FAQ

FAQs - Installation

What is the difference between the two thicknesses mentioned in my quote?
The smaller thickness related to a lower R-value as allowed by the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association of South Africa (TIPSASA) for roofs that are equipped with a radiant barrier. A radiant barrier consists of a plastic-based composite material with foil and is laid directly under the roof in place of PVC waterproofing. The higher value is where there is no radiant barrier in the roof and the only thermal protection comes from Eco-Insulation.
It's only 35mm difference, why will I need it?
Both the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the Thermal Insulation Products & Systems Association of South Africa (TIPSASA) require insulation to comply with a minimum R-value in order for it to perform adequately. R-values and resulting thicknesses are specified by climatic region. There are certain unscrupulous installers and also certain supermarket grades of insulation that do not comply with the required minimum R-value specification, and hence will not perform adequately in the roof. This means the home will not gain the full benefit from its insulation – effectively making the installation a waste of money.
What happens with the downlights in my ceiling?
Downlights are a common feature of many South African homes and form a part of many of Eco-Insulation's standard installations. Whichever form of insulation is installed, downlights or recessed lights need to be kept clear of the insulation material. Downlights, especially 50 watt halogens can easily reach temperatures of up to 300°C, which is a spontaneously combustible temperature. Eco-Insulation installers wherever possible place a protective sleeve around the unit to prevent the insulation product from coming into contact with the down light.
I have a flat roof house – can I insulate it?
Yes, that is the prime advantage of pumped-in cellulose insulation such as Eco-Insulation. A large number of flat roofs are successfully insulated this way, so consult your local installer in this regard. Note however that due to space constraints created by the width of roofing beams in the case of exposed roof trusses, it may not be possible to pump in the full specified thickness of product.
Can we put it over the existing glass fibre insulation.
It is better to remove the old non-performing insulation first. This is to ensure the maximum integrity of sealing ability of the layer of Eco-Insulation that is pumped into every nook and cranny. Eco-Insulation offers a special service whereby we remove old broken down insulating material and dispose of it by means of local government approved waste facilities.
Do I have to top-up after a couple of years?
Under normal circumstances, no. All loose-fill insulation settles after installation. So in accordance with national building codes Eco-Insulation is specified and installed at a settled density. The weight and bag count of required material on Eco-Insulation's coverage chart provides the exact information pertaining to the amount of insulation that must be installed to produce the specified R-Value.
What happens if I need to get to wires etc in roof once insulated?
Most modern ceilings carry a combination of wires from electrical to alarm wires etc. Eco-Insulation's product will neither damage nor corrode the wiring. The beauty of our product is that it can be moved to one side to allow access to the ceiling area, and then simply redistributed again without loss of performance.
Does Eco-Insulation install insulation?
Yes, Eco-Insulation provides professional installation services for ceiling insulation, ensuring a seamless and effective process tailored to your home’s needs.
How long does it take to install ceiling insulation?
The installation time depends on the size of your home and the accessibility of your ceiling space. On average, a standard home can be insulated in 4 to 6 hours. Professional installers will ensure that the process is quick, clean, and minimally disruptive.
Can insulation be installed in older homes?
Yes, insulation can be retrofitted into older homes without major modifications. For older homes, cellulose fibre is often a preferred choice because it can be blown into existing ceiling cavities, filling gaps and improving thermal efficiency without extensive renovations.
What should I do to prepare my home for insulation installation?
Clear the area around your ceiling access points to ensure the installers have a clear path. If necessary, cover furniture or items below the work area to protect them from any dust. The installation team will take care of the rest, including cleanup.
Can insulation be installed during all seasons?
Yes, insulation can be installed at any time of the year. However, installing during the warmer months can help you prepare your home for the colder winter months ahead. Professional installers can perform the job efficiently regardless of the season.
Can I add more insulation on top of existing insulation?
Yes, additional insulation can be added on top of existing material to improve thermal performance. If the existing insulation is damaged or compressed, it may need to be removed or leveled before adding new insulation to ensure maximum efficiency.
Does installing insulation require building permits?
Typically, adding insulation to an existing home does not require a building permit. However, it's always advisable to check with your local municipality for any specific requirements or regulations that may apply to your area.
What happens if my roof leaks after installing insulation?
If your roof leaks, the insulation may become wet, which can affect its performance. In the case of cellulose fibre, it’s crucial to address leaks promptly and replace any wet insulation to prevent mold growth and maintain thermal efficiency.
Is it possible to install insulation if my roof has limited access?
Yes, professional installers have specialized equipment that allows them to insulate even hard-to-reach areas. Techniques such as blowing cellulose fibre can fill tight spaces effectively, ensuring comprehensive coverage even in roofs with limited access.
Is it necessary to remove old insulation before installing new cellulose fibre?
Not always. If the existing insulation is in good condition and hasn’t been compressed, new cellulose fibre can be added on top. However, if the old insulation is damaged, contaminated, or no longer effective, it’s best to remove it before installing new insulation.
Can ceiling insulation be installed over existing ceiling boards or panels?
Yes, insulation is typically installed in the ceiling cavity above the boards or panels. It does not interfere with existing ceiling finishes and can be installed without altering the interior aesthetics of your home.
What should I expect during the installation process?
During installation, the insulation team will access the roof space, usually through the ceiling or roof hatch, and blow the cellulose fibre into the ceiling cavity. The process is quick, with minimal disruption, and the team will clean up after completing the work.
Can insulation be installed if I have recessed lighting or downlights?
Yes, but it’s important to ensure that insulation is kept clear of recessed lighting fixtures unless they are rated for contact with insulation. Special barriers or clearances may be required to prevent overheating.
Can I book an insulation installation on the weekend?
Most of our customers prefer to be home when the installer arrives to do the job, but we also realise that they may have inflexible working hours during the week. To cater for this, we also schedule in jobs for the weekends. Contact us to book in a professional installer.
What time can I expect the installer to arrive?
Most installers start very early in the day. This allows them to get more work done in the day, but this is not the main reason. It fundamentally boils down to safety. During the warmer months of the year especially, the roof cavity can become dangerously hot to work in by the time the sun has been beating down for a little while. The more work that gets out of the way early in the day the better
What is your guarantee policy?
Eco Insulation guarantees all its products to be in the best condition and as described. Any goods that do not fit the description of the product, will be replaced – no questions asked.
Can insulation be installed directly on top of my plasterboard?
Yes, it can. Although, there are some loose fill products that will exceed the weight recommendations by plasterboard manufacturers
What is the best time of year to install ceiling insulation?
Ceiling insulation can be installed at any time of the year; however, the best time to install it is during the warmer months, typically in spring or summer. Installing insulation before the onset of cold weather ensures that your home is properly insulated and energy-efficient when temperatures drop. It also prepares your home to maintain a comfortable indoor climate and reduces the demand on your heating system in winter. In the summer, installing insulation can help keep your home cooler by reducing heat gain, leading to immediate benefits in comfort and energy savings.
What is the best time of year to install ceiling insulation?
Most modern ceilings carry a combination of wires from electrical to alarm wires etc. Eco-Insulation's product will neither damage nor corrode the wiring. The beauty of our product is that it can be moved to one side to allow access to the ceiling area, and then simply redistributed again without loss of performance.