1.What is R-Value?

The 'R value' measures how good the insulation material is at resisting the flow of heat from inside out in winter and from outside in during summer. The higher the R value, the better the insulation will be. The insulation needs to be properly installed to work effectively.

2. How many types of insulation?

There are many insulation materials available including wool, polystyrene, glass fibre, mineral wool, paper-based insulation and polyester. The most common one used in New Zealand is glass fibre, also known as glass wool or fibre glass, which is the most cost efficient material. Foil insulation was banned on the installation, repair in residential buildings due to safety concern.

3. What is Healthy Homes Standard?

The healthy homes standards became law on 1 July 2019. There are five specific and minimum standards have been involved, in terms of heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental properties.

All private rentals must comply within 90 days of any new or renewed tenancy after 1 July 2021, with all private rentals complying by 1 July 2024. All boarding houses must comply by 1 July 2021. All houses rented by Kāinga Ora (formerly Housing New Zealand) and registered Community Housing Providers must comply by 1 July 2023.