Due to the ever-increasing cost of electricity and the ongoing pressure on the South African electrical grid, it is imperative that we all pursue ways to better insulate our homes. Making sure that your home is well insulated goes a long way to making it a more comfortable space to live in. It also promises that you will use much less electricity to cool your home in summer and warm it in winter, which will not only save you a lot of money on utility bills but also be better for the environment. However, according to SANS 10400-XA building regulations, proper insulation is not only a nice-to-have but also a legal requirement for any new building.
As part of its new Summit range, Swartland has recently launched Knauf insulation to the local South African market. Knauf Insulation is one of the fastest growing and most respected names in insulation worldwide. It manufactures glass mineral wool products that have set new standards for sustainable, high-quality, yet affordable insulation, sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. The Knauf brand’s promise is very much in line with Swartland’s – offering best-in-market durability, sustainability, quality and technology, at the best possible price.
There are several different types and brands of insulation on the market, which can make selection difficult if you are not sure what you are looking for. Even though Knauf insulation is one of the most reasonably priced insulation brands on the market, it is unwise to make your selection solely on the most affordable option. The following five pointers will help you make the right choice:
1.) R-values
When choosing insulation, its R-value is one of your most important considerations. R-value is a measure of the insulation’s ability to resist heat flow: the higher the R-value, the better the resistance. Insulation with a lower R-value tends to cost less, but if you don’t select insulation with the right R-value for your climate and circumstances, you will be wasting your money. Knauf rolls have better R-value ratings than any other major competitors – with values ranging between 1,25 (50mm), 2,50 (100mm) and 3,38 (135mm). It is also worth noting that Knauf insulation boasts R-values approximately 22% higher than those of its Isotherm counterparts.
2.) How far does it go
Not all insulation is created equal – better quality insulation will go further, giving you more bang for your buck. The rolls of Knauf glass wool insulation contain more insulation per square metre than any of its competitors. For example, the Knauf 50mm roll covers 22.8 m2, while its closest competitor’s 50mm roll covers a mere 12m2. Knauf’s 100mm roll
covers 12,12m2, while its closest competitor only covers 9,6m2, and its 135mm roll covers 9m2, with its closest competitor covering a mere 7,2m2. Also, Knauf offers a combi-cut product, which means its 1200mm-wide rolls can be cut into multiple lengths: 2 x 600mm, 1 x 800mm, and 1 x 400mm. This makes them far easier to install and can save time and effort. Opposition products have no combi-cut options and are only available in 1200mm widths.
3.) Understand where to insulate
Although first prize is to insulate your entire home, some areas are more important than others, with the ceiling your top priority. Between 25% to 35% of heat gain and loss is through your ceiling – making it by far the most important area to insulate. By comparison, around 15% to 25% of heat gains and losses are through walls, while only 10% to 20% are through floors. You can radically reduce the need for expensive heating and cooling by insulating your ceiling, walls, and floor; however, if you only have the budget to insulate one of these, insulate your ceiling first.
4.) Green credentials
Apart from the environmental benefits of insulating your home, you should also consider the green credentials of the material you use to better insulate it. Often, the insulation and fire-retardant qualities are affected by its green credentials, but with Knauf insulation’s ECOSE® Technology, this is no longer a problem. ECOSE® Technology means that Knauf insulation is manufactured from rapidly renewable natural materials instead of petroleum and bonded using a bio-based technology that is free from phenols, acrylics, and added formaldehyde, artificial colours, bleach, or dyes.
5.) Other beneficial properties
Apart from the obvious properties, insulation offers several other benefits. Insulation helps soundproof your home by providing acoustic insulation. Also, any insulation needs to be fire-resistant to help protect your home in the event of a fire. Knauf insulation, for example, has been awarded Euro Class A1 and SANS10177 – Part 5 fire certification. Also, Knauf insulation will improve your home’s air quality, as it emits virtually no dust or unpleasant odours. Unlike other competitor products, Knauf glass wool insulation does not irritate your skin, making it pleasant to handle and install – an important factor for workplace use and DIY enthusiasts.