Roof Insulation

There are many Roof Insulation products for our homes. However, not all roofing insulation products are equal. For this reason, understanding insulation and how it works will give homeowners a better idea of selecting the correct roof insulation for their homes.

Choosing the best roof insulation is essential. When selecting the proper insulation is necessary as there are many factors to take into account. A few things to consider are the lifespan of insulation, the safety of insulation, and the health benefits of the given insulation.

Importance Of Roof Insulation

The best, if not one, of the best products for any home is Insulation for the roof. Installing the best roof insulation possible will greatly impact the thermal insulation and energy-saving benefits.

The higher the R-value, the better the roofing insulation will perform. The required R-value for most of South Africa is R-value 3.70. Aerolite Roof Insulation has one of the highest R-values of all domestic products.

Benefits Of Roofing Insulation

• Cooler in summer and warmer in winter
• Insulation improves the indoor temperature by 4-8 degrees
• Reduce noise pollution with insulation products like Aerolite
• Reduce condensation
• Save on heating and cooling as the home has a more comfortable temperature

There are many roofing insulation products available in South Africa. However, one must consider the long-term benefits and the safety of the home and the people in the house.

Roof Insulation Products

Insulation materials for roofs vary from glass wool to polyester and cellulose paper insulation. Most manufacturers will claim that the insulation products they manufacture are the best. Looking at the various options, we can make an informed decision.

Aerolite Insulation

Aerolite Insulation is a glass wool insulation product that is Eco-friendly and is manufactured to the highest international standards. The Aerolite insulation is manufactured with the new TEL Fiberizing technology for exceptional performance. The World Health Organisation has given Aerolite a 111 rating. We are making Aerolite safer than most household products found in our kitchens.

The 135mm Aerolite is the premium Aerolite insulation. Furthermore, the AA 1/1 fire rating results in NON-Combustible insulation. For this reason, Aerolite Insulation is recommended for hospitals, schools, and public areas.

Additionally, Aerolite is one of the oldest and most installed Insulation products.

Our Aerolite Installers are well-trained roofing insulation installers.

Isoboard Thermal Ceilings

Isoboard Ceilings or XPS Ceilings have been a popular ceiling option for many homeowners. Unlike traditional Rhinoboard ceilings, Isoboard Thermal Insulation ceilings are 25mm through 80mm thick.

The Isoboard Thermal ceilings are a barrier between the heat trapped in the roof space and the home. The Isoboard ceilings do not offer the required R-value of 3.70 for the Western Cape and Gauteng. However, adding a layer of 100mm Aerolite or Knauf will achieve the required R-value.

Disadvantages of Isoboard Ceilings:  Unfortunately, XPS has a very low NRC. As a result, noise pollution is a problem with Isoboard. However, adding a single layer of Think Pink will stop the noise and increase the Thermal Insulation R-value. The result is a perfectly insulated, soundproof home.

Knauf Ecose Insulation For Roofs

The Knauf Ecose Insulation is imported to South Africa. Like Aerolite insulation, Ecose Insulation is a high-grade insulation product for roofs. Importantly the insulation is also SANS-compliant and Non-combustible.

Polyester Insulation Types

Polyester insulation products are manufactured from PET PLASTIC pollution. As a result, polyester insulation is eco-friendly insulation.

However, there are many polyester insulation types available. And most, unfortunately, are not manufactured at a high standard.

However, the major downfall of polyester-type insulation products is fire rating and noise. The insulation is combustible with a BB 1/2 fire rating.

Isotherm Roof Insulation

Please Note Isotherm Is No Longer SABS Approved

Isotherm insulation is a polyester insulation type. Consequently, Isotherm is dust-free and allergy-free. Also, Isotherm is an eco-friendly insulation for roofs.

Firstly, Isotherm is polyester insulation for roofs manufactured from PET plastic bottles.

The insulation has a BB 1/2 fire rating Isotherm is combustible.

We install Isotherm in domestic homes; however, the insulation may not be installed in public areas, Hospitals and Schools.

The 145mm Isotherm is SANS-compliant for the Cape Town Region, including the entire Western Cape region. The Isotherm Roof Insulation is a great alternative. We are happy to install Isotherm for homeowners; however, we may not fit the insulation in public areas like hospitals, schools and shopping centres.

Platinum Fiber Insulation

The insulation is polyester-type insulation produced from PET plastic bottles. As a result, Platinum fibre is as eco-friendly. Unfortunately, the insulation is not entirely up to scratch, as the product does not achieve the correct R-value for the Western Cape and Gauteng. Also, the insulation is a little inconsistent in thickness. For this reason, we do not install Platinum fibre—fire rating BB 1/2 COMBUSTIBLE.

Think Green Polyester Insulation

Think green insulation; the name says it all. However, we would certainly not recommend the insulation in the test rolls we received. Firstly the insulation is under the specification for most regions. Secondly, the thickness of the insulation is very inconsistent. As we know, thickness and R-value are the most critical factor when selecting insulation. As a result, the variable thickness does not make the insulation, in our opinion, a good insulation option. We do not install Think Green Insulation.

Cellulose Insulation

As insulation installers, we will install all types of effective Roof Insulation products. However, Cellulose is the one insulation material that we will never fit.

Cellulose is manufactured from recycled paper like newsprint, etc. However, the 20% chemical cocktail gives the insulation a fire-retardant finish and the chemicals reduce the impact of vermin and rats.

Cellulose insulation also has a BB 1/2 FIRE RATING. Therefore cellulose is combustible. The fire retardants dissipate, leaving cellulose flammable.

As we know, cellulose is pumped into the roof space. The first problem with the blown insulation application is that there is no exact thickness, preferably a guess as to the depth.

Additionally, the paper insulation absorbs water in a roof leak. In most cases, the water leak will end in a ceiling collapse. In fact, the demand to remove cellulose insulation is due to health issues or water damage resulting from cellulose absorbing water. We now have only three roof vacuum machines available to remove cellulose.

Sisalation Foil Roof Insulation

In the last few years, the addition of sisalation or radiant shield reflective foils have become increasingly popular. Installing Radenshield or Sisalation on roofs has two main benefits.

Firstly the sisalation foil prevents water leaks from damaging the ceiling in the home. We fit the foil below the roof tiles. In the event of a roof leak, the water will run off the foil into the gutter.

Secondly, the Sisalation foil reduces indoor summer heat by reflecting the heat away, resulting in a 1- 2 degree indoor temperature improvement in summer. 

Thirdly the foils can reduce condensation and mould in the home. Having sisalation foil with insulation reduces condensation substantially.

WhirlyBird Roof Ventilators

Roof Ventilation in South Africa is hugely underrated. In most first-world countries, roof ventilation plays a significant role in the building industry. Roof ventilators improve indoor temperature in summer by removing unwanted heat trapped in the roof.

More importantly, roof ventilation with roof insulation reduces condensation and mould in winter by removing moist, damp air.