Most people only think about insulation when something goes wrong: a cold house, damp, or a rental inspection. But there are clearer moments when an upgrade makes sense. Here are the ones we see most often.
Moments when it is worth checking
You have just bought an older home
If you do not know what is in the ceiling or under the floor, find out. Previous owners may have insulated only part of the house, or done it a long time ago. An assessment gives you a clear picture before you settle in.
You are renovating
When ceilings are open or floors are up, it is the easiest time to sort the insulation. If the work is a new build or an addition, insulation for the ceiling, walls and underfloor goes in at the framing stage. See our new build insulation page.
You are renting out a property
Rental homes have insulation requirements, and it is sensible to check yours. We can help with the insulation your rental needs and arrange a Healthy Homes assessment for you.
The house is hard to keep warm
If some rooms never seem to warm up, or the house loses its warmth quickly, the insulation might not be doing enough.
Signs your insulation is past its best
Have a look in the ceiling space and underfloor, if you can do so safely. These are signs it may be time:
- It is thin, patchy or missing in places. Gaps matter.
- It is flat, grubby or has been disturbed. Insulation needs its thickness to work.
- It is wet or stained. Damp insulation does not do its job, and the cause needs fixing as well.
- It has been chewed or nested in. Pests can make a mess of it.
- It is old loose fill. This is often called Insulfluff, and it is best removed before new insulation goes in.
Our post on common insulation problems goes through how to check each one.
Top up, or replace?
Not every upgrade means starting from scratch.
- Top up when the existing insulation is dry, in decent shape and simply thin or patchy.
- Replace when it is damp, damaged, or old loose fill that is better removed.
- Start fresh when there is nothing there at all.
An assessment will tell you which applies to your home. Our retrofit insulation page explains how we approach existing homes.
What an upgrade involves
We install Knauf batts in ceilings and Mammoth under floors, and we can fit an underfloor ground moisture barrier where the ground is damp. As a guide, ceiling insulation for a 100m² home is usually $1,600 to $2,000 and underfloor is usually $2,200 to $2,500. Most ceilings take 1 to 3 hours, and underfloor typically takes about a day for a 100m² home. Your quote depends on access and materials.
Why bother
A well-insulated home is generally more comfortable year round and easier to keep at a steady temperature. It also tends to be drier. That is worth having, whether you live in the house or rent it out.
If you are not sure whether your insulation needs attention, ask for a free, no-obligation quote. We aim to call you back within 48 hours, or phone us on 027 482 0333.