Advice for South African homes
Insulation Guides & Expert Advice
Make confident decisions for a more comfortable home. Explore practical advice on choosing insulation, understanding performance and planning your installation.
Clear explanations. Practical guidance. Local experience.
Not sure where to begin?
Start with these essentials
Three useful starting points for choosing, comparing and installing insulation.
A clearer path to the right insulation for your home.
Choosing insulation
Understand the different materials and find a starting point for comparing your options.
Read guideUnderstanding R-values
Learn what thermal performance means before deciding on a product or thickness.
Read guidePlanning an installation
Get familiar with installation considerations before starting your project.
Read guideExplore the library
Advice for every stage of your project
Choose a topic below. Every guide opens its own page, so you can go straight to the information you need.
Insulation basics · 9 guides
Understand your insulation
Start with the essentials: materials, performance and knowing when your insulation needs attention.
What is insulation?
A straightforward introduction to insulation and where it is used in a home.
Read guide Insulation basicsHow insulation works
Understand heat flow and how insulation helps maintain indoor comfort.
Read guide Insulation basicsTypes of insulation
Get to know the main insulation materials before comparing products.
Read guide Insulation basicsBest insulation for ceilings
Compare materials and choose by ceiling type, R-value, available depth and total cost.
Read guide Insulation basicsBest insulation for roofs
Compare options by roof type and see when to insulate at ceiling level or within the roof assembly.
Read guide Insulation basicsCan insulation get wet?
Understand water damage, drying and when insulation may need replacing.
Read guide Insulation basicsHow long does insulation last?
Learn what affects insulation lifespan and when to keep, repair, top up or replace it.
Read guide Insulation basicsEco-friendly insulation
Explore environmental considerations when choosing insulation.
Read guide Insulation basicsMetal roof insulation explained
Compare metal-roof insulation positions, retrofit options and condensation details for IBR and corrugated roofs.
Read guideEnergy & comfort · 8 guides
Make your home more comfortable
Explore seasonal comfort, energy use and the wider effects of an insulation upgrade.
Benefits of insulation
Explore the comfort and energy benefits of insulating your home.
Read guide Energy & comfortHow much money can insulation save?
Explore realistic electricity savings, a worked example and insulation payback.
Read guide Energy & comfortHow to save electricity at home
Cut unnecessary electricity use with practical routines, upgrades and usage checks.
Read guide Energy & comfortDoes insulation keep summer heat out?
Understand summer heat gain and plan practical improvements for a cooler home.
Read guide Energy & comfortInsulation and indoor air quality
Understand insulation dust, product-emission claims and the ventilation questions to ask.
Read guide Energy & comfortDoes switching off your geyser save electricity?
Understand geyser electricity use, timer savings and reheating times, with practical examples.
Read guide Energy & comfortDouble glazing in South Africa
Compare glass and frames, understand performance and plan a double-glazing quote or retrofit.
Read guide Energy & comfortWindow tinting for homes
Compare films for heat, glare and privacy, check your glass and plan an installed quote.
Read guideTechnical & compliance · 5 guides
Understand the performance details
Get familiar with insulation terminology, product fire ratings and South African building requirements.
Insulation R-values explained
Understand thermal resistance and how to compare insulation performance.
Read guide Technical & complianceSANS 10400-XA guide
Turn a project specification into an insulation brief, compare quotes and check installation records.
Read guide Technical & complianceInsulation fire ratings
Understand fire classes, smoke and droplets, and check the documents for the exact product.
Read guide Technical & complianceWhat is U-value?
Understand U-value, follow a worked calculation and compare insulation and window performance figures.
Read guide Technical & complianceThermal bridging explained
Identify conductive heat paths, distinguish draughts and explore practical improvements.
Read guideInstallation & upgrades · 13 guides
Plan your next insulation project
Practical guides for installation, existing-home upgrades and different areas of your home.
How to install insulation
Plan the position, preparation and fitting steps for a well-installed insulating layer.
Read guide Installation & upgradesHow to install Aerolite
Plan roll quantities, measure and cut Aerolite, and check fitting details above the ceiling.
Read guide Installation & upgradesAdding insulation to an existing home
Plan practical upgrades for an existing or older home, from access and construction to renovation timing.
Read guide Installation & upgradesCan new insulation go over old insulation?
Compare when to keep, top up or replace existing insulation, and what to check before adding another layer.
Read guide Installation & upgradesInsulating a new house
Plan installation timing, coordinate trades and check insulation before your new home is finished.
Read guide Installation & upgradesHow to insulate a garage
Plan useful insulation upgrades for your garage’s roof, door, walls and floor.
Read guide Installation & upgradesHow to insulate floors
Compare practical insulation options for existing concrete, new slabs and suspended timber floors.
Read guide Installation & upgradesHow to insulate walls
Compare internal, external and cavity approaches for existing and newly built walls.
Read guide Installation & upgradesHow to insulate windows
Compare draught sealing, window film, coverings and glazing upgrades for a more comfortable home.
Read guide Installation & upgradesInsulating a shed or outbuilding
Plan insulation for a shed, Wendy house or workshop, with timber, metal and moisture considerations.
Read guide Installation & upgradesPrepare your home for winter
Reduce heat loss, assess draughts and plan practical winter upgrades.
Read guide Installation & upgradesMoisture control & condensation
Find the source of damp and learn how humidity, ventilation and insulation work together.
Read guide Installation & upgradesAir sealing your home
Find air leaks, compare seal types and reduce draughts while keeping planned ventilation.
Read guideA little more guidance
Questions about
our insulation guides
Find a starting point, understand the purpose of the library and know when to ask for help.
Which insulation guide should I read first?
Start with What is insulation? and Types of insulation. Then read the R-value guide before comparing products.
Are these guides relevant to South African homes?
The library includes guidance for South African homeowners, including R-values, local building requirements and SANS 10400-XA. For requirements specific to your project, ask a suitably qualified professional.
Can I use the guides for a DIY project?
The installation guides can help you understand the work involved. Your roof access, electrical fittings and working conditions may require professional help. If you are unsure, speak to our installation team before starting.
Will insulation reduce my electricity bill?
Insulation can reduce heat transfer and the demand for heating or cooling. Actual savings depend on your home, climate, existing insulation and how you use heating and cooling equipment.
Can you help me choose a product?
Yes. Contact our team with your ceiling area, location and project details for help with product supply or installation.
Expert help when you need it
Let’s find the right insulation
for your home.
Speak to Home Insulations about product supply or professional installation in Johannesburg, Centurion and Pretoria.