What is Insulfluf?

In recent years more and more homeowners have opted for Insulfluf removal due to several common issues. To understand why, we must first dive into what exactly is Insulfluf?  Insulfluf is a loose-fill insulation material manufactured from recycled paper products. The material is shredded into small fibres and treated with chemicals including boric acid and other fire retardants to meet safety standards. It's installed by blowing the material into ceiling cavities using specialized equipment, allowing it to fill gaps and create an insulating layer across the ceiling space.

The product was widely used in New Zealand homes from the 1970s through to the early 2000s. Many homeowners appreciated that Insulfluf could be installed quickly without requiring access to the entire ceiling space, making it an attractive option for retrofit applications. 

Common Issues with Insulfluf

Over time, several problems have emerged with Insulfluf installations:

Settling and Compression: Insulfluf naturally compacts over the years, often losing 30-50% of its original thickness. This significantly reduces its thermal performance, meaning your home loses heat more readily than when the insulation was first installed.

Moisture Absorption: Being paper-based, Insulfluf readily absorbs moisture from roof leaks, condensation, or high humidity. Once wet, it can develop mould growth and become a health hazard. Wet Insulfluf also loses its insulating properties entirely.

Movement and Gaps: The loose nature of the material means it can shift within the ceiling cavity, particularly in windy conditions or when tradespeople work in the roof space. This creates cold spots and uneven insulation coverage.

Pest Attraction: Despite chemical treatments, some Insulfluf installations attract rodents and insects that nest within the material, further compromising its effectiveness and creating potential health concerns.

Insulfluf Removal

Insulfluf removal has become increasingly common as homeowners upgrade to modern insulation solutions. There are several reasons why removal may be recommended:

Upgrading Performance: Modern segment or blanket insulation products offer superior thermal performance and longevity. However, installing these over heavily settled or compressed Insulfluf may not achieve optimal results.

Moisture Damage: If your Insulfluf has been exposed to water or shows signs of mould, removal is essential before installing new insulation to prevent ongoing health and structural issues.

Pest Infestation: When rodents or insects have contaminated the insulation, removal provides an opportunity to clean the ceiling space properly and install fresh, uncontaminated insulation.

Home Renovations: Major electrical work, roof replacements, or structural modifications often make Insulfluf removal practical, allowing for a complete insulation upgrade.

The Removal Process

Insulfluf removal requires professional equipment and expertise. The process typically involves:

• Using industrial vacuum systems to extract the loose-fill material

• Disposing of removed insulation according to environmental regulations

• Cleaning the ceiling cavity before new insulation is installed

Due to the dusty nature of aged Insulfluf and potential contaminants, this work should only be undertaken by experienced professionals with appropriate safety equipment and training.

Replacing Insulfluf with Modern Solutions

After Insulfluf removal, most homeowners choose either polyester or fibreglass segment insulation, or blanket insulation products. These modern alternatives offer:

• Consistent R-values that don't degrade over time

• Moisture resistance in some cases

• Better coverage and thermal performance

• Longer product warranties

If you suspect your home contains Insulfluf, it may be time to assess your ceiling insulation. Professional inspection can determine whether your Insulfluf has reached the end of its useful life and whether removal and replacement would benefit your home's comfort and energy efficiency.

The Elite Insulation team are experts when it comes to retrofit insulation. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.

• Emma
• 12 February