Should my granny flat or minor dwelling also be insulated?
In most cases the answer is yes. How much R-Value you need in the ceiling and walls will depend on a number of factors, primarily the local climate, and the proximity of any other buildings or trees which may provide shading from direct sunlight especially during the hot summer months.
What does insulation mean?
In simple terms, thermal insulation just means creating a barrier that makes it difficult for heat to pass through. This makes your house warmer in winter, as the heat you generate inside can’t ‘leak’ out. It also keeps your house cooler in summer as the outside heat meets a thermally resistant barrier before it has a chance to enter the house.
How much does it cost to insulate a roof?
The cost of your insulation material depends on its R Value. A minimum of R2.7 ceiling insulation is considered necessary in most climates. This may also be adequate in hotter climates, if the granny flat is situated so that it receives direct shade from nearby trees or buildings for most of the day.
Do I need to insulate the walls?
The walls should also be insulated. Consider using a combined thermal and acoustic insulation in the walls – this helps to block out unwanted noise transfer, and can make the granny flat more attractive to a potential tenant. If you are on a tight budget then standard thermal wall insulation will certainly be cheaper. This is best installed during the construction or renovation of your granny flat.