A while ago I wrote about a report on ABC that was warning people about the dangers of improperly fitted insulation. And luckily, that post has drawn the attention of Nelson Larrosa from The Demand Group - a company that specializes in energy-saving products.
Nelson left a comment on Homeiown to correct something that I said that wasn’t 100% correct: 60 cases of house fire in NSW were caused by insulation made of Cellulose fibre and not wool. He also went on and explained a lot of facts about insulation materials and standards. Here is what Nelson wants you to know:
“The most recent report by the NSW Firebrigade is that there have been a little more than 60 fire caused by insulation installed in ceilings. All were attributed to Cellulose fibre insulation (CFI). Which is basically, recycled mulched up paper. This is treated with a harsh chemical known as Borax (Octoborate), which is a fire retardant. Wool was not a contributing factor in any fire where insulation has been the cause.
Halogen lighting is a concern and as long as you have professionals install the insulation along with appropriate light protectors or an adequate air space left around the light and transformers there shouldn’t be an issue.
The safest form of insulation available from both a fire and personal long term health perspective are Polyester batts made from 100% polyester fibre. This and ensuring that your chosen installer is using a reputable manufacturer, i.e., a local manufacturer that is manufacturing polyester batts in Australia to the AS/NZS4859.1 and AS1530.3.
Beware of importers that advertise that their products meets the relevant AS/NZS4859.1 These products may not necessarily have been tested as rigorously as a product manufactured in Australia.
However, having said all that, the number of fires in relation to number of houses that have been insulated are relatively small and the long term benefits to the occupants and the environment are well worth the Government’s financial support. Like all else that consumers are likely to purchase, it is always BUYER BEWARE.”
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Just as a comment to your information regarding the Cellulose Fibre Insulation. Again as with all insulations the standard to which it is manufactured to is highly important. Cellulose Fibre INsulation (made from recycled newsprint, highly environmentally sustainable and effective) is fire proof when manufactured to AS4859.1 which is mandatory and common amongst Cellulose manufacturers. You will find that poor electricals and poorly installed batts will be a greater cause of fires than Cellulose could ever be. Your advice from the Demand group is good but is also highly objective towards only one product which is no better than the approved Cellulose Insulation which is the chosen insulation amongst many other countries including Canada, USA, New Zealand. The reason for it being the chosen insulation is the efficiency in this insulation is the best and it is produced from recycled newsprint. The manufacturing process completes this insulation to be non toxic, fire proof, vermin proof and gap free. It is able to achieve higher R Values than batt insulation because it is already thermally bridged through the installation procedure. I believe you should be better informed of the value of Cellulose insulation prior to placing such a biased comment on your website unless of course you are funded by the Demand Group? Thank you.
@Cheryl Mueller: To answer your question, Demand Group are not sponsoring Home I own, and we do try to be as unbiased as it is possible. Are you representing a company that markets Cellulose Fibre Insulation?