There are many Types of Ceiling Insulation on the market. The first pre-historic people built shelters to protect themselves from weather elements and wild animals. Due to the biting cold, the need for insulating materials arose. The most common materials back then included animal skins, wool, and fur. These were the popular Ceiling Insulation types of the day.

As humans advanced in building technology, the need arose for better thermal insulation materials. These insulating materials were readily available thanks to their hunting and gathering lifestyle. Before the 19^th century, animal skins and fur were slowly replaced by earth, stone, and wood. As time went by, we found it was not sustainable. As a result, better Thermal Insulation for homes, commercial buildings and industries arose.

What is Ceiling Insulation?

There are many forms of Thermal Insulation available. However, most Thermal Insulation products are related to industrial applications like boilers and furnaces. In this post, we look at domestic Insulation for homes and offices. Ceiling Insulation is typically laid on the ceiling between the beams.  Ceiling Insulation is also lower-density insulation, so rather the R-value is critical in these applications. The higher the Ceiling Insulation R-value, the better the insulation properties. In most cases, Ceiling Insulation is laid between the beams to block the heat flow up or down.

Types of Ceiling Insulation

Here are Types of Ceiling Insulation materials suitable for homes, commercial and industrial buildings.

1. Aerolite Insulation
2. Knauf Ecose Insulation
3. XPS Ceilings
   Summit XPS
   Isoboard
4. Polyester Insulation
   Isotherm
   Fabufil
   Nutec
5. Rockwool
6. Cellulose

Aerolite Is One Of The Best Types of Ceiling Insulation

Isover launched the New Aerolite Insulation for South Africa in December 2021. Isover has now dropped the pink color as the new Aerolite Ceiling Insulation as the new Aerolite is the natural yellow color. With the new TEL Fiberizing technology and the longer Itch less fibers, the Aerolite Insulation is the most Eco-friendly Ceiling insulation for roofs.

Aerolite benefits include:

• Aerolite is Biosoluable
• Excellent Thermal Insulation properties.
• A cooler home in summer
• Warmer home in winter
• Great for soundproofing
• Being resistant to vermin
• It’s non-combustible. It can last long under the floor or roof if installed in the ceiling.
• Since silica originates from sand, an abundant natural resource, it is cost-effective to manufacture.
• We can use Aerolite in areas where the operating temperatures can reach 250 degrees C.
• Furthermore, it possesses no health hazards, is easy to install and non-corrosive.
• Ideal for homes reducing temperature and saving on energy

Knauf Ecose Ceiling Insulation

Knauf Ecose Insulation is a mineral wool insulation type and is brown with a vegetable binder. Importantly Ecose is SABS-approved.

Knauf Ecose benefits include:

• Knauf Ecose is Biosoluable
• Excellent Thermal Insulation properties.
• A cooler home in summer
• The house is warmer in winter
• Excellent for soundproofing
• It’s non-combustible and specified for schools, hospitals and shopping malls.
• We can install the Insulation in areas up to 250 degrees C.
• Furthermore, it possesses no health hazards, is easy to install and non-corrosive.
• Ideal for homes reducing temperature and saving on energy

 

Polyester Types Of Ceiling Insulation

There are four types of polyester insulation products in South Africa. Polyester Insulation products, unfortunately, are rated as combustible/flammable. Because these insulation products are made from PET, they are combustible. The fire rating classification is B/B 1/2. However, in South Africa, we can install polyester insulation products in homes but not in Hospitals, Schools, and Shopping Malls. Any area with a high concentration of people becomes an increased risk for people’s safety in the event of a fire. For this reason, we may only install Class A/A 1/1 in these buildings.

Nutec | Platinum Fiber | Isotherm | Think Green

Platinum Fibre

Thermally Bonded Polyester Insulation Platinum Fibre is proud of its industry-leading status that we are the only polyester insulation manufacturer in South Africa with the SABS mark. Platinum Fibre’s Fabufill polyester insulation is a versatile, easy-to-install, flexible, strong, lightweight blanket manufactured from recycled PET (polyethene terephthalate) plastic bottles. It is produced in various thicknesses to provide a myriad of thermal and acoustic performances. This non-allergenic, non-irritant and resilient Insulation does not support flame spread (Class B/B1/2 fire rating). Combustible

Isotherm Insulation Not Recommended

At one time, the Isotherm was a favourite among many homeowners. However, now that the Isotherm is no longer SABS-approved, it seems to have lost its appeal to many homeowners. Chatting to a few leading Ceiling Insulation Installers, we were shocked to hear of the sudden changes in Isotherm ratings. Fire Rating B/B 1/2 Combustible

Nutec Insulation

Nutec Insulation is also a polyester Insulation Type. Unfortunately, it is not SABS-approved. However, it is SABS tested. Also, Nutec is far more consistent with polyester insulation than Isotherm. Most home buyers have moved from Isotherm to Platinum Fibre or Nutec.

Think Green Insulation Not Recommended

Think Green is a tiny manufacturer of polyester insulation for roofs. However, many reports on this insulation product are also not pleasing. TheInsulationn is inconsistent with density and thickness.

Rockwool Ceiling Insulation

American chemical engineer Charles Corydon Hall started the production of Rockwool in 1817. He used limestone as the ideal material.
Commercial production of the insulation material began in Alexandria, the USA, in a Charles Corydon factory called Crystal Chemical Works. The chemical engineer started combining basalt with limestone, then melted the mixture as time passed.

It is done in a gas-heated smelting furnace at a temperature range of 1500 to 1600 degrees C. Air and steam were blown into the mixture, resulting in fine and intertwined fibres thanks to high-speed spinning wheels. Phenol formaldehyde resin and oil emulsion were added as binders.

Today, rock wool starts with heating natural rock up to 3,000 degrees C in a furnace. It results in a magma-like liquid exposed to steam or pressured air.
The liquid is then spun at super-high speeds, creating long fibre strands. These strands are then collected and compressed into dense mats. The mats are cut into well-sized batts of Insulation before being shipped off.

Rock wool is considered to be unique because:

• Rockwool contains 75% recycled content
• It can retain heat
• Traps air, slowing heat loss
• Repels water
• Acts as a soundproof material
• It has a higher insulating value than fibreglass
• Produced from natural and sustainable material

Disadvantages of Rockwool Insulation

The Rockwool is six times heavier than conventional Ceiling Insulation Products. The cost of Rockwool Insulation is five times more than traditional thermal Insulation. Also, the weight of Rockwool does not make the Insulation safe for roofs.

 

Isoboard and Summit XPS Thermal Ceilings

1. Isoboard Ceilings
2. Summit XPS Ceilings

Isoboard and Summit XPS Ceilings are the two most advanced thermal ceilings available, and they offer great thermal insulation benefits and good looks. The signature look of the Isoboard and XPS Ceilings is the Tongue and Groove finish. These ceilings are white XPS, so they will not require painting. Also, the XPS is not affected by water leaks in the event of a roof leak.

XPS Ceiling boards range from 30mm to 50mm thick. Importantly one must calculate the R-value as aged. We need to work on the age because the XPS r-value reduces over the first five years.

Disadvantages Of XPS Ceilings

XPS Ceilings, unfortunately, are not effective at blocking noise pollution. In particular, noise can be a horrible factor to deal with at night while sleeping in homes with metal sheeting roofs. For this reason, we suggest that homeowners add 135mm Aerolite or 135mm Knauf Ecose Insulation to block the outdoor noise.

Mineral Wool Ceiling Insulation

Mineral wool is a unique and versatile thermal insulation material with exceptional thermal properties.
As a result, it contributes greatly to reducing heat loss in homes and combating climate change. Since it’s composed of fibres, it helps prevent air movement, combat noise pollution, and lower fire risk.

Mineral wool is made from limestone, soda ash, sand and molten glass. The ingredients are combined and spun into a fibre mixture.
The fibre mixture has thermal insulation properties that no other insulation material can match. Since the end product is porous, it helps to trap air between the fibres.
This eliminates the need for injecting air between the fibres. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, it lowers heat loss in a home, thus saving energy.
Here is how it prevents heat loss according to the different modes of heat transfer:

• Convection –the open cell matrix entraps air, preventing heat transfer from the interior to the home’s exterior.
• Conduction – heat loss by conduction is eliminated thanks to the availability of less solid material. The majority of solid materials are known to be excellent heat transmitters. Less solid material means fewer pathways.

The material can be produced into various densities, and formed into different shapes and sheets. Other options available include loose granular material used for blown Insulation of cavity walls. It can also be used as a slab for walls, ceiling tiles, and acoustic panels.

Hempcrete Ceiling Insulation

As Hemp lime, the bio-composite is made of a lime-based binder and the inner woody core of the hemp plant. Essentially the woody core has a high silica content which acts as a great binding agent.
Combining the above ingredients results in a light cementitious insulation material that weighs a seventh of a concrete. Once fully cured, it can float in a bucket of water.

Hempcrete insulation material has been used in Europe for centuries to insulate homes and as a building material. The strain grown for hempcrete has 0.3% THC meaning it cannot cause hallucinations.

Hempcrete is preferred as an insulation material for its durability and use of natural materials. The insulation material can reduce energy consumption, improve comfort and reduce condensation. As a result, it has a negative carbon footprint.
It also provides natural Insulation that is flexible, airtight and breathable. Since it’s toxin-free, it’s resistant to mould and pests. Also, it is fire resistant, thanks to the use of limestone during curing.

What is Ceiling Insulation, and How Does It Work?

• Ceiling Insulation is an Insulation type that will reduce heat loss or heat gain.
• It is not only installed in homes but in offices and factories as well.
• For this reason, we must install Ceiling Insulation to save energy and reduce heat loss and gain.
• Because of the energy-saving benefits, Insulation makes companies more profitable.
• As a result, manufacturing plants save money, reducing the cost of the product to consumers.
• It also applies to homeowners as the Aerolite Insulation will save on expensive energy consumption giving homeowners lifelong energy-saving benefits.
• The Aerolite Thermal Insulation is a 12kg density insulation product.

Ceiling Insulation Benefits

1. Energy-saving as a result of reducing the need for expensive energy for cooling and heating.
2. Cooler, in summer, by 4 to 8 degrees C
3. Warmer in winter
4. Reduce noise pollution as Aerolite has an NRC of 1.1 ( Noise Reduction Coefficient). Great for reducing noise levels in the home from traffic or noisy neighbours.
5. Aerolite will not burn. One of the best fire ratings in the industry with a Class A/1 fire rating.

How Does Ceiling Insulation Work?

SUMMER;

• Installing Insulation directly on the ceiling covering all roof space areas reduces heat loss and gain.
• The Insulation is a barrier between the very hot ceiling and the cooler home in summer.
• The ceiling temperature can be as high as 55 degrees in many homes on a hot summer day.
• However, the internal wall could measure 28 degrees c.
• Having the Aerolite Roof Insulation Installed means that homeowners will reduce the potential for the hot ceiling to warm up the home.
• The hot ceiling acts as a barrier and will reduce the heat radiating from the ceiling as much as 90%.
• It will make your home 4 to 8 degrees cooler in summer.

WINTER

• In winter, the ceiling space is cold
• We must prevent warm air loss via the ceiling with thermal Insulation.
• Therefore, reducing the need for energy consumption.
• Homes insulated correctly will not need much heating if any.

If we install Thermal Insulation incorrectly, we are wasting money. We have seen many badly installed installations, giving the homeowner almost no benefit and, in fact, making the situation worse in some homes. As with any specialist, when installing Thermal Insulation, always use the services of Aerolite Installers that specialise in Roof Insulation.

What Are The Best Types Of Ceiling Insulation For Homes?

The cost of Thermal Insulation will vary depending on what type of Insulation is required. For homes, we have a variety of Ceiling Insulation types. You must do your homework to select Insulation to improve the indoor temperature.

All new buildings in South Africa must install Insulation compliant with the region. For example, the 135mm Aerolite Insulation is Sans compliant for the entire country. However, in KZN, we can install the 100mm Aerolite as the KZN coastal area is tropical, and temperatures are milder in winter and summer.

Final Thoughts On Types of Ceiling Insulation

During the cold months of winter, keeping the house warm with a heater is the norm. If your home feels cold despite cranking up the heater, the problem may be the thermal insulation material.

Importantly our homes must be cosy and save on energy bills, upgrading our Insulation. Thermal Insulation is cost-effective, unlike your heater. Also, the majority of thermally insulating materials are pest and fire-resistant.