FIBREGLASS REMOVAL
WHY FOAM INSULATION IS BETTER THAN FIBREGLASS
FoamInstall offer a service that includes the removal of fibreglass insulation.
Fibreglass when compared to foam insulation can be quite a poor insulation technology. Poorly installed fibreglass not padded into battens correctly by as much as 4% of the thickness as a gap can cause a 30% decrease in the effectiveness of the r-value. Foam insulation does not have this problem as when installed the liquid gets into all the gaps and then expands creating an airtight seal.
FoamInstall are happy to remove old fibreglass insulation when upgrading to the latest in insulation technologies; Foam insulation. Contact us to find out more about our fibreglass removal services.
IS NEW INSULATION MORE EFFICIENT?
If you are installing conventional rock or sheep wool insulation, there will be little difference between the thermal performance of the new and old insulation. Even old newspaper insulation will still keep much of its thermal properties. However, if you are installing foam insulation instead of rock or sheep wool insulation there will be a noticeable difference in the thermal properties. An insulating material’s resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance (R-Value).
Aside from the R-Value, insulation will operate differently depending on how well it is installed. Poorly installed insulation such as fibreglass not padded into battens correctly with as much as 4% of the thickness as a gap can cause up to a 30% decrease in the effectiveness of the R-Value. Foam insulation will improve on this immediately with it being applied as a liquid and expanding into a foam filling in all the gaps and providing and air tight seal. Foam insulation can be installed in odd shaped gaps or holes that traditional fibreglass cannot be installed into and for this reason often is not.
In summary, installing either open or closed cell insulation will improve the effectiveness of insulation in your property through two methods; a better installation that ensures no gaps and through its better thermal resistance. More can be read about the thermal properties of our products through our datasheets.
R-Value Comparison
Fibreglass: 2.2 per inch non aged R-value. Fiberglass losses R-value over its lifetime.
Open Cell: 3.5 per inch of aged R-value. Spray Foam does not lose R-value over its lifetime.
Closed Cell: 6 to 7 per inch of aged R-value. Spray Foam does not lose R-value over its lifetime.
2″ (inches) of Foam Insulation is equivalent to approximately 14″ (inches) of Fibreglass Insulation
WHY WOULD FIBERGLASS REMOVAL BE NECESSARY?
Some people want to remove their fibre glass insulation, either because they are allergic or because they don’t want to breathe in the fibres when they are using the loft. There are clear reasons why you would want your insulation removed. The effects of coming into contact with fibreglass insulation include:
Irritation to eyes, nose and throat
Rash and itchiness
Stomach irritation if fibers are swallowed
Worsening of asthma and bronchitis
Also, if you have old paper based loose fill insulation, it may be a fire hazard, and as such you may want to look at getting it removed. Foam insulation has been tested for its properties in relation to fire regulations and for each of the products the fire regulations that they meet can be found in the datasheets.
CAN YOU LAY NEW INSULATION ON TOP OF OLD?
This is typically the way insulation gets installed. Unless there is good reason to remove the old insulation, the new is simply laid on top. If the old insulation is to joist depth, the new can be laid cross ways, to help reduce the effect of any gaps between the strips of old insulation. This approach will not work if you are looking to lay boards or plan for an attic conversion.
Foam insulation is very versatile in this respect, it can be installed into the rafters of the attic or it can be installed into the flooring. It can also be installed over the top of old insulation sealing it in. At FoamInstall we recommend discussing with a surveyor what the best option is for you. Understanding what you will use the attic space for is key to identifying how to proceed with installation. We offer a free no obligation survey where we would be happy to discuss with you the options for your property, contact us here to book.
IS FIBERGLASS REMOVAL DANGEROUS TO RESIDENTS?
Fibreglass and rock wool insulation are irritants, and you don’t want to be breathing them in at all. If you are removing the insulation, make sure you have a mask and a hat to keep the fibres out. A change of clothes after installation is also advisable.
At FoamInstall we have many years experience in the construction industry and have been applying this to our foam insulation services for a number of years. We are a professional service that are happy to come to remove your old insulation should it be required.
