Warning issued over non-compliant insulation warning

PROPERTY NEWS

Home renovators and owner builders have been urged to check any building insulation products being offered to them to ensure they comply with the labelling, testing and quality requirements contained in the Building Code of Australia regulations / Australian Standards.

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Australian Institute of Architects, says that with the collapse of the Federal Government’s Home Insulation Program some insulation products imported by installers have not been tested correctly and fail to comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
These products, including sub-standard glass-wool batts, other insulation products and laminated foil, could now find their way into new building and renovation projects.
Archicentre Queensland state manager Ian Agnew said anyone undertaking a renovation or building a new home should buy insulation products from a reputable source and check that the insulation products comply with BCA standards.
“We have instructed our architects undertaking renovation design concepts and pre-purchase inspections to be extremely vigilant. Archicentre’s statistics show that in some suburbs 40 per cent of homes still have no roof insulation and these are prime targets for unscrupulous contractors wanting to dump inferior products.”
“Saving a few dollars and not having the correct material is not just an environmental matter it is also related to safety especially where the threat of fire is concerned.” Mr Agnew said it is also vital to use properly qualified and accredited installers as incorrect installation of unsuitable products can become a legal liability, especially if the property is sold with poorly installed substandard insulation.
“People now apprehensive about ceiling insulation shouldn't be ... they should just use a reputable installer and make themselves aware of the quality Australian made products which can be safely used when installed properly."
Mr Agnew said it was important, both environmentally and economically, to restore community confidence in the insulation industry with installers and Australian manufacturers.
Archicentre is also urging all home buyers to check if the home they are considering buying has been part of the Federal Government Home Insulation Scheme. If so home buyers need to request an inspection report by an independent qualified inspector which lists the time it was done, the qualifications of the inspector, and the details of the professional indemnity insurance policy which covers the quality of the inspection.
Mr Agnew said in the case of the home owner, for peace of mind and safety, the same type of inspection by a qualified person should take place with the home owner receiving a similar report.