Earthwool vs Bradford vs Pink Batts

The three glasswool brands at a glance

• Knauf Earthwool®: glasswool made with up to 80% recycled glass and ECOSE® Technology, a plant-based binder with no added formaldehyde. Ceiling batts range from R3.5 to R8.0.
• Bradford Gold® (CSR Bradford): glasswool made in Australia from up to 80% recycled glass. Ceiling batts range from R2.5 to R7.0, with a higher-density Hi-Performance option.
• Pink® Batts (Fletcher Insulation): glasswool made in Australia with up to 80% recycled content. Ceiling batts range from R2.5 to R7.0, including an R4.1 batt.

These details come from each maker's own product pages and data sheets, linked under Sources below. Ranges change from time to time, so check the current data sheet for a specific product.

Polyester batts

Polyester batts are made from polyester fibre, often with recycled PET plastic in the mix. They are an alternative to glasswool, but ceiling products tend to stop at lower R-values: Autex's GreenStuf® ceiling data sheet lists products up to R4.1, while all three glasswool ranges go to R7.0 or more.

What makes more difference than the brand

The R-value

The National Construction Code requires insulation to be tested to AS/NZS 4859.1, so an R4.0 batt from one brand is tested to the same standard as an R4.0 batt from another. Choose the R-value for your climate first. For existing homes we recommend R3.5 to R5.0 in the ceiling in Perth and Brisbane, and R5.0 to R6.0 in Melbourne and Sydney.

The installation

Batts only reach their rated R-value when they are fitted snugly between the joists without gaps or squashing, with the required clearances kept around downlights and flues. A well-installed batt of any of these brands will outperform a premium batt that has been laid badly.

What is already in the roof

New batts should go onto a clean ceiling. If the old insulation is full of dust, droppings or broken-down loose-fill, it is worth removing first, whichever brand goes in afterwards.

Why Insulation Extract installs Earthwool

Insulation Extract installs Knauf Earthwool® batts in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and we are a Knauf preferred installer. We like Earthwool for its ECOSE® binder and for a ceiling range that goes up to R8.0, which covers every R-value our customers ask for.