Green Eco-friendly Thermal and Acoustic Roof Insulation in South Africa

ECO-INSULATION PROJECT FEATURES IN 'LEADING FOCUS' AS CASE STUDY FOR RETROFITTING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

2012-01-16T18:19:00.000+02:00

You can't keep a good project down. Successful stories keep breeding further success. The South African Large Telescope installation by Richard Ellis and his team was listed as a finalist in the Top Ten projects by the Southern African Energy Efficiency Association.

Here, this story has been carried by Leading Architecture and Design Journal, a top quality magazine that speaks to the design and architectural community. The magazine is published by a division of Media 24.

Source: http://www.leadingarchitecture.co.za/

Read for yourselves (click on the photo to open and size in in a new screen):

ECO-INSULATION IN THE NEWS DURING COP17 TIME

2011-12-14T10:53:00.001+02:00

Southern Africa Energy Efficiency Award 2011 finalist and 2008 Winner, Eco-Insulation has recently been featured in the prestigious "25 Degrees in Africa" publication, issued at the time of the COP17 Durban events.

Featured in Vol 6 Number 6 of 2011 is an article that describes the energy efficiency project undertaken at the South African Astronomical Observatory complex at Sutherland in the Karoo.

This is the same project for which Eco-Insulation was listed as a finalist at the SAEE Convention 2011 Awards this year.

Should any follower of the Blog want a scanned copy of this article, please email us at the address provided.

Here is a low res. photo of the Sutherland article. Well done to our installer on site, Richard Ellis, Dave Renecle and the Team.

ABOUT ENERGY SAVING - WITH A SMILE

2011-11-07T13:58:00.004+02:00

Eco-Insulation got sent a link to a humorous article in saving electricity from a follower of our Blog in the good 'ole USA.

Enjoy it - it helps to smile about our desperately important topic sometimes.

See http://compareelectricityrates.com/blog/2011/why-i-dont-care-how-much-my-electric-bill-is-right-now/

ECO-INSULATION STARS AT SA ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

2011-11-04T10:17:00.001+02:00

STOP PRESS - ECO-INSULATION LISTED FOR SOUTHERN AFRICA ENERGY EFFICIENCY ASSOCIATION'S ENERGY SAVING PROJECT AWARD 2011.

SALT OBSERVATORY NEAR SUTHERLAND AT 6 A.M. PRE-DAWN ON A WINTER'S MORNING

A major consideration in the design and ongoingoperation of a large observatory such as the SAAO in Sutherland,where the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is located, is thecomfort of the observer and resident technical maintenance andsupport staff.

Creating comfortable living conditions in an area where cosy fires are forbidden due to smoke particulate emission means heavy reliance on national grid power, backed up by emergency clean burning fuel oil generators on site. The observatory is a direct consumer of Eskom power which is charged at the Ruraflex rate. This means peak rates of close to R 3 per kWh dropping to 40 c/kWh during off peak low demand seasons. Heating in the accommodation blocks, houses and other spaces such as office and recreation centre is by large electrical heating panels that consume approximately 25 kWh each per day in the peak demand season, contributing substantially towards an overall site energy consumption of 145 000 kWh per month in the season.

Eco-insulation was ultimately chosen and installed by RichardEllis and his team, due toits superior insulating characteristics, ease of installation at 100%coverage and cost effectiveness. Having SABS approval and being firerated in line with the national building standards was also nonnegotiable.

Subsequently Eco-Insulation was installed over a two week period in the SALT workshops (a notoriouslyclimate-exposed location), in all accommodation areas, the officearea and also in parts of the recreation centre.

“Best estimates show that the energy savingis significant – close to 180 000 kWh per annum”, says SALT electrical engineer Keith Browne, a member of the SAAO Energy Saving Committee.“We will be running observations over the ensuing months to get amore accurate picture, but this installation will save the SAAOhundreds of thousands of Rands over the years. – payback will beover two years. What’smore, it is considerably more comfortable – warmer – indoors thiswinter”.

Eco-Insulation founder, Cecil Homan, isdelighted with the project. “Eco-Insulation has clearlydemonstrated its prowess in the realm of industrial / scientificinfrastructure – or should Isay the Cosmos?”

We will post further information as this story develops !

SANS 10400-XA IS HERE

2011-10-18T11:35:00.002+02:00

Eco-Insulation draws your attention to this excellent article in energy efficiency in buildings as published in the online edition of 25 Degrees in Africa. Click the link below.

http://www.25degrees.net/index.php?option=com_zine&view=article&id=1409:new-standard-on-energy-usage-in-buildings-to-see-the-light-of-day&Itemid=123

At Eco-Insulation, we have participated in some highly exciting energy conservation projects this year and will shortly be sharing them with our valued Blog readers.

ECO-INSULATION SUPPORTS M49 DRIVE

2011-09-26T16:45:00.000+02:00

South Africa's electricity utility deserves our support in a number of initiatives.
One such initiative is the 49M campaign which encourages South African companies and individuals to get involved in promoting energy conservation. Eco-Insulation is a proud supporter of this initiative and in this regard:

As a proud member of the 49M community I pledge to:

Lead and energy smart lifestyle
Encourage others to be energy efficient
Ensure a sustainable future for South Africa
Make a difference because I have the power to do so

Are you as a builder or architect striving to maximise energy saving in your designs, new buildings and retrofits - today ? Give Eco-Insulation a shout and let us explain the benefits of green, energy saving, sustainable cellulose insulation. It's so simple, yet incredibly cost effective.

Eco-Insulation is not only highly effective. It's the safe and healthy choice, too.

ECO-INSULATION EARNS IT EXCELLENT CREDENTIALS

2011-09-13T15:34:00.000+02:00

It is not surprising, Eco-Insulation has fulfilled all the quality and safety requirements of a highly effective insulating material:

SABS-Approved.

Fire-rated “No Spread of Flame” for use in the ceiling and cavity walls

Among the most efficient coverage materials available for the area being treated. Eco-Insulation is pumped into place and spreads to fill every nook and cranny inside the roof – and that includes inaccessible flat roofs..

Provides a solution for each and every climatic zone inside South Africa, in accordance with the industry association guidelines.

Professional, turnkey service. No worries, no fuss. A professional installer who focuses solely on the Eco-Insulation brand is only a telephone call away.

This is a truly green product.

So impressed were the judges that they awarded us the Southern African Energy Efficiency Award for Excellence - "Company of the Year 2008".

ECO-INSULATION IS VERY VERSATILE AND EASY TO INSTALL

2011-09-07T16:40:00.001+02:00

Byplacing Eco-Insulation Cellulose Fibre Ceiling Insulation in theroof, the building owner substantially reduces the energy consumed byheating or cooling. You are also helping to recycle or upcycle astream of paper waste, turning it into an upgraded insulationproduct.

For example, the fitting ofsolar geysers to many low cost housing projects is an admirable move,but true energy efficiency in low cost housing will only be effectivewhere the roof is fitted with a ceiling that is insulated too

There'san Eco-Insulation solution for developers, architects and individualhomeowners alike.

Visit our comprehensivewebsite at www.eco-insulation.co.zato get information and also the contact details of your localprofessional installer.

Compare Electricity Rates: 10 Regular Products That Are More Environmental Friendly than Their So-called Green Counterparts

2011-09-07T16:24:00.001+02:00

I came across this very helpful Blog from Texas, USA the other day. At Eco-Insulation thermal roofing insulation we agree with some of the points made on this blog. Visit it !

Compare Electricity Rates: 10 Regular Products That Are More Environmental Friendly than Their So-called Green Counterparts:

'via Blog this'

Welcome to etaAwards Website - Turning Ideas into Energy

2011-07-21T12:26:00.000+02:00

Welcome to etaAwards Website - Turning Ideas into Energy

Eco-Insulation believes that all South African companies should be striving for maximum energy efficiency.

Does you company qualify?

Do the job well to get the results

2011-07-02T19:37:00.000+02:00

However, adding insulation alone without sealing air leaks is not going to help much. Water vapor carried with the escaping warm air may condense and build up in certain insulations, reducing R-values and causing structural damage. Indeed, when moisture problems appear in the roof after it has been insulated, ceiling bypasses are often the cause. To avoid these types of water problems and to receive full benefit from your insulation, you need to plug up your attic leaks or bypasses.

We advise architects and project managers to give more consideration to using cellulose. The product is fully approved by the SABS and is fire rated as “no spread of flame” above the ceiling. Architects often forget about the sound-insulating benefits of the product, as well. This is very important for the many industries such as hotels and retail outlets, where levels of noise need to be controlled and sonic absorption is required for effective acoustics inside the building.This is what we mean by ultimate climate comfort.

Building owners, designers and architects should visit www.eco-insulation.co.za for further information and contact details of installers. We are available nation-wide.

THE MEANING OF HUNDRED PERCENT INSULATION

2011-06-02T22:07:00.000+02:00

Architects - Something to Consider

Eco-Insulation Cellulose Fibre Ceiling Insulation™, forms a seamless blanket of natural fibers that provide outstanding protection from temperature extremes.

The matter of coverage is also highly important. The best product distributes itself naturally into every corner, recess and cavity above the ceiling, including into flat roofs with limited access. “Many installers do not take the trouble of lifting roof sheeting to allow insulation to be laid from the top”, says founder, Cecil Homan “So you end up with uninsulated sections of the ceiling through which heat may enter or escape. However, you don't have this problem with inefficiency when you install Eco-Insulation for two good reasons:

When cellulose is pneumatically pumped into ceilings and cavities by means of specialised apparatus, it assumes a fluid consistency that allows product to flow into hidden spaces and around obstructions to completely fill the area being treated – every nook and cranny.
Eco-Insulation installers are highly trained professional sub-contractors. There are no approved DIY options for the product. Installers are trained to lift roof sheets and do whatever it takes to get product into inaccessible spaces."

Eco-Insulation is excellent in this regard, due to our professional approach, unique delivery system – meaning a fully turnkey service.

This is ideal for contractors and specifiers alike.

Photo - lifting roof sheets at a tricky installation at Club Vaudeville, Cape Town

ITS TIME TO INSULATE - TODAY !

2011-04-12T18:28:00.002+02:00

The agreement some time back by Nersa granting Eskom to a 25% per annum tariff increase over 3 years, places specifiers and building owners in a very clear position. It is time to implement energy saving.

The inclusive of passive energy efficiency measures in new building projects and retrofits is a clear starting point for all developers thinking sustainability – as early as during the environment control planning and design process. In addition, government and developers need to think about low cost housing. “The fitting of solar geysers to many low cost housing projects is an admirable move, but true energy efficiency in low cost housing will only be effective where the roof is fitted with a ceiling that is insulated, too.”

Go to http://www.eco-insulation.co.za - or call one of our professional installers whose details appear on the website, to see what can be done to mitigate against climate change and rising energy costs TODAY.

ELECTRICITY SAVING IMPERATIVE FOR WESTERN CAPE

2011-03-23T23:46:00.000+02:00

Property Owners - Take note of this !

Cape Town- Cape Town residents are being urged to cut electricity usage by 25 - 40%, the city said on Wednesday.

"From 2010 to 2013 it's likely that your electricity bill will more than double, or even triple... Saving electricity is about saving hard-earned rands," said Sarah Ward, the city's spokesperson for energy and climate change.

Cape Town home owners would receive flyers with power saving advice in their rates accounts for the next three months, she said.

The installation of energy efficient showerheads, geyser blankets, solar water heating and ceiling insulation are measures which would save electricity and add to the value of the property, Ward said.

Residential consumption was responsible for 43% of Cape Town's total electricity consumption.

ABOUT THE R-VALUE

2011-03-17T15:59:00.000+02:00

The Thermal Resistance Value, commonly expressed as “R-Value” is measured as:

R Value = Thickness of insulating material ÷ Thermal conductivity of material.

The Thermal Conductivity is the rate of heat flow through one metre of uniform type of material, expressed in watts per metre Kelvin.

So, it can be seen that the thicker the layer of insulation being measured, the higher the R-value. This is not surprising, isn't it? However, the higher the Thermal Conductivity, the lower the R-value.

With the introduction of uniform standards for measuring the effectiveness of various insulations, the Thermal Insulation Association of South Africa, TIASA, has introduced a range of total recommend R-Values for each of 7 different Climatic Zones.

When carrying out measurements, bear in mind that the recommendations refer to the TRV’s of the total system - including static air gaps and roofing materials - and cannot be compared with R values of the bulk insulation products. Make sure that test methods used are clearly declared in order to avoid a poor basis for comparison between different types of materials. Otherwise you may end up installing a much thicker layer of insulation than is necessary. Remember, static air is also an insulator and this contributes to the overall insulation effect. It is important to seal off all draughts however, because these rapidly lower the insulation properties of air by stimulating convection.

Eco-Insulation is a fantastic sealer of draughts inside cavities, because it spreads rapidly across the space being insulation and fills, literally, every nook and cranny. Once the product settles, it mats together and stays there.

HOW INSULATION WORKS

2011-02-28T12:25:00.001+02:00

Clients and architects often ask us what the most important property is of a good insulation material, so with apologies to those of you who know it already, here is a short note on the basics.

To change the temperature of an object, energy is required in the form of heat to increase temperature (e.g. by using heaters), or reduce temperature (e.g. by using air conditioners). Once the heat generation or heat extraction stops, a reverse flow of heat happens and the temperature returns to ambient.

So, to maintain a comfortable temperature, considerable continuous energy is required, most of the year round. Insulation reduces this energy flow.

Thermal insulation acts as a barrier to the movement of heat, therefore slowing down the escape of heat from a building in winter (when the outside temperature is lower) and the entry of heat into a building during summer (when the outside temperature is higher).

The resistance that insulation offers to the flow of heat is called its R-value. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation. The thicker the material, the higher its R-value. In practice, a unit of measurement called thermal conductivity is actually determined. This unit gives the speed that heat is transfered through a material. So the lower the thermal conductivty, the higher the R-value.

We will be exploring R-values in more detail soon, but for those of you who want to download fact sheets or tachnical data, do go to our website: http://www.eco-insulation.co.za/

CLIMATE CHANGE - A LOOMING REALITY

2011-02-10T12:14:00.001+02:00

It's a good thing when a leading global figure asserts himself (or herself) on the subject of global warming and climate change.

Today, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales has stated clearly that people who do not accept the reality of climate change are "Playing a reckless game of roulette". He went on to ask "How are these people going to face their grandchildren and admit to them that they failed their future?". (Independent Media - 10 Feb 2011)

It is a chilling thought, isn't it? That's why at Eco-Insulation, we are firmly nailing our colours to the war against global warming. And our families and the younger generation are supporting us, too. For their own sakes.

We believe that by placing Eco-Insulation in the roof, you are not only reducing your energy reliance on heating or cooling, but are helping to consume a waste stream of paper, by upcycling it into our exclusive, SABS-Approved, fire-rated thermal insulation.

Go to http://www.eco-insulation.co.za/ - or call one of our friendly installers whose details appear on the website, to see what can be done to mitigate against climate change TODAY.

We all need to focus on SAVING Electricity

2011-01-24T12:36:00.000+02:00

According to Brian Dames, Eskom CEO in a press release quoted in the African Utility Week earlier this month, the utility will not by carrying out any further planned load-shedding.

However, this does not mean that there will be unplanned electricity cuts caused by load shedding due to high demand in the country over the next few months. The hot weather in the Cape and elsewhere in the country is not helping the situation much either, as the demand of air conditioning starts to soar.

During autumn 2010, there were a number of blackouts in the East Rand and elsewhere, so it is clear that our electricity supply is under increasing pressure - despite savings and energy conservation measures.

In addition, consumers and business also need to consider the shocking history of price hikes in electricity - 268% over the past 3-4 years. Yet another 25% is in the pipeline in the next few months.

Homes and businesses therefore need to seriously consider saving at least 40 - 50% off their electricity bills. If we can do this, we will greatly minimise the chances of load shedding.

How do we start doing this? For a start, go to www.eco-insulation.co.za

Also, watch this Blogspace. We will publish helpful advice in the next weeks as to insulating your building.

ELECTRICITY COSTS SET TO HIKE AGAIN IN 2011

2010-12-10T16:46:00.000+02:00

Summers in South Africa are typified extremely hot, dry in the west or stormy inland or coastal climatic conditions, meaning that a very large number of buildings around the nation rely on air conditioning to achieve comfortable working conditions.

Last year's agreement by Nersa to a 25% per annum tariff increase over 3 years to Eskom places specifiers and building owners in a very clear position. South Africa will be bracing for the second increase of 25% early in the new year.

The time for talking about energy saving is over and we have now reached the stage where built environment professionals need to seriously consider their energy saving options - both active and passive.

That is where we recommend you specify our eco-friendly brand. Eco-Insulation - the most user-friendly, professional option available - for roof insulation, ceiling insulation - thermal insulation - and cavity insulation.

BOOSTING GREEN STAR™ AWARD STATUS

2010-12-02T17:08:00.001+02:00

Energy efficiency, and the usage of non-hazardous, low embedded energy building material is key to the built environment professional's range of green building choices.

As a solution, Eco-Insulation, a South African thermal insulating material supplier, actively promotes the use of its green, SABS approved, loose fill, cellulose fibre based thermal roof insulation as an ideal candidate for all three categories of green building.

As a building material, cellulose insulation boosts potential Green Star™ credits via the following:

The product is people-friendly and non-toxic. It is zero-emission. It has a low energy footprint. Reliable sources suggest that cellulose uses 30 – 40 times less energy to insulate an equivalent area when compared with fibre glass.
The product promotes sustainable use of a waste paper stream. The authoritative Cellulose Manufacturers' Association in the USA estimates that insulating an average home of 140m² of ceiling area will recycle as much newsprint as would be used by newspaper readers in that home for 40 years.
Efficiency - air leakage through cracks, voids, and gaps is significant in the average building- being responsible for up to one-third of an average home’s energy efficiency. Cellulose is a excellent at blocking air. Heat is exchanged and lost through convection; when drafty currents of air within the house, wall cavities or attics, distribute heat to other locations. This is technically different from air leakage where the heated air mass is actually expelled from the home. Eco-Insulation spreads in the roof area during installation, filling every nook and cranny. Tightly packed, it provides a thermally efficient, cost effective, and comfortable solution.
Performance – SABS-approved Eco-Insulation provides a thermal resistance of 0.038 W/m.K, which compares highly favourably with the top end loose fill insulation options. However, given the efficiency of the product in sealing off attic bypasses and drafts, its performance puts it into another category. In certain building designs under extreme summer conditions, buildings have been observed to be up to 8 – 10 ºC cooler, and considerably warmer in winter.

Eco-Insulation is installed professionally by qualified agents. They are available nationwide and can be involved in both new and retrofit projects. They offer a professional, mess-free, fully turnkey service.

Information on specifying Eco-Insulation can be found at www.eco-insulation.co.za or specifers may go direct to Autospec or the Specifier Online services.

Why mess with the rest when you can get the best?

ECO-INSULATION IN THE NEWS

2010-11-22T17:00:00.000+02:00

Read the article in Walls and Roofs Magazine - Journal 7/ 2010 - about green building, sustainable building materials, the Green Building Convention 2010, energy saving and the thermal performance of buildings by using green insulation.

FIRE RATED AND SAFE TO USE: ECO-INSULATION

2010-11-03T15:05:00.000+02:00

Studies have shown that cellulose may actually protect a building from damage by fire better than other loose fill products - it is denser and limits the oxygen necessary to burn structural members. It also acts as a massive heat sink.

In South Africa, architects, developers and specifiers may specify Eco-Insulation cellulose thermal roof insulation with confidence. The product is approved under SABS 1381-6 and therefore displays the SABS mark. Eco-Insulation is also fire-rated B/B1/2, meaning "No Spread of Flame"..

SPECIFY SUSTAINABLE GREEN PERFORMANCE ?

2010-10-28T18:49:00.000+02:00

Eco-Insulation, positions itself at the forefront of thermal and acoustic insulation green performance as evidenced by the following benefits:

A low embodied energy content is a key element in classifying buildings materials as sustainable or green.
As a recycled building material the product has a very low environmental impact and low embodied energy due to a low energy manufacturing process.
The energy-saving performance of the product, once installed, is excellent – considerably benefiting the energy performance of the whole building. In certain building designs under extreme summer conditions, buildings have been observed to be up to 8 – 10 ºC cooler, and considerably warmer in winter.
Eco-Insulation is made from 100% recycled newsprint - highly environment-friendly.
It is readily recycled when no longer needed in situ.
Significantly, it is one of few insulating materials to be fully biodegradable. In the case where downcycling is the only option, it can be put to use in various agricultural applications.
Eco-Insulation is a zero-emission product. This is a major advantage over many glass, plastic and composite offerings in the market.

Specify us today - long term benefits to clients.

EASY INSULATION FOR CEILINGS, ROOFS AND CAVITY WALLS

2010-10-07T21:15:00.000+02:00

An easy-to-get thermal insulation option is available to improve energy efficiency in the home or office.

Eco-Insulation is easily specified by the architectural and building industry since its key technical details and specifications are readily available on electronic library services such as SpecXPert, Specifile Online, or on CAD materials support packages such as Autospec.

Many architects and designers are turning to Eco-Insulation for use in ceilings or cavity walls because it is so incredibly easy to install. Due to a unique insulation installation pump developed by the company, the product can be efficiently installed with 100% coverage by dedicated sub-contractors either into new buildings or retrofitted into existing or old buildings.

The beauty of our design is that access into the roof cavity is not essential to provide 100% coverage. Eco-Insulation, when pumped, assumes a fluid consistency that uniformly and easily delivers product right across the area where you are installing.

What's more, Eco-Insulation is a green building product that is SABS Approved and is Fire-Rated.

GUNNING FOR GREEN STAR?

2010-10-05T21:52:00.000+02:00

With the release of the Green Building Council of SA's certification for South African buildings, a number of progressive developers and architects are designing sustainable buildings, or gunning for a Green Star Rating.

Materials consumed or used in the building process is one of nine major categories of evaluation, hence increasing relevance for green building materials. Other significant categories, related directly or indirectly to the performance of materials are Emissions and Energy.

At the recent GBCSA 3^rd Annual Convention 2010, held in Cape Town, South Africa's Green Building Council announced significant progress in rolling out a Green Star Multi-Unit Residential rating tool, scheduled for year-end in pilot form, and progress towards the Existing Building rating tool. The existing buildings tool is dependent on the rollout of a national energy benchmarking system - as a first step.

Energy performance, with the usage of appropriate building material is hence critically important to the designer's range of green building choices.

What has this to do with Eco-Insulation?

Plenty - Please read all our posts and watch this space as we explore how you, the designer or developer can increase your Green Star scoring by using our unique product.

MAKE SURE YOUR PRODUCT COMPLIES

2010-09-20T14:21:00.000+02:00

Specifiers and homeowners should ask to see a copy of the relevant certification relating to fire and performance when considering installing insulation. For example, advertising a product as being “SABS tested” does not mean that the product is approved under SABS codes. Only products carrying the SABS mark comply with the relevant standard. Eco-Insulation is approved under SABS 1381-6 and therefore displays the SABS mark.

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND INSULATION

2010-09-08T22:37:00.001+02:00

At Eco-Insulation, we welcome the introduction of the Consumer Protection Bill.

Consumer protection means that a whole lot of traditional raw building material suppliers, who have been skirting below the radar-zone for many years, could be forced to disclose the toxic nature of their product offerings.

Let's start with toxic emissions. Lurking around the household – in the attic and in the walls – for many years, has been formaldehyde. Far more than the innocuous “formalin” that most school biology students have used to preserve specimens, formaldehyde is classified internationally as a known carcinogen. Both in liquid and vapour forms.

How many architects, designer and project managers out there know that formaldehyde is a common “VOC” (Volatile Organic Compound) emitted from resins and binders? And that it is used in the manufacture of popular types of insulating materials – both bulk fill and composite.

No names, no pack drill, folks. Let’s just talk generic products. You are not going to want certain types of fibrous synthetic plastic or glass-based insulating materials NEAR your construction sites once the Consumer Protection Act forces manufacturers to disclose.

So, Eco-Insulation says “Start the Ball Rolling”. Telephone your supplier today and ask some questions about product toxicity, that you were previously too shy to ask.

As from October, you have the Law on your side !

INSULATION IS A SURE WAY TO BEAT ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKES

2010-08-27T10:45:00.000+02:00

With the great effective coverage of Eco-Insulation in your roof you can be sure of a more comfortable, cooler house during the coming summer season, and a more comfortable, warmer house next winter.

It's not very often that you can have your cake AND eat it, but thermal insulation is one effective way by which the family home or office environment can stay comfortable ALL year round.

Eco-Insulation is a one-off expense. Thereafter you sit back and watch the savings on your electricity bill roll in.

How? A highly trained team arrives at your premises, does the installation in a very reasonable time with no mess, no fuss. Unlike other types of insulation, the special cellulose fibre of Eco-Insulation is completely safe to handle, non toxic and does not support the spread of flames according to its official, certified and approved fire-test.

Eco-Insulation is so effective that the SA Bureau of Standards have awarded us their Mark and the Southern Africa Energy Efficiency Association gave us their certificate of excellence during 2008.

So, don't accept any old insulation in your roof. Go for the brand that gives you a certificate of excellence - Eco-Insulation.

Eco-Insulation in the News

2010-08-16T13:55:00.001+02:00

See what the prestigious Walls and Roofs Magazine has to say about us.

PS. Click in the picture below and then once the full article has opened, use the browser's reverse button to return to the Blog. Enjoy reading !

Eco-Insulation Feedback

2010-08-12T22:29:00.001+02:00

"I love Eco-Insulation. I cannot believe I am living in the same house this winter!" - Comment from one Eco-Insulation customer who prefers to remain anonymous.

However, Eco-Insulation client in Somerset West, Theresa Wilson, was so pleased about our product that she put us on her website, Greenspace. And she is a sustainable building scientist, and consultant, too.

Theresa Muller with Cecil Homan at her home in Somerset West.

Old Tin Roof ? - no problem !

2010-07-28T12:41:00.001+02:00

At Club Vaudeville in Cape Town, our intrepid operators faced the challenge of accessing a huge ceiling area without adequate trapdoors from the building below.

No problem, we removed the roof sheets - every few metres - to allow our skilled guys access into the space below.

The beauty of Eco-Insulation is that when you pump it, it assumes a fluid characteristic and moves across the ceiling, filling each nook and cranny with ease.

See for yourselves: (Photos - Click on each photo to enlarge. The use the web browser's Arrow Button to return to the Blog)

Caption: The Team removes a number of tin roof sheets to gain access into the void below.

Eco-Insulation Protects Future Leaders

2010-07-12T14:55:00.001+02:00

St Cyprians School in Cape Town is one of the leading South African girls' private schools with a bold aim to Create Future Leaders.

It is with great pride and a sense of heritage that Eco-Insulation was specified by the architects of an ongoing refurbishment project at the school. Eco-Insulation has rapidly established a name for itself as an ethical, environmentally responsiblr business that aims for exellence. "We are proud to have played a part in keeping St Cyprians girls comfortable during Cape Town's cold winter days and cooler during her dry hot summers."

St Cyprians School is a vital part of the Mother City of Cape Town, a city which has produced many innovations and brilliant people over the years. "We were created in Cape Town five years ago. Eco-Insulation proudly received the Southern Afircan Energy Associations 'Company of the Year' Excellence Award during 2008. Hence, we identify with the St Cyprians ethos in word and in deed !" - founder, Cecil Homan,

Caption: Richard Ellis & David Renecle - Eco-Insulation Team

Eco-Insulation's New Challenging Ad Campaign!

2010-06-01T12:25:00.004+02:00

Eco-Insulation’s new ad campaign is aimed at getting the specifying community talking. It is anticipated that the campaign be backed by a series of visits to Architects, Master Builders and Project Managers in order to try and get the product specified for the upcoming season.

Eco-Insulation’s new campaign relies on the fact that electricity costs are rising very rapidly in order to make impact and to get the reader to ACT NOW.

Have you seen the new ads yet?

Welcome to Eco-Insulation Blog

2010-05-13T16:58:00.004+02:00

Welcome ! Please take the time to find and read these postings on thermal and acoustic insulation in South Africa. We welcome all building professionals - architects, quantity surveyors, designers, specifiers and professional building contractors, as well as property owners to register and participate in the feed of this Blog. Mail your queries to the Blog Administrator at: ecoinsulation.southafrica@gmail.com

SEAL YOUR AIR GAPS WITH ECO-INSULATION

2010-05-13T14:44:00.001+02:00

Ceiling bypasses are hidden air passageways that lead from the heated space into the attic. Because warm air rises, it continuously moves along these passageways and escaping into the attic during winter. The reverse occurs in summer. So even though the roofspace above the ceiling could be at ambient temperatures, these bypasses make it possible for heat to travel into the house, hence wasting energy.

Eco-Insulation says that adding insulation alone without sealing air leaks is not going to help much. Also, water vapor carried with the escaping warm air in winter may condense and build up in the insulation, reducing R-values and causing structural damage. Indeed, When moisture problems appear in the roof after it has been insulated, ceiling bypasses are often the cause.

To avoid these types of water problems and to receive full benefit from your insulation, you need to plug up your attic bypasses. But before sealing they have to be found. Signs to look for are wet insulation, dirty insulation, dust build-up underneath the insulation and water staining under the insulation.

Energy Efficiency: Dealing with unwanted heat flow in and out of the roof.

2010-05-05T22:30:00.000+02:00

The chances are good that the average home or office would benefit enormously from adding cellulose ceiling insulation, even where there is an exising layer of insulation present.

WHY? Let me explain:

Many existing insulation systems compress with time with the load of dust and humidity in the roofspace, hence becoming much less effective in trapping dormant air and thus losing R-values.

Eco-Insulation teams have been involved several times in the removal of old glass mat insulation and its replacement, or simply pumped a new layer of cellulose on top of the non-performing old product.

See the image (above, left) of one of our Teams replacing a popular brand of glass insulation at a client in Gauteng, South Africa.

Then there is the matter of coverage. The best product is one that distributes itself naturally into every corner, recess and cavity above the ceiling and so ensures that there are no uncovered sections of the ceiling through which heat may enter or escape. Eco-Insulation is excellent in this regard, due to our unique delivery system.

Does your insulation comply with national standards?

2010-04-18T21:59:00.000+02:00

Eco-Insulation is highly concerned to see that the public is being misled by certain brands of thermal roofing insulation that position themselves as being approved by the SA National Standards authority, but are actually not SABS-Mark holders at all.

Homeowners should ask to see a copy of the relevant certification relating to fire and performance when considering installing insulation.
For example, advertising a product as being “SABS tested” does not mean that the product is approved under SABS codes. Only products carrying the SABS mark comply with the relevant standard. Eco-Insulation is approved under SABS 1381-6 and therefore displays the SABS mark.

NOW IS THE TIME TO INSULATE

2010-04-08T12:42:00.000+02:00

Summers in South Africa can often be typified extremely hot, dry in the west, humid coastal and inland climatic conditions, meaning that a very large number of buildings around the nation rely on air conditioning to achieve comfortable working conditions.

Eco-Insulation will be focussing its efforts on providing a welcome solution to South African property ownerswho are rightfully concerned about runaway electricity tariff increases.

Look out for our eye-catching new advertising campaigns, backed by great service from more than 15 dedicated installers across the land and in Namibia.

See: www.eco-insulation.co.za

SPECIFY THE RIGHT INSULATION AND SAVE MONEY

2010-03-31T13:40:00.000+02:00

Eco-Insulation, is extremely environment-friendly and made from 100% recycled newsprint. Most importantly, Eco-Insulation is one of the only insulating materials to be fully biodegradable, in the case where recycling back into insulation is not possible under the circumstances of its removal from the roof.

Internationally, cellulose insulation is very big.In the USA it competes on an equal footing with traditional glass-based insulation products, giving excellent R-values and other exclusive advantages. It offers positive safety side-effects - for example in cases of fire.

There are a lot of important issues to consider when specifying an insulation product.

At Eco-insulation's blogsite, we will attempt to unpack these for you over the months ahead.