an existing home
Before 1978, insulation was not mandatory. So if your home is more than 25 years old, chances are it's not insulated. Even after 1978 a lot of insulation was below the current New Zealand Energy Efficiency Standard (in the New Zealand Building Code), so it's not that hot! But don't fear – you too can have a comfortable home.
If your home has: mouldy ceilings and walls, musty smells, a feeling of dampness, your floor feels cold and damp, and big heating bills then all the signs point to inadequate insulation. ‘Thin' walls that make it possible to clearly hear people in another room are also signs of inadequate noise control.
Top up where insulation is insufficient, lay Pink® Batts® Ultra® over existing insulation.
Install insulation with higher R-values in the ceiling and under-floor.
Re-line and install thermal insulation in external walls and acoustic insulation in
internal walls to create quiet areas.
If you're not 'doing it yourself', notify your builder or insulation installer of your insulation wishes.
Keep the insulation plan and product receipts to show new owners if you sell.
Lay Moistop® on the ground under the floor area to reduce the damp feeling on the floor.
Warm Home Solution
Install or upgrade ceiling insulation to a ‘Better' or ‘Best' R-value. If the walls are not insulated, a higher R-value in the ceiling will help to compensate. Install Pink® Batts® SnugFloor™ under your floorboards if you have a raised timber floor, especially if you have polished timber floors. Install a Pink® Batts® Hot Water Cylinder Wrap to also help reduce your energy costs and minimise discomfort in power cuts. Remember it's all about comfort!
Dry Home Solution
You'll often find that the floors in older homes are cold as well as damp. This could be due to under-floor moisture, which doesn't make for a healthy home! The easiest way to achieve a drier sub-floor is to install more vents and place Moistop® 759 over the ground to reduce evaporation. If you're doing major renovations, choose from the Sisalation® range of building papers and foils for a beautifully drier and healthier home.
Quiet Home Solution
It's more of a task installing wall insulation and noise control in existing homes, but it's worth it. Not only can you better control noise between rooms but it could also help increase the saleability and worth of your home. During major renovations is the perfect time to upgrade your insulation. It all adds up to a nice quiet, comfortable home.
