An underfloor insulation product called Expol Black with a higher thermal resistance rating has joined the Expol range. Expol Black, so named because it contains graphite, is 30 percent more efficient making it better for climates with more extreme temperatures. It takes the R-value (thermal resistance rating) from 1.4 for Expol White to R1.8 for Expol Black.
Whether you choose Expol Black or Expol White will depend on a number of factors including your climate zone, your energy efficiency requirements, and your flooring set-up.
The launch of Expol Black into the Australian market is timely as energy ratings of new homes will soon increase from six to seven-star. Insulation helps with energy ratings by reducing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool a home, because it slows the transfer of heat between the inside and outside. As a result, homes with more insulation tend to have higher energy ratings.
What are Australia’s climate zones?
There are many interpretations of Australia’s climate zones, but according to the National Construction Code (NCC) of Australia there are eight zones.
Understanding your climate zone is fundamental because your home should be built to suit local conditions. The NCC provides different building code requirements for each climate zone, and within each zone are many regional subzones, determined by local geographic features such as wind patterns and height above sea level. These local conditions should also factor in when designing your home.
New requirement for Seven Star rating
A seven-star energy efficiency rating and minimum accessibility standards are required in all new homes built from October 2023. This is an increase from six to seven-star and forms part of the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC) and contains energy efficiency provisions that apply to all new buildings.
The star rating system assesses the thermal performance of your home from one to 10. A zero-star home offers no insulation from the external temperature, while a 10-star home maintains a comfortable internal temperature, regardless of external temperatures, all year round.
The Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DECCA) suggests that to reach a seven-star rating homeowners may include:
- better design and orientation to the sun to take advantage of opportunities to passively heat the home in winter while shading it in summer
- improved ceiling, wall or under-floor insulation to suit the Victorian climate
- high performance glazing (windows) to better insulate the home from heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
A product like Expol Black with a higher rating can play a role in reaching the new requirements of the seven-star rating.
Benefits of Expol Black underfloor insulation
Expol Black underfloor insultation has a number of benefits including:
- 30 per cent more efficient that Expol White insulation
- Resistant to moisture so reduces condensation and decreases likelihood of dampness and mould developing
- Dampens noise from outside your home, and is an excellent sound absorber giving timber floors a more solid feel
- Environmentally sustainable because it reduces the need for natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electricity to heat and cool buildings
- Flame retardant
- Easy to install with concertina cuts and is ideal for both retro-fit applications and new floors
- Can be recycled easily where facilities exist, for example StyroCycle
- No nutritional value to vermin, birds or animals
- Comes with a 50-year product warranty.
DIY installation of Expol Black underfloor insulation
Unlike many underfloor insulation products, Expol Underfloor Insulation has been designed to be used by DIY-ers or professionals. A competent DIY enthusiast or owners could install Expol underneath their home in a weekend.
All that’s required is to measure up, cut to fit, install the Expol panels, fix with fittings, and place wireguard around cables.
Where can I buy Expol Black?
Expol Black R 1.8 underfloor insulation to fit 410 mm joists, is available to buy online here. Additionally, leading hardware stores offer the option of buying Expol Black by special order.
