesses and densities, blown insulation can be installed at variable densities to meet specific performance requirements. This is particularly useful in tight or confined spaces where achieving the desired R-value—the measure of insulation’s resistance to heat flow—can be challenging with other materials.

By adjusting the density of the blown insulation, installers can achieve higher R-values even in spaces where traditional insulation might struggle to perform effectively. This flexibility allows blown insulation to deliver excellent thermal performance in a wide range of applications, making it a versatile insulation solution new builds and retrofits applications alike. This has made blown insulation an ideal insulation solution for complying with the new H1 requirements without having to make significant change at the design stage of the build.

Creating Airtight Environments

Blown insulation is also highly effective in creating airtight environments, which are crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. When installed in conjunction with a vapour-proof membrane or air barrier, blown insulation helps to seal the building envelope, preventing air leaks that can compromise the insulation’s effectiveness. This is especially important in the construction of passive homes, where maintaining airtightness is key to achieving the low energy consumption that these designs are known for.

In a passive home, the combination of blown insulation and airtight construction ensures that the home remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer with minimal reliance on heating and cooling systems. This not only enhances comfort but also contributes to significant energy savings, making the home more sustainable in the long term.

High Performance Insulation Creates Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Homes

Because blown insulation is so effective at filling gaps, providing variable densities, and creating airtight environments, it plays a crucial role in creating energy-efficient and sustainable homes. Homes insulated with blown insulation require less energy to heat and cool, leading to lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Over time, the energy savings from using blown insulation can offset the initial cost of installation, making it a smart investment for homeowners who are looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Safe-R Insulation is Your Partner in High-Performance Insulation

At Safe-R Insulation, we understand the importance of high-performance insulation in creating comfortable, energy-efficient homes. That’s why we offer a range of blown insulation products designed to meet the needs of New Zealand homeowners. Whether you’re looking to insulate your roof, walls, or floors, our Loft, CosyWall, and Warmafloor products provide the superior coverage and thermal performance you need.

If you’re considering upgrading your home’s insulation or building a new home, talk to us today for a free consultation. Our experts can help you choose the right blown insulation product for your home, and connect you with a local installer in your area.

Trufill Blown Insulation for new builds

Trufill Blown Insulation for New Builds

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Uncategorized.

When it comes time to start building a modern, energy efficient home, installing high performance insulation has become important to many Kiwis. Having quality Insulation will keep your new build home warm in the winter but also nice and cool in the summer. Investing in blown insulation helps reduce energy costs and makes sure your home stays comfortable and cost effective all year round.

Introducing Trufill

Safe-R’s Trufill blown insulation system is intentionally designed for new builds, and this high performance insulation is CodeMark certified so It meets every safety and performance standard set for New Zealand homes. Trufill provides your new build with an easy solution that gives exceptional thermal efficiency and comfort.

Advantages of Trufill

So, what makes Trufill so special? First of all, it is easy and mess free to install. Unlike traditional insulation methods that might require different products for different areas, Trufill is a one-product solution that suits all parts of your home. Whether it’s the walls, roof, or floor, Trufill works for it all and makes the installation process straightforward. Another standout feature of Trufill blown insulation is its ability to fill cavities completely. This means no gaps, no voids, just a seamless layer of insulation that provides maximum thermal efficiency for the build.

Variable density – The reason why blown insulation is so versatile

Thankfully, Trufill isn’t just a one size fits all product. Its density can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of your home. Having this customisation makes sure you get the best possible insulation performance, fitted to the unique requirements of your build. You can blow insulation into a tight ceiling cavity at a higher density and still achieve the same R-Value performance as a traditional truss roof blown at low density.

Now, If you’re aiming for a passive home, Trufill is an excellent choice. It promotes airtight construction, which is important for passive homes designed to minimise energy use and maximise comfort. By pairing Trufill with a moisture control membrane like INTELLO® PLUS to prevent air leakage, you create an insulation solution that maintains a consistent indoor temperature and reduces the need for heating or cooling appliances.

Cost-Effective with Exceptional Thermal Performance

Even though it has advanced features, Trufill is cost effective. It delivers amazing thermal performance that exceeds the new building code standards. The long term savings on energy bills make it a smart investment for anyone looking to build.

If you’re building a new home in New Zealand, we’d highly recommend you consider Safe-R’s Trufill blown insulation system. Both builders and homeowners will appreciate the easy installation and complete coverage. So, when you’re planning your new build, we encourage you to make it one that will continue to stay comfortable and warm for years to come.

Garage Conversion Comfort - Blown Insulation for New Living Spaces

Garage Conversion Comfort

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Blown Insulation for New Living Spaces

We’ve all seen the cost of homes rise over recent years, and many Kiwis are holding off selling their homes at the moment. Instead. Families are looking for ways to make their homes more liveable, rather than upgrading to larger homes. One popular trend is converting garages into living spaces, which provides extra room without the need for costly renovations. However, to make these new living areas comfortable and energy efficient, proper insulation is important. Blown insulation offers an ideal solution for transforming your garage into a cosy and functional part of your home.

The Challenge of Uninsulated Garages

Uninsulated garages can be notoriously uncomfortable. During New Zealand’s winter months they can become cold and damp, while in the summer, they can overheat quickly. This is usually due to the fact that most garage spaces aren’t well insulated. That doesn’t just make the space uncomfortable but it’s also inefficient to try to heat or cool. Without proper insulation, any efforts to convert a garage into a living space can fall short, leaving you with a room that’s far from ideal for day to day use.

Blown Insulation Provides an Easy Way to Retrofit Insulation to your Garage Space

Blown insulation is a fantastic option for retrofitting garages as it allows for the installation of insulation without needing to remove existing linings. This is especially helpful for garage conversions, where maintaining the structural integrity and appearance of the space is important. Safe-R offers two excellent products for this purpose. Loft insulation for ceilings and CosyWall insulation for walls. These blown insulation products are designed to fill every nook and cranny, giving you incredible coverage that maximises thermal efficiency. This method is great for improving the overall comfort of the space and helps to reduce energy costs by maintaining a stable indoor temperature.

Safe-R’s Loft Insulation for Ceilings

Safe-R’s Loft insulation is perfect for insulating garage ceilings. Its blown application allows it to be evenly distributed across the entire ceiling space, reaching every area that traditional insulation methods might miss. This thorough is important for preventing heat loss through the roof. Similarly, CosyWall is ideal for garage walls. The blown insulation is injected into the wall cavities, filling all gaps and providing a continuous layer of insulation. This not only helps to regulate the temperature within the garage but also reduces noise, making the space more comfortable and private.

Affordability and Impact

One of the main advantages of blown insulation is its affordability. Compared to other insulation methods, blown insulation is cost-effective and provides significant improvements in energy efficiency. By investing in insulation, you can transform your uninsulated garage into a comfortable living space without breaking damaging your wallet. The impact of proper insulation on the usability of a converted garage shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you’re turning your garage into a home office, guest room, play area, or an additional living room, blown insulation will make the space comfortable and inviting.

For every Kiwi homeowner looking to convert their garages into comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces, blown insulation is the way to go. Safe-R’s insulation products for walls and ceilings offer an easy, tidy and affordable retrofit solution that maximises the usability of your space. By considering blown insulation for your garage conversion, you can keep your home functionality and comfortable throughout the year.

top-up-your-comfort-blown-insulation-for-ceilings-and-roofs

Top Up Your Comfort – Blown Insulation for Ceilings and Roofs

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

Were all noticing temperatures dropping at the moment, so keeping your home well-insulated is key to maintaining comfort and reducing your power bills. One of the most crucial areas to insulate is the ceiling or roof. This is because it significantly impacts heat retention and energy efficiency. Proper insulation in these areas can make a world of difference. Essentially in keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Let’s explore the importance of ceiling and roof insulation and how Safe-R’s blown ceiling insulation can be the ideal solution for enhancing your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.

Insulation deteriorates over time

Over time, even the best insulation can lose its effectiveness especially in older New Zealand homes. This is especially true in older homes where the insulation might have settled, become compressed, or been disturbed by renovations or pests. As insulation deteriorates, its ability to retain heat diminishes quickly which leads to higher energy bills and overall less comfort. Regularly assessing the state of your ceiling and roof insulation is important to ensure your home remains as energy-efficient as possible.

Blown Ceiling Insulation for Top-Ups or Replacements

When it comes to topping up or replacing existing ceiling insulation, blown insulation stands out as one of the most efficient and effective solutions. Safe-R’s Loft Insulation is specifically designed for this purpose, It offers numerous benefits that make it the perfect choice for Kiwi homeowners.

Safe-R’s Loft insulation is perfect for open roof spaces, as well as those with tight and difficult to access areas. Its blown application allows it to be evenly distributed, filling every nook and cranny to ensure comprehensive coverage. This thorough application is essential for maximising the insulation’s effectiveness, making sure no spots are left exposed and vulnerable to heat loss.

Why Ceiling/Roof Insulation Matters Most

Heat rises, which means the ceiling and roof areas in your home are critical for preventing heat loss. Without proper insulation, a significant amount of the warmth generated inside your home can escape through the roof. This makes your heating system work much harder and increasing your power costs. By insulating your ceiling or roof, you create a barrier that traps heat inside during the winter and keeps it out during the summer. This can dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency. It reduces the need for excessive heating and cooling, leading to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, a well-insulated home maintains a more consistent indoor temperature, enhancing comfort for you and your family throughout the year.

Consider Blown Insulation

As you look to add to your home’s comfort and efficiency levels, blown insulation is seriously an amazing option to use for ceiling and roof top-ups or replacements. Safe-R’s Loft product will provide a thorough, efficient, and cost-effective solution. This makes sure your home stays warm in winter and cool in summer. Consider topping up your insulation with blown insulation, and experience all the benefits of a well-insulated home.

Blown Wall Insulation - The best insulation for upgrading existing homes

Blown Wall Insulation For Existing Homes – Breathe New Life into Your Walls

Written by emdagency on . Posted in Uncategorized.

I think we can all collectively agree that we experience a wide range of weather conditions here in New Zealand and making sure our homes stay comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the year is important for us practically and financially. One key factor in achieving this is proper wall insulation. Effective insulation acts as a barrier to heat loss in winter and keeps the heat out in summer, making your home an inviting space regardless of the season. If your home was built before modern insulation standards were established, you might not be getting these benefits. This is where blown wall insulation comes into play, offering an innovative solution for existing homes.

Traditional vs Blown Wall Insulation

Now you’ll notice most traditional wall insulation methods, while effective in new builds, come with significant challenges when it comes to retrofitting existing homes. These methods typically require the removal of wall linings, a process that is both invasive and costly. This kind of renovation can be disruptive to your daily life, often involving extensive labour and time to reinstall the linings and restore the interior of your home.

On the other hand, Blown wall insulation offers a modern and efficient alternative. Unlike traditional methods, blown insulation doesn’t require tearing out your wall linings, making it a much less intrusive option. By blowing insulation material into the wall cavities through small, strategically placed holes, you can achieve fully insulated walls without the hassle and expense that comes with traditional methods. Blown wall insulation is particularly advantageous for retrofitting older homes, bringing them up to modern standards of energy efficiency and comfort. Safe-R’s CosyWall insulation is designed to fill every nook and cranny in your walls, making sure it has complete and thorough coverage. This method effectively eliminates cold spots and drafts, creating a uniformly insulated barrier against the elements.

Blown Wall Insulation Ensures an Easy Installation without Removing Linings

One of the serious standout benefits of CosyWall blown insulation is how easy it is to install. Professionals can install the insulation with minimal disruption to your home life. There’s no need to vacate rooms or worry about the mess and expense associated with traditional insulation methods. The installation involves blowing a loose-fill insulation material into the wall cavities, through small holes that are easily sealed afterwards. This specialised technique also ensures that even the hardest-to-reach cavities within your walls are filled. This comprehensive coverage is so important for maximising the thermal efficiency of your home. By filling all gaps, blown wall insulation reduces heat loss and gain, significantly improving your home’s overall comfort levels.

Advantages of CosyWall Insulation

Safe-R’s CosyWall insulation offers several advantages. It carries the CodeMark certification, ensuring it meets precise safety and performance standards. This provides New Zealand homeowners with peace of mind about investing in a high-quality insulation solution. Additionally, CosyWall is an affordable way to significantly improve home comfort. As energy costs rise, this insulation can lead to substantial savings on heating and cooling bills, with the investment quickly paying for itself. CosyWall has successfully insulated numerous Kiwi homes across New Zealand since the early 2000s, proving its reliability and effectiveness in enhancing home comfort and energy efficiency.

CosyWall Insulation offers an excellent solution for retrofitting existing homes without the need for invasive and costly renovations. With its easy installation, comprehensive coverage, and certified performance, CosyWall is the superior choice for upgrading your home’s insulation. Consider blown wall insulation today and enjoy the benefits of a warmer, healthier home with lower energy bills.

Blown insulation installed behind internal wall linings

Existing Lined Wall Cavity Insulation

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

Existing Lined Wall Cavity Insulation

You don’t need to remove linings to install existing lined wall cavity insulation. These can be insulated by drilling and filling holes through the external or internal lining with either a water repellent dry fibre or wet foam system. With either wall insulation system there are usually three to four 25-30mm holes drilled in the wall, about every 500mm around the building.

Total R-value (installed) of R2.1 -R2.6 is achieved in a typical 90-100mm wall cavity with water repellent dry fibre or R1.0 – R1.5 with wet foam system installed correctly.

Unplastered or unpainted brick veneer cavities should not be insulated with either system, due to the high potential of wind driven rain entering such unsealed cavities.

The ONLY currently available dry, water-repellant, mineral fibre insulation is the formaldehyde-free CosyWall system, which must be installed at the design density to prevent settlement and ensure that the Total R-value is achieved and maintained. With the CosyWall system holes are plugged with filler immediately after the insulation is installed, then sanded, primed and finish coated.

Drilled hole pattern in a wall for cavity insulationFinished wall after cavity insulation, holes filled

CosyWall water-repellent, dry, mineral fibre system tests indicated no wicking after 30 days and no settlement after six months at the design density. CozyWall insulation prevents potential fire spread in the cavity and reduces noise transmission through the walls.

Qmulus testing of installed wall cavity insulation

Wet foam systems are usually manufactured on site from urea formaldehyde chemicals and water, or occasionally urethane foams. Installation of these systems is more complex, which often means long-term that the Total R-values (installed) are considerably less than that stated by suppliers.

The wet foam process requires 25-30 days full home ventilation to aid curing and reduce formaldehyde levels. Ideally, the home should not be occupied during this period. External wall hole plugging should not be completed until full curing is complete and internal wall moisture content is less than 24%. Serious concerns about the suitability of wet foam for existing wall cavities have been raised by Department of Building & Housing (Determination report 2008/35) and BRANZ (reports SR233 and SR234), which are available on their respective websites.

wet_foam

Wet foam holes should be plugged with a glued timber plug, then filled, sanded and primed. Finish painting should be delayed until all moisture introduced with wet foam has evaporated.

Branz report SR233 states 6% perimeter and thickness shrinkage from framing timber as the foam cures – which reduces the manufacturers claimed R2.9 to a Total R-value (installed) of R1.0 – R1.6

Wet foam systems can reduce potential fire spread in the wall cavity (depending on edge gap extent) and act as a cavity noise absorber.

How heat flows through an uninsulated home

Best Insulation works

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

How does the best insulation work?

Safe-R Insulation explains how the best insulation works

Trying to get the best Insulation is very interesting! Not only does it help make your home warmer in the winter, but it also helps keep it cool in the summer.

Heat flows naturally from warmer to cooler spaces. In winter, the heat moves directly from all heated living spaces to the outdoors and adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements – wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the summer, heat moves from outdoors to the house interior.

To maintain comfort, the heat lost in winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in summer must be removed by your air conditioner. Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors decreases the heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

So how do you get the best insulation?

A simple way to understand how to get the best insulation starts with thinking about an insulated flask or Thermos which helps keep your drinks hot or cold. This works by providing an insulated layer between the drink and the outside air. Getting the best insulation for your home has the same effect helping to keep your interior conditions comfortable all year round.

Uninsulated homes have large gaps or cavities between the exterior and the inside walls. By filling these cavities with the best insulation material the outside air can’t pass through the cavity as easily and it prevents the inside air escaping outside. The best insulation acts as a barrier to the flow of heat. It keeps the heat contained when it’s cold and keeps it out when it’s warm.

There are many insulation products available in a variety of materials which can be used for different applications around the house. Safe-R Insulation provides a range of insulation systems for use in your walls, roofs and floors. Contact us about our range today!

A healthy, warm home

Get a Healthy House with Insulation

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

Of course, a warm, dry and well-ventilated house will be better for the environment, as well as healthier for its occupants, than one that is cold and damp.

New Zealand’s Building Code is well known as being a good deal below the standard of that of the rest of the OECD, with very low insulation rates, a lack of consideration for thermal bridging, low ventilation requirements and no requirements when it comes to water efficiency and overheating. This has resulted in the vast majority of New Zealand’s housing stock being unhealthy to live in.

Thankfully there are low cost options to improve the health of your home and the first place to start is always insulation. There are many options for home insulation, some of which utilise recycled and sustainable materials. When deciding on insulation improvements to your home always consider the following:

  • Product suitability for your home
  • Long term performance and future proofing
  • Product material type and environmental credentials
  • Installed performance
  • Provider experience

The great thing about insulation is once installed, it has no further running costs. The impact of well installed insulation is often immediately obvious and last a life time.

For advice on your insulation solution CONTACT the team at Safe-R Insulation and let our team help you achieve a healthier home. Our network of insulation experts cover all major regions in New Zealand including: Whangarei, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu, New Plymouth, Wellington, Nelson, Christchuch, Central Otago and Dunedin.

Underfloor blown insulation under a suspended floor

How to check your Underfloor Insulation

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

If you can access the underfloor area in your home, grab a torch and have a quick look for the presence of underfloor insulation. There are typically 3 things you might find:

Bulk insulation – this includes rigid polystyrene sheets, or softer products like polyester, wool and fibreglass. Most of the time bulk insulation will be held securely in place and won’t need fixing or replacing. However to be sure it’s performing at an optimum level check to see that it is tightly fitted against the underside of the floorboards with no gaps or pieces missing. If any has slipped or fallen out, you should replace it or re-secure. You may need some clips or staples to hold it in place. If it looks a shambles it might be best to have a professional take a look.

Foil-based product – Foil is typically a dull silver colour and is usually looped between the joists. Some retrofit solutions may also be stapled to the underside of the joist. If you suspect you have foil under insulation don’t touch it. There’s an electrocution risk if the staples have pierced electrical wires and the whole lot might be live. Most foil insulation products are proven to not preform long term. Checking or removing existing foil insulation should be done by a professional, who will turn off the power supply to the house and follow the Electrical Code of Practice ECP 55, which provides guidance for managing electrical safety risks of foil insulation. Most underfloor insulation foil is typically ripped, parts of the foil are missing or there are often gaps allowing airflow into the spaces above the foil. Usually it will need to be replaced with bulk insulation. Retrofitting or repairing foil insulation in residential buildings is now banned under section 26 of the Building Act 2004.

Bare floorboards = no insulation – In this case you need to get some fitted. Between 10 – 15% of heat can be lost through an un-insulated underfloor. It’s a dirty job but a determined DIY’er can usually complete you average home in 1 – 2 days. Otherwise get in touch and we can provide you a ‘free quote’ to replace or install new underfloor insulation

Safe-R Insulation blog

Safe-R Insulation – The Company Behind CosyWall

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

Safe-R is the Auckland Insulation company behind CosyWall Insulation. Safe-R was established in 1987 to develop and distribute innovative thermal and acoustical insulation systems throughout New Zealand.

Our insulation systems are designed to deliver excellent INSTALLED performance, rather than just stating misleading ‘bale’ R-values. At Safe-R Insulation, we select the best worldwide material manufacturer for a particular type, thoroughly investigate and test the material’s suitability for local conditions, and provide a specification for the finished system including obtaining building code approvals. As an innovative company our successes include several different insulation systems. However our most unique is CosyWall Insulation.

CosyWall is an external wall cavity insulation system (EWCIS) and uses water repellent insulation made from specialist glasswool. CosyWall is installed dry (not wet spray insulation foam ) when retrofitted to older homes via a series of small holes in the internal linings or external cladding. This eliminates the need to remove wall linings or cladding to insulate walls.

Safe-R Insulation is a member of IAONZ (Insulation Association of New Zealand) and a current board representative.

Our offices are based in Auckland but we have a nationwide distribution network of licensed installers who can provide a free quote for even the most remote regions around New Zealand.

Please visit our ‘FREE QUOTE’ page and provide some basic contact details and one of our distributors will be in touch within 24 hours.

Ceiling insulation in a home

Ceiling Insulation Options

Written by emdagency on . Posted in General.

Ceiling Insulation Options

There are two common types of ceiling insulation: bulk, which fits between or rolls over ceiling joists, and loose-fill, which is blown in or sprayed. Bulk ceiling insulation comes in two types – segments (batts), which fit between the joists above your ceiling, and blanket which is rolled out across the top of the ceiling.

Bulk Ceiling Insulation

Blanket ceiling insulation needs to be installed with no gaps between the blankets or between the insulation and the ceiling. Otherwise the insulation performance will drop due to heat circulating and escaping the insulation. When you’re topping up existing insulation, it can be easier to install blanket insulation than segments.

Segments are installed between joists, so you need to put in higher R-value insulation to make up for the heat that gets lost through the timber. It is important the insulation is well fitted with no gaps, and the r-value is at least 15%-20% higher than required to allow for performance drop via thermal bridging.

Loose-fill ceiling Insulation

Loose-fill insulation is blown onto the ceiling. It is a versatile ceiling insulation option that will suit most situations. It is also a great option if there’s not enough space in your roof to move around and install bulk insulation. Loose-fill should be installed by experienced installer’s using specialised equipment and the correct training.

Minimum R-values (insulation performance) for existing homes

Minimum recommended R-Values for existing homesNorth Island (excluding Central Plateau)South Island and Central Plateau
Ceilings with no insulation, or up to 70mm of existing insulation R2.9 blanket or R3.4 segment insulationR3.3 blanket or R4.0 segment insulation
Ceilings with 70-120mm of existing insulation R1.8 blanket insulationR2.4 blanket insulation

Checklist for choosing ceiling insulation

To get a suitable, effective ceiling insulation product choose one that is:

  • Has a high R-value – R-value is a measurement of the insulation’s effectiveness, the higher the R-value the better
  • The correct width – you need the correct width for the spacing of ceiling joists, roof trusses or rafters, if you’re going to insulate in between – unless using blow-in which suits most situations
  • The correct thickness – to make sure you need to keep at least a 25mm gap between the insulation and the roof underlay
  • Compliant with Standard AS/NZS 4859.1 – so you know the product works as stated. 
  • Correctly Installed – in accordance with NZ standards such as NZS4246:2016

For a free ceiling insulation assessment call our team on 0800 267 992 or contact us here