Introduction

Cutting for Friction Fitting

Fibre Glass Pink® Batts® are made in sizes which enable them to be friction fitted between joists, trusses and wall studs. The Pink® Batts® are compression packed in polythene bales. To open, cut along the length of the bale.

Use a sharp knife to cut Pink® Batts® to fit around obstructions, and between smaller spaces. Cut the Pink® Batts® on a flat wooden surface, using a straight edge to guide the knife.

The Pink® Batts® should always be cut slightly oversize to ensure a friction fit.

Common Installation Methods

	Ceiling Pink® Batts® are 1220 x 432mm. In a framed roof, the ceiling joists are usually spaced at 450mm centres and the Pink® Batts® will fit tightly between the joists. The truss centres in a trussed roof are generally 900mm and two Pink® Batts® should be installed tightly side-by-side between the trusses.
	Installation in all areas of the ceiling should reach to the top plates of exterior walls. Soffit or porch areas need to be covered.
	Flat or skillion roofs are usually insulated in conjunction with a roofing contractor. As access to the ceilings can only be obtained from the roof the contractor must follow immediately behind so the insulation is not left exposed to the weather. If Batts do get wet ensure they are dried or replaced before proceeding.
	Wall Pink® Batts® are designed to be friction fitted between studs with 600mm centres. Wall Pink® Batts® measure 1140 x 570mm.
	All the space in exterior walls should be insulated between the top and bottom plates. Where there are split level ceilings or floors the area of wall above or below the split should also be insulated. Pink® Batts® off-cuts can be used to insulate the small gaps around window frames and doors.
	Pink® Batts® can be installed underfloor between floor joists. The method of fixing can be varied to suit the installer but is most likely to use wire netting suspended between the floor joists and fixed with timber battens.

When installation has been completed, all packaging materials should be removed and the job should be inspected to ensure it is complete and correct. 

 

Electrical & Pumbing Fittings
Special attention must be given to electrical and plumbing fittings when insulation is installed.

Whenever possible, Pink® Batts® should be laid beneath electrical wiring or pipes. However, if the insulation is likely to be considerably compressed in that position, it should be placed over the pipes or wiring.

Note: A 150mm gap should be provided between insulation and recessed light fittings.

Insulation should be placed around and not over vents so that ventilation is unhindered.

In houses that have a water heater tank in the ceiling, lag both tank and pipe work. This will prevent the water freezing in the tank during severe cold weather.

Chimneys
In houses with brick chimneys, the gaps between the chimney and the ceiling should be insulated. If the chimney or flue is not bricked, a 150mm gap should be left between it and the insulation.

Installation and Moisture
Moisture present in a bulk insulation will reduce the thermal effectiveness of the insulation and should therefore be prevented.

The following measures should be taken:

	Timber framing should be sufficiently dry before the insulation is installed.
	Cavities must not interconnect. This rule is to prevent damp air from under the floor or the base of walls being drawn up through the wall cavity to the ceiling space by natural ventilation. Should it do so, the resulting water vapour could condense on the underside of the roofing and drip down onto the insulation.
	Building paper should be fastened below roof and behind wall claddings to protect the Pink® Batts® from condensation.
	Cracks and joins in wall and ceiling linings should be filled. Moisture flow through cracks is much greater than vapour diffusion through linings.
	A vapour barrier should be used in all flat or skillion roofs. This should be installed between the insulation and internal lining.

Safety Precautions

	Have sufficient lighting.
	Stand only on ceiling joists.
	Care should be taken when cutting insulation to ensure that electrical wiring is not cut or bared.
	Beware of loose timber or pipe work in ceilings.
	Be careful of exposed nails or splinters of wood.

Tools for the Job: Installation Equipment

The installation of Fibre Glass Pink® Batts® is easier if the right equipment is used and protective clothing worn.

Although fibreglass can produce a skin irritation, this effect is generally only temporary and will probably disappear after you have washed or showered with cold or lukewarm water.

The main items of recommended installation equipment are:

	Dust Mask: This can prevent discomfort to the installer, especially in dusty ceilings. A "Guardex"disposable cotton pad mask is suitable. A more sophisticated mask, such as a R1000 Respirator, may be better for a professional installer.
	Correct Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing will lessen the chances of skin irritation. Good footwear is also necessary to prevent abrasion or damage to the feet.
	Trouble Lamp and Extension Cord: (Approximately 15 metres long.) This will provide adequate illumination for most ceilings.
	Installing Sticks: These should be approximately 1.5 metres long, 50mm wide, 5-10mm thick and fairly rigid. They are used for pushing insulation into corners and edges of ceilings, especially those with a low-pitched roof.
	Knife: Any short knife with a keen edge can be used for cutting Pink® Batts®. A Stanley knife is suitable.
	Gloves: These are necessary to prevent damage to the hands by sharp fibres.
	Ladder or Steps: These are necessary to gain access to the ceiling manhole or the tops of high walls.