What is the best insulation

We supply and install a wide variety of insulation products in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. We often get asked the question “what is the best insulation in South Africa”? There are many important factors to take into consideration when trying to determine the best insulation products.

So let’s take a look at some of these factors. Make an educated decision when choosing your home insulation. Don’t forget choosing the right insulation installer is important too.

BEST INSULATION PRODUCTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, we have 3 main types of insulation products that are the most commonly used. Aerolite and Knauf are fiberglass based products. Isotherm and Fabufill are polyester products. Cellulose fiber insulation is a newspaper based product.

Fiberglass: Aerolite, and Knauf

Polyester: Fabufill and Isotherm

Newspaper: Cellulose Fibre

Polystyrene: Summit XPS

WHAT IS R-VALUE?

R-value is a measure of an insulation material’s ability to resist heat flow, with higher R-values indicating better thermal resistance. It essentially determines how well the insulation will keep heat inside during winter and prevent heat from entering during summer.

The R-value depends on the material, thickness, and density of the insulation. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation is at improving energy efficiency and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures, making it a key factor in choosing the right insulation product for your home or building.

BEST INSULATION MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS

All of the above products compete with each other on the South African market, so now we need to start looking at the other factors that answer the question of what are the best insulation products. Let’s break it down so you can decide for yourself what product suits you best.

1. KNAUF EARTHWOOL WITH ECOSE TECHNOLOGY

Knauf Insulation is renowned for its exceptional thermal performance, offering some of the highest R-values and densities in the insulation market. As one of the best insulation products in the world, Knauf provides superior energy efficiency, helping homes and buildings stay comfortable year-round. Knauf is Euro approved with a EUROFINS Gold Certificate for indoor comfort.

In addition to its outstanding performance, Knauf has earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainability, winning awards for its eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Made from recycled glass and utilizing formaldehyde-free binders, Knauf is not only effective but also environmentally responsible, making it a top choice for sustainable insulation solutions.

2. AEROLITE SOFT TOUCH

Aerolite Insulation is a widely used insulation product known for its excellent thermal and acoustic properties, and it is trusted in homes and buildings around the world. Although Aerolite has a slightly lower density compared to Knauf, it still provides effective heat retention and noise reduction.

One of Aerolite’s standout advantages is its affordability, as it typically comes at a more competitive price, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking reliable insulation without compromising too much on performance. Its balance of quality and price makes Aerolite a popular option in the insulation market.

3. FABUFILL

Fabufill Insulation, made from recycled polyester, is a reliable option but comes with lower R-values and densities compared to other insulation materials like Knauf or Aerolite. Despite its reduced thermal performance, Fabufill is priced higher, which may not offer the best value for money when considering energy efficiency. However, Fabufill is SABS approved.

Additionally, Fabufill has a B-Class fire rating, meaning it offers some level of flame resistance but doesn’t provide the same high-level fire protection as products with higher ratings. While effective, Fabufill may not be the top choice for those seeking maximum insulation performance and safety.

4. ISOTHERM

Isotherm Insulation, made from recycled polyester, offers lower R-values and densities compared to higher-performing insulation options, which impacts its overall thermal efficiency. Despite its reduced performance, Isotherm tends to be priced higher, making it less cost-effective for consumers looking for optimal insulation.

With a B-Class fire rating, Isotherm provides basic flame resistance, though not as robust as other options. Additionally, the recent loss of its SABS approval rating raises concerns about its compliance with South African quality standards, which is a disadvantage for those seeking certified insulation solutions.

5. CELLULOSE FIBRE

Cellulose fiber insulation, made from recycled newspapers, is treated with chemicals such as boric acid, borax, and ammonium sulfate to make it flame-resistant, giving it a B-Class fire rating. While this fire treatment helps reduce flammability, the chemicals used in the product can pose health risks if inhaled or if the insulation becomes damaged or disturbed.

Additionally, cellulose fiber insulation is a very heavy material, which can place significant strain on ceiling boards. Over time, this extra weight has been known to cause ceilings to sag or even collapse, making it a less-than-ideal option for certain installations.

Chemicals in Cellulose include:

boric acid
borax
lime
ammonium sulphate
aluminium sulphate
ammonium phosphate
mono – and diammonium phosphate
aluminium hydrate
aluminium trihydrate
zinc chloride

Source: Cellulose Insulation Problems

WHAT ARE THE BEST INSULATION MATERIALS CONCLUSION?

So hopefully we have answered that question for you “what is the best insulation”. You need to way up the pros and cons of the insulation products. Remember you have to live with the product in your roof. We do a wide range of insulation products in South Africa.