How to Install Insulation

Insulation is a cost effective way of improving a home’s overall energy efficiency and can result in dramatic reductions on your energy bills.

See our guide below for step by step instructions on how to install insulation and our range available at your nearest store.

Step by Step easy installation guide

To install your wall or ceiling insulation you will need:

Sharp knife
Cutting board
If dusty - cap, goggles and dust mask

Ceiling applications also require:

Insulation poker
Torch or lamp
Stepladder and knee board

Wall applications also require:

Polypropylene tape
Staple gun

Step 1: Plan your work

First things first - the best thing is to plan our what you are doing - make sure you have all the tools you need and that you're going to buy the right amount of the right product.

Step 2: Choosing the right level of insulation

This is done using a measure called 'R-value'. These values measure the ability of the insulation to resist heat flow or sound. The higher the value, the greater the effectiveness of the insulation. Bradford offers a full range of R-values that are clearly shown on the pack - a simple rule of thumb is the more temperature fluctuates in summer and winter where you live, the higher the R-value you will need.

Step 3: How much insulation will you need?

To work out how much insulation you need, calculate the m2 area you intend to insulate. Use the total m2 area to select the right number of packs required. To calculate, draw a plan of the outside of your home and measure the perimeter of each area to be insulated in meters, multiply the length by the width to give the total area in m2.

For Ceilings:

	Step 1 - Place the packs onto the roof area. Start from the farthest point from the manhole and work
	from one pack before opening the next.

	Step 2 - Stand on joists only, fit knee board over at least two joists. Fit batts snugly between the
	joists, using your batt poker to slide the batts to the outside edge of the wall plate. Ensure batts are fitted with no gaps.

	Step 3 - Leave a 25mm minimum clearance around vents, chimneys and downlights. Do not
	cover light transformers

Note: Lay batts under electrical cables where possible. Short runs of cable may be covered. For older homes, check with a qualified electrician regarding the covering of wiring.

For Walls:

	Step 1 - Clean off excessive mortar from brickwork and studwork.

	Step 2 - Run 1 or 2 vertical tapes between studs. Attach tape to the top plate, noggin and bottom plate by
	stapling. This prevents wall batts from bridging the brick cavity.

	Step 3 - Fit the batts to the frame between studs. Press the batts into place so that the insulation fits flush
	with the face of the frame. This will avoid the batts touching the external brick wall.

Note: Batts can be cut to fit odd-sized spaces. Batts should be cut 5-10mm oversize for a tight friction fit, and cut around power point plates. Check back of pack for complete installation directions.

SAFETY HINTS

Installing insulation is hot physical work and roof cavities can warm up significantly in summer, so be sure to have adequate relief from the heat and plenty of water to avoid dehydration while you work.

When installing your own insulation, you must be extremely careful with the electrical wiring. Wiring should be kept clear of insulation in general. It's important that foils are prevented from touching any electrical fittings and contacts as they will conduct electricity. Some wiring and appliances, if covered by bulk insulation, may overheat. Allow clearance around appliances and fittings - you should not install insulation within 200mm around commonly used unprotected halogen downlights, with other types of recessed downlights and protected halogen downlights perhaps requiring lesser clearance requirements.

Where possible, place wiring above the insulation, or use a spacer to create an air gap. Ideally, old wiring should be replaced to comply with government regulations before insulation is installed.

"Get all of your insulation at the lowest price" (Available in NSW, NT, SA, TAS, WA only)

Wall Batts
0815952 R1.5 (430)
0815863 R1.5 (580)
0815871 R2.0 (430)
0815847 R2.0 (580)

Ceiling Batts
0815839 R3.0 (430)
0815978 R3.0 (580)
0810052 R3.5 (580)
0815910 R3.5 (430)

Wall Wrap
0810022 30m
0810026 30m (breather)
0810023 60m

"Get all of your insulation at the lowest price" (Available in FNQ, QLD, VIC only)

Wall Batts
0815075 R1.5 (430)
0812653 R1.5 (580)
0810072 R2.0 (430)
0810073 R2.0 (580)

Ceiling Batts
0810077 R3.0 (430)
0810078 R3.0 (580)
0810080 R3.5 (580)
0810079 R3.5 (430)