Ceiling insulation
In uninsulated houses, up to 35% of heating is lost through the ceiling.
A recent survey indicates that around 375,000 New Zealand homes have inadequate ceiling insulation and over one million have inadequate underfloor insulation. [1.]
On this page
Energy savings
Installing ceiling insulation can save up to $400 a year in the colder regions of New Zealand.
If a house already has a thin and ineffective form of insulation (less than 120mm), it is worth adding a thick extra layer on top.
Product labelling
For more about labelling refer to About insulation: Product labelling.
Take action
Safe work practice
Follow safe work practices when working around electrical wiring [Energy Safety website.]
Installing ceiling insulation
Insulation can usually be installed by two to three people. Access is often through a manhole in the roof.
Installation standard
Standards New Zealand has published a standard on installing insulation, NZS4246:2006.
- It covers a variety of products available and provides detailed instructions on how they should be installed and can be downloaded from here - (PDF, 2.94 MB).
Apply for an insulation grant
If you are on a landlord, low-income homeowner or tenant, find out if you will qualify for an home insulation grant.
More information
Insulation
- For comprehensive information on insulation, download the Department of Building and Housing booklet Your guide to smarter insulation, PDF 2.9 MB [Smarter insulation booklet. ]
Choosing insulation products
- For a comprehensive discussion, go to Insulation materials. [Smarter Homes website.]
Product certification
For a background to how products are certification, go to Quality assurance. [Consumer Build website.]
Building code
Check with the Department of Building and Housing for changes to the code at Home owners and consumers. [Department of Building and Housing.]
Note:
[1.] New Zealand House Condition Survey, BRANZ, 2005.