Roof space insulation has gaps, creases, folds or areas missing

Causes

Poor initial installation

Insulation has become displaced due to air movement/wind in the roof space/occupant activity – this typically occurs with loose-fill, blown-in insulation

Loose-fill, blown-in insulation has settled and is thinner than it was originally 

Activity by house occupants or tradespeople has displaced insulation

Listed under: Interior, insulation, roof space, wind

Cause

Poor initial installation

Repair

  • add new insulation to fill gaps in the insulation cover

  • for installation guidance (including how to install around recessed downlights), see the standard NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings. This can be downloaded at no charge from Standards New Zealand

  • close any visible gaps where air is entering the roof space from below (except gaps required around flues or older types of recessed downlight)

  • install a layer of blanket/sheet/roll insulation or additional loose-fill, blown-in insulation, over the existing. If using new loose-fill insulation, engage an experienced specialist contractor

  • where existing insulation has deteriorated and is ineffective, remove and replace with new

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Cause

Insulation has become displaced due to air movement/wind in the roof space/occupant activity – this typically occurs with loose-fill, blown-in insulation

Repair

  • where existing displaced blanket or sheet insulation remains in good condition, re-install without gaps

  • add new insulation to fill gaps in the cover. If using new loose-fill insulation, engage an experienced specialist contractor

  • for installation guidance (including how to install around recessed downlights), see the standard NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings. This can be downloaded at no charge from Standards New Zealand

  • close any visible gaps where air is entering the roof space from below (except gaps required around flues or older types of recessed downlight)

  • where existing insulation has deteriorated or been damaged and is ineffective, remove and replace with new

Back to top

Cause

Loose-fill, blown-in insulation has settled and is thinner than it was originally 

Repair

  • where existing insulation has deteriorated or been damaged and is ineffective, remove and replace with new

  • if using new loose-fill insulation, engage an experienced specialist contractor

  • for installation guidance (including how to install around recessed downlights), see the standard NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings. This can be downloaded at no charge from Standards New Zealand

  • close any visible gaps where air is entering the roof space from below (except gaps required around flues or older types of recessed downlight)

Back to top

Cause

Activity by house occupants or tradespeople has displaced insulation

Repair

  • where existing displaced blanket or sheet insulation remains in good condition, re-install without gaps

  • add new insulation to fill gaps in the cover. If using new loose-fill insulation, engage an experienced specialist contractor

  • for installation guidance (including how to install around recessed downlights), see the standard NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings. This can be downloaded at no charge from Standards New Zealand

  • close any visible gaps where air is entering the roof space from below (except gaps required around flues or older types of recessed downlight)

  • where existing insulation has deteriorated or been damaged and is ineffective, remove and replace with new

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