Thermal Ceiling Eco-Insulation for RDP Houses

Green building is the concept of finding the balance between building and ensuring a sustainable environment. Although this wasn’t seen enough on the site we visited in Mamelodi, alternatives and additions could be made to improve sustainable construction. The construction project is a RDP housing project in a low income area where energy saving and a ‘greener lifestyle’ is not something the inhabitants are well aware of. Energy conservation is very crucial as our country is currently facing an energy crisis. To promote energy conservation and improve sustainable building practices in this area, we recommend the installation of thermal ceiling eco-insulation.

Product Overview

Ceiling eco-insulation is a product produced here in South Africa. The product can be made from recycled PET bottles or recycled newspaper. The production process is quite similar to the way in which isotherm is produced. According to a telephone interview with Warren, who works for Home Insulators in Johannesburg, this type of insulation is still very new in our country’s market and is also a cheaper alternative to isotherm and other more expensive insulators.

The insulation is manufactured in 5 different thicknesses namely 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm and 130mm depending on the specifications provided by the supplier. This eco-friendly product is used in ceilings and dry walling.

Main Features of the Product

·         100% seamless cover

·         Fire Resistant

·         Insect and rodent repellent

·         Non-allergenic, non-toxic and non-irritant

·         Sound Proof

·         Cool in the summer, warm in the winter

·         Lifetime guarantee

 

Product verdict

After careful consideration of the lack of sustainable construction on our chosen site and the implications thereof, we have reached the following conclusion;

The eco-insulation would be a great addition to the housing project we visited because firstly it provides coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. This as a result, reduces the overall need for heating systems that are expensive and potentially life threatening with the risk of fires. If however, these freak fires occur as they frequently do in a rural area such as this, the eco-insulation is an excellent fire retardant. Tests conducted by SANS 428 show that the insulation can withstand heat without emitting noxious fumes and spreading. This is particularly good as the houses in this area are closely packed, therefore damage to nearby residences is eliminated.

Due to unhygienic waste disposal, low income areas such as this, tend to have insect and rodent problems. The eco-insulation is an irritant to insects and rodents and will therefore act as effective pest control in the roofs.

Any allergy sufferers will not be affected by this product.

The eco-insulation can be seen as a lifetime investment as it can never become ineffective or deteriorate. It also in turn promotes electrical saving which is great for energy conservation.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, eco-insulation is expensive as it is relatively new in the market. Costing for low income housing such as this might create some difficulty. As mentioned above, the product is still new in the market so consumers are still sceptical about it.

Although the product is expensive and not fully trusted yet, it does perform functions that promote a greener and more sustainable environment. With eco-insulations, not only will homeowners be protected from potential harmful fires or harsh weather conditions, they will also be able to contribute to making the world ‘greener’.