What should you ask an insulation installer?
When it comes to getting insulation quotes, check that your insulation installer is accredited and qualified.
Also make sure that they’re familiar with the relevant building and safety standards required to insulate your business. This ensures that they’ll do the job properly and safely.
When it comes to getting a quote, ask about the following:
1) ‘R-value’ ratings
When you get quotes from different installers, make sure they tell you the R-value rating of the insulation that they’re proposing to install.
This will enable you to properly compare their quotes – the higher the ‘R’ rating, the better the insulation will be when it comes to keeping your business warm in winter and cool in summer.
Make sure that the insulation meets the minimum recommended R-values for your local area. For more information, refer to ‘Use the right insulation levels for your area’ later in this step.
At the very least, your ceiling should be insulated to a minimum R-value of 4.1 and your walls should be insulated to a minimum of 2.8.
2) What insulation are they proposing to use?
When getting a quote, make sure they specify the type of insulation that they’re going to use. This will be bulk insulation, reflective insulation or composite insulation. When you find that out, ask them why they are recommending it for your building. You should also check that the product complies with Australian Standard AS 4859.1.
3) Is the product fire-resistant?
There are two Australian Standards that rate the fire performance of insulation. The best performance for insulation under the AS 1530.1 standard for combustibility is a pass. With regards to the AS 1530.3 standard, the best insulation score for the flammability, ignitability, heat evolved and smoke developed tests is zero for each. Ask for the test certificates for these standards.
4) Guarantees and warranties
Find out who manufactures the insulation and what guarantees and warranties are available with the product. You may want to find out how long the insulation is expected to last and when it needs to be.
5) How long have they been in business and what experience do they have?
When hiring an insulation installer, make sure that they have experience. Where possible, use a local company that’s been long established in your area.
6) Get references
A good insulation installer will always have references. To make sure you’re not dealing with a ‘fly-by-night’ operator, ask for references from their customers that are local to your area.
7) Are they insured?
Make sure that they have public liability insurance and workers compensation in case one of their staff gets injured on your premises.
8) Recycled content insulation
If you would like to use recycled content, then there are a number of options available.
Glasswool insulation uses old windscreens, window glass and glass bottles in its ingredients; polyester insulation can use recycled plastics; and cellulose fibre insulation uses old phone books and newspapers.
9) Installer declaration
Make sure they are able to provide an installation certificate at the end of the job. This should contain all the information about the installer, their company and the insulation products that were installed. It may be useful for future reference.
10) DIY insulation installation
If you install your own insulation, there are sources available to help you install it safely and effectively:
- Follow the on-pack instructions.
- Look for instructions and videos on the manufacturer’s website.
- Download the ICANZ ‘Insulation Handbook Part 2’ from EnergyCut.info/icanz-insulation-guide
For more information
If you need more advice, talk to your insulation installer or visit the website of ICANZ ‒ the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Their members include Bradford Insulation, Fletcher Insulation and Knauf Insulation. Together they directly employ over 1,000 people in Australia and New Zealand and distribute over 1,200 insulation product lines to a wide range of industries: ICANZ.org.au