Insulation Products
Cellulose fibre
Cellulose fibre is made from pulverised recycled paper, and is a loose fill that must be installed professionally. It can only be used in roof and ceiling spaces, and is a good option if your roof space is difficult to access.
Some manufacturers spray it in with a sealer. Cellulose fibre is treated with borax and boric acid to make it fire and insect-proof.
Natural wool
Natural wool is sold as batts, blankets or loose fill. Experts say wool is a niche product in Australia although it’s more popular overseas. Batts are usually wool blended with polyester, which helps them keep their shape. It’s recommended you choose batts that are 70% wool as these are more likely to be fireproof.
Wool is usually more expensive than other insulation. If used as a loose fill it must be thoroughly scoured and treated with insect repellent and fire retardant.
Polyester
Polyester fibres (including recycled PET bottles, such as soft-drink bottles) can also be made into batts and blankets. Polyester is a good choice if you’re insulating a space you’ll go into occasionally, such as an attic, as it doesn’t create extra dust or have loose fibres. It also doesn’t cause any irritation during installation.
