Premier Glasswool Insulation offers long term performance, thermal comfort and acoustic control in ceilings, walls and roof spaces. Manufactured from resin bonded glasswool fibres using up to 90 percent recycled content, this insulation is designed to meet the needs of both new builds and retrofit projects across New Zealand.
This guide outlines how to correctly handle, prepare and install Premier Glasswool to ensure maximum effectiveness, compliance and safety.
Product Overview
Premier Glasswool is available in blanket and segment form to suit a variety of framing layouts and construction types. It carries a 50 year product durability warranty and complies with AS/NZS4859.1 labelling and performance standards.
It is suitable for thermal and acoustic insulation across ceilings, walls and roofs and should always be installed according to NZS4246:2016 guidelines for energy efficiency in residential buildings.
Key Features
- Made from up to 90 percent recycled materials
- Supplied in compressed packaging for efficient transport
- Easy to install with correct tools and PPE
- 50 year durability when installed correctly
- Compliant with New Zealand Building Code requirements when installed correctly.
- Supports full coverage with minimal gaps or compression
Handling and Storage
Premier Glasswool should always be stored indoors in a dry location and away from heavy items that could cause compression. Once ready for use, insulation must be released from its packaging and allowed to re-loft before installation. The insulation should be removed from packaging within six months of manufacture to ensure optimal recovery.
Allow 48 hours to one month for full thickness recovery, depending on storage time.
Safety and PPE
Before starting installation, identify any hazards and always wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes:
- Dust mask
- Safety glasses
- Long sleeve clothing or coveralls
- Cut resistant gloves
- Covered footwear
Always turn off power in retrofit situations and treat all electrical cables as live. Avoid surrounding old electrical wiring with insulation, especially wiring installed before 1989, as it may overheat. Follow all clearance rules for lighting, vents and flues as set out in NZS 4246:2016.
Tools Recommended
- Step ladder
- Head torch
- Wide blade knife or insulation saw
- Installing stick or broom handle for ceiling corners
- Measuring tape
- PPE as outlined above
Glasswool Installation Guidelines
Cutting to Size
Cut each piece slightly oversized to ensure a tight friction fit. Use a sharp wide blade knife or, for high density products, a specialist insulation saw. Always insulate every cavity completely and avoid leaving any gaps, as even small gaps can reduce the thermal performance of the system.
Do not compress the insulation unless the design specifically calls for it, as this will reduce the R Value.
Wall Installation
Install insulation between studs using a friction fit method. Ensure it fills the full height from top plate to bottom plate without gaps, folds or compression. For stud spacing greater than 450 millimetres, stud straps must be installed horizontally at 300 millimetre centres to prevent bulging into wall cavities.
When retrofitting exterior walls (without wall underlay) with direct-fixed claddings, building consent may be required. In such cases, use semi rigid insulation that is at least 20 millimetres thinner than the stud width and install it flush against the interior wall lining.
For unlined wall areas in roof cavities, secure insulation with horizontal straps at a maximum spacing of 300 millimetres.
Ceiling Installation
A 25 millimetre ventilation gap must always be left between the insulation and the roofing underlay. Maintain all mandatory safety clearances, including:
- 100 millimetres around un-rated recessed lights
- 200 millimetres around un-ducted vents
- 75 millimetres around metal heating flues
- 50 millimetres around brick or concrete chimneys
Insulation must extend fully to the centre of the top wall plate to maintain a continuous thermal envelope. Avoid placing insulation over vents and where possible, install insulation beneath electrical cables to allow for future maintenance and avoid overheating.
Single Layer Installation
In single layer ceilings, insulation must fully cover ceiling joists and be snugly fitted around trusses without gaps. Joints between segments must be tightly butted.
Double Layer Installation
For higher R Value installations, a double layer approach may be used. In this case:
- The bottom layer is installed between ceiling battens and truss chords
- The top layer is laid over the bottom layer at right angles
Alternatively, the top layer can be installed first, followed by the bottom layer underneath. Maintain all required clearances as previously outlined.
After Installation
Once insulation is installed:
- Conduct a final check for gaps, folds or displaced insulation
- Confirm all required clearances are met
- Clean up any debris and packaging from the work area
- Leave documentation for compliance and warranty purposes
Technical Support
Premier specification documents are available via the Premier Insulation website. For technical support or specification advice, contact the Premier technical team on 0800 467 855 or email [email protected].
Trust Premier for Superior Glasswool Performance
Premier Glasswool insulation is a proven solution for New Zealand homes and buildings, delivering reliable thermal performance and acoustic comfort. Backed by a 50 year durability warranty and made with sustainability in mind, it is the ideal choice for installers, builders and property owners seeking dependable results.
To discuss your project or get expert help with insulation selection and installation, contact Premier Insulation today. Our nationwide network and commitment to quality mean you can trust us to get it right, every time.