Knauf preferred blow-in installer, Perth

Blow-in Insulation Perth

Insulation Extract removes old blow-in insulation from Perth roofs and installs modern Knauf glasswool blow-in insulation, a non-combustible loose-fill that fills tight and awkward roof spaces where batts are hard to lay. We are a Knauf preferred installer, with free assessments across the metro area.

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On-Site
Tile Roof Retrofit

Extraction & Batts

1. Old blown-in removal via vacuum
2. Earthwool® batts install
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Blow-in insulation removal and installation in Perth

Blow-in insulation has two very different stories. The old material, often called "the fluff", is one of the most common things we pull out of Perth ceilings. The new generation of glasswool blow-in is one of the best ways to insulate a roof space that is low, cramped or broken up by trusses. On this page we cover:

  • What the old blow-in insulation is and why it should come out.
  • How we remove it safely from your roof space.
  • What Knauf glasswool blow-in insulation offers today.
  • Other options for existing homes, including Earthwool ceiling batts and Supafil® cavity wall insulation.
Loose-fill blow-in insulation spread across a ceiling under steel roof trusses
Loose-fill blow-in insulation spread across a ceiling under steel roof trusses

The problem with old blow-in insulation in Perth homes

Old blow-in insulation, also known as loose-fill, cellulose or "the fluff", was installed in a great many Australian homes, and plenty of Perth houses still have it. It was usually made from shredded newspaper and organic cellulose, which leaves it dusty, ineffective and potentially harmful:

  • It can contain residues such as lead from printing ink, plus boric acid and other chemicals added during manufacture, which can aggravate breathing problems, especially in young children.
  • It holds moisture, which leads to sagging ceilings and, in bad cases, ceiling collapse in older homes.
  • It settles over the years, leaving thin patches and gaps that let heat straight through.
  • It is a fire risk compared with modern non-combustible products.

In our experience, most old insulation barely meets 25% of the minimum requirements in today's building code. That is why removal is usually the first step before any upgrade.

Room with a collapsed ceiling and old insulation spilling through
Room with a collapsed ceiling and old insulation spilling through

How we remove old blow-in insulation

We use commercial insulation removal systems to extract old loose-fill directly from your roof space. A 25HP vacuum pulls the material down a large hose into sealed hoppers on our truck, removing the health hazards and dust problems with it. We access the roof from outside wherever possible, so the inside of your home stays clean. Homes built before 1990 are checked for asbestos first; we are not licensed to remove it and will stop if it is suspected.

Roof space with a vacuum hose partway through removing old loose-fill insulation
Roof space with a vacuum hose partway through removing old loose-fill insulation

Knauf glasswool blow-in insulation: benefits for Perth homes

Loose-fill itself was never the problem. Small particles that can be blown into tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas give a seamless, even layer that batts sometimes cannot match. Knauf Insulation has taken that idea and remade it with glasswool, solving the problems of the old paper-based product.

Energy efficiency and thermal comfort

Blow-in insulation forms a continuous layer that limits heat flow in and out of your home. By reducing heat gain in a Perth summer and heat loss in winter, it cuts the work your air conditioner and heater have to do and lowers your energy bills.

Acoustic performance

As well as its thermal benefits, glasswool blow-in helps reduce noise from outside and between rooms, for a quieter home.

Made from recycled glass, no added formaldehyde

Knauf glasswool blow-in uses recycled glass as a main ingredient and contains no added formaldehyde, making it a more responsible choice for homeowners who care about their footprint.

Resists moisture and mould

Unlike old cellulose and paper blow-in, which hold moisture and grow mould, Knauf Earthwool Blow-In Glass is designed to resist moisture and keep its insulating properties in damp conditions, so it stays effective over time.

Less settling, consistent performance

Old cellulose settles and leaves gaps. Knauf Earthwool Blow-In Glass keeps its loft and coverage, and its manufacturing process gives an even density for reliable, long-lasting thermal and acoustic performance.

Non-combustible to AS1530.1

Knauf Earthwool Blow-In Glass is non-combustible to AS1530.1 and does not contribute to the spread of fire.

Versatile and quick to install

Trained installers use specialised equipment to blow the insulation into place, even in tight and irregular spaces. It suits ceilings and roof spaces of many types, including low-pitched roofs and skillion sections.

Our blow-in insulation installation process

Installing blow-in insulation takes installers who know the product. Insulation Extract is certified and accredited by Knauf Insulation as a preferred installer, and we are the only WA company to have gained Knauf accreditation as an Approved Installer of Knauf blow-in products.

  1. 1

    Assessment and preparation

    We assess your home, identify the areas that need insulation and work out how much is required. Sometimes Earthwool batts are the better option, and for walls we may recommend cavity wall insulation. We then prepare the space by removing old insulation, securing electrical wiring and clearing obstructions.

  2. 2

    Blowing in the insulation

    Using specialised equipment, the insulation is blown into the designated areas, filling gaps and voids and spreading evenly for consistent thermal performance.

  3. 3

    Checking for complete coverage

    Our installers check every corner to make sure it is properly covered, with no areas left open to heat loss, air leaks or noise.

Blow-in wall insulation for double brick and internal walls

Many Perth homes are double brick, and the cavity between the two skins is usually empty. We retrofit wall insulation into these cavities and into internal plasterboard walls using Knauf Supafil® glasswool. Filling the wall adds radiant heat protection, does not sustain vermin, is cost-effective and brings worthwhile acoustic benefits. It is an ideal solution for existing homes when installed correctly.

White glasswool blow-in insulation filling a roof space
White glasswool blow-in insulation filling a roof space

Why Perth homeowners choose Insulation Extract

  • Be comfy

    new insulation keeps your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

  • Be healthy

    removing old loose-fill takes dust and chemical residues out of your roof.

  • Be efficient

    heating and cooling make up a large share of household energy bills, so better insulation saves money every year.

  • Be confident

    our crews have retrofitted more than 45,000 Australian homes since 2014.

For a free blow-in insulation assessment in Perth, call (08) 9302 2699 or use the quote form on this page.

Insulation hose injecting fill into an external brick wall
Insulation hose injecting fill into an external brick wall
Installer injecting insulation into an internal plasterboard wall
Installer injecting insulation into an internal plasterboard wall

Frequently Asked Questions

Is blow-in insulation worth it?

Yes, particularly modern glasswool blow-in. It improves energy efficiency and thermal and acoustic performance, and can reduce heating and cooling costs. In Perth we recommend R3.5 to R5.0 in the ceiling and at least R2.0 in walls.

Can I install blow-in insulation myself?

No. It needs specialised equipment and must be installed to the manufacturer's specifications to achieve its rated performance. Use installers certified by the manufacturer.

Is blown-in insulation better than batts?

Both have their place. Blow-in fills tight, hard-to-reach and irregular spaces more effectively for a seamless layer, while batts suit standard joist spacings and open roof spaces. The best choice depends on your home.

Is modern blown-in insulation safe?

Modern products like Knauf glasswool blow-in are non-combustible to AS1530.1, made without added formaldehyde and tested to Australian standards. The concern is older cellulose blow-in, which can contain harmful residues, and installers who are not trained in the product.

Is blown-in insulation cheaper than batts?

It depends on the roof space, labour and material. Blow-in can have a lower material cost in some roofs, while batts can be simpler to install in standard spaces. An on-site quote is the most accurate way to compare.

How long does blow-in insulation last?

Modern glasswool blow-in is designed to be durable and to keep its loft, so it can last for many decades depending on the conditions and the quality of installation.