Category Archives: Wall Insulation

Existing Wall Insulation Options

You don’t need to remove linings to install existing wall insulation. These can be insulated by drilling and filling holes through the external or internal lining and installing an existing wall insulation system. With these types of existing wall insulation systems there are usually three to four 15-25mm holes drilled in the wall, about every 500mm around the building.

Dry Fibre Existing Wall Insulation Systems

Total R-value of R2.2 -R2.9 is achieved in a typical 90-100mm wall cavity with a high density dry fibre system (if installed correctly).

Dry fibre, water-resistant CosyWall insulation has been installed into New Zealand homes since 2002. CosyWall is installed at an optimum design density to prevent future settlement and ensure that the Total R-value is achieved and maintained. With the CosyWall system holes are plugged with filler immediately after the existing wall insulation is installed, then the external cladding is sanded, primed and finish coated.

existing wall insulation wallinsulation

Tests on the CosyWall existing wall insulation system indicate no moisutre wicking after 30 days and no settlement after twelve months (at the design density). CosyWall insulation also prevents potential fire spread in the cavity and reduces noise transmission through walls.

Wet Foam Existing Wall Insulation Systems

Dry fibre systems should not be confused with wet foam products, which are usually manufactured on site from urea formaldehyde chemicals and water (or occasionally urethane foams). Installation of Wet systems is more complex, which often means long-term that the Total R-values (installed) are considerably less than that stated by suppliers.

If you decide to use a wet foam existing wall insulation remember the following:

The wet foam process requires 25-30 days full home ventilation to aid curing and reduce formaldehyde levels.

Ideally, the home should not be occupied during this period.

External wall hole plugging should not be completed until full curing is complete and internal wall moisture content is less than 24%.

Serious concerns about the suitability of wet foam for existing wall cavities have been raised by Department of Building & Housing (Determination report 2008/35) and which are available on their respective websites.

There are also conserns around the thermal performance of such systems, and Branz report SR233 states 6% perimeter and thickness shrinkage from framing timber as the foam cures – which reduces the manufacturers claimed R2.9 to a Total R-value (installed) of R1.0 – R1.6

When making a decision on your existing wall insulation. system get advice from the experts.

Contact your local CosyWall distributor at www.cosywall.co.nz or call 0800 267 992

Why should I get wall insulation?

Up to 35% of the heat can escape through your walls so insulating just the roof and underfloor—and leaving the walls uninsulated— is like going out in cold weather dressed only in your hat and boots.

CosyWall™ insulation was developed to solve this problem by installing wall insulation without having to remove external cladding or internal linings and has been used successfully in thousands of NZ homes since 2002.

With CosyWall Insulation you’ll be cosy all year round—without using any more energy. Typically we can achieve an R-Value of between 2.8 and 3.9, plus CosyWall is higher density than traditional wall insulation batting without the common edge gaps.

What is the CosyWall Insulation System?

The CosyWall process begins with our Licensed installers undertaking a free building assessment. After receiving your written acceptance of our contract, our Licensed installers will retrofit wall insulation through small holes your external cladding or internal linings. As part of this wall insulation process they will also repair any holes or other damage identified during the site assessment. External wall installations are primed and finished with the finish coat you provide, so it’s pretty difficult to spot where we’ve been. For internal installation you’ll have options for rough stop or a ready to paint finish.

CosyWall insulation is a water resistant, non-combustible mineral wool with no added formaldehyde. It is odourless and does not provide food for vermin and it complies with the New Zealand Building Code as a non-hazardous material.

A great investment

External wall insulation is one of the best investments you can make. With external wall insulation you will receive a great return on investment, plus you will receive immediate comfort and satisfaction. External wall insulation is installed once, done right and lasts a lifetime. And the best news is it will reduce your heating bill and has no ongoing costs.

Is Retrofit wall insulation right for my house?

CosyWall is designed to provide effective thermal external wall insulation for older homes with water-tight external timber framed wall cavities (constructed before 1990), with suitably fixed internal linings and external weatherboard, fibre cement, plywood, stucco or brick claddings.

BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE

CosyWall™ insulation meets or exceeds NZ Building Code sections B2, E2, E3, F2, H1 requirements when used in buildings at any geographical location in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Our installers can help with any paperwork that your local council may require. And because CosyWall is CodeMark certified your building code compliance is guaranteed.

If you are looking for a green retrofit wall insulation solution then you will be pleased to hear that each bag of CosyWall insulation contains over 45 recycled glass bottles with up to 80% recycled glass content.

Installing retrofit wall insulation will give you a warmer, drier, healthier home – and lower energy bills – so what are you waiting for?