When it comes to insulating your home or business, choosing the right product for the job is essential. But knowing where to start can be confusing – especially with so many products on offer. Batts and EPS Boards (reflective) insulation are among the two most common types of insulation in Australia.
BATTS INSULATION
Batts insulation consists of millions of air pockets which act as a barrier to heat flow – preventing heat from coming in or escaping. Batts insulation is a common type of low-density insulation and when installed correctly, is highly efficient at regulating indoor temperatures. The most common batts insulation products include polyester and glasswool insulation.
BOARD PANEL INSULATION (EPS)
EPS (expanded polystyrene insulation) is manufactured using beads of foam within a mould. Reflective insulation is a foil-based insulation that, as the name suggests, reflects heat radiation off its surface, keeping the space behind it cooler. Foil insulation requires a layer of trapped air to effectively improve the thermal performance of the house or building. Reflective foil wraps work best in hot climates. In colder climate zones, a vapour permeable wall wrap is required for moisture control.
DIFFERENCES
The main difference between batts and reflective insulation is the way they respond to heat. Heat can be transferred in three different ways:
- Conduction (heat transfer between two adjoining surfaces)
- Convection (heat transfer via liquid or gas)
- Radiation (heat transfer via electromagnetic waves, like the sun)
Batts insulation provides a thermal barrier to heat conduction and convection, whereas reflective insulation works best against radiation.
When it comes to performance, much depends on how they are installed. Reflective insulation on its own is best installed on vertical or sloping angles to minimise the amount of dust that settles on its surface over time. Walls and roofs are therefore ideal. Bulk insulation doesn’t have this problem, but products such as glasswool insulation should be kept away from moisture and potential leaks.
BEST BOARD INSULATION
Reflective insulation is best suited to climates where there’s plenty of direct temperature reflecting on large surfaces.