Why having roof insulation is important

According to the House Condition Survey 2015 at least 40% of homes do not have enough roof insulation and over 50% of homes do not have any insulation under the floor.

Insulation is the cheapest form of heating. A $4,000 investment in roof and underfloor insulation will pay for itself many times over the lifetime of the home and will give immediate benefits in comfort and health for the household.

The Building Code requires all new homes to have insulation in roofing, walls and floors, as well as having double glazing. But more than 600,000 existing homes are uninsulated, and 200,000 more have minimal insulation. This is a huge opportunity to lower power bills and greenhouse gas emissions from home heating and reduce hospitalisation and time off work or school due to sickness directly caused by cold, damp homes.

The first areas to insulate are ceilings and under suspended floors because it is easy and cost-effective in many homes. As of 1 July 2019, all private rental properties need ceiling and underfloor insulation wherever practical. With landlords now facing fines if they don’t do so, subsidies are now being shifted to homeowners on low incomes. For more information, see Gen Less  Funding for Insulation.