The effectiveness of batts incorporates a range of considerations, but particularly longevity and thermal values. Many batts are hard to replace, and if they are replaced disposal and installation is a big portion of the replacement costs, and batts are not readily disposed of in an environmentally "sound" manner. And of course if a batt doesn't do what you want it to thermally, then it's a waste of precious money and effort... And leads also back to the replacement and new installation costs and difficulties.
For longevity reasons I really like poly batts. If you have the space to get the thickness / R value you want, they offer much better longevity than glass batts. I've seen dramatic differences with different batt types installed in the same home. Glass batts seriously decayed, with loose fibres, little thickness and a vastly reduced R value, next to poly batts that look as intact and thick as the day they were installed. We'll certainly be following these up for our next place... Along with LOADS of reflective insulation (of which I think most Aussie homes have far too little).
Posted Saturday 21 Jan 2012 @ 2:16:31 pm from IP
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