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Monday, 10 August 2009 13:56 |
Beware of Dodgy Insulation Installers
With $2.8billion on offer from the Government’s Home Efficiency Program it was no surprise that a huge number of rogue operators flooded into the market, just out to make a quick buck!
Unlike builders who goes through years of apprenticeship training and licensing requirements - there is little to no licensing requirements to become an - Insulation Installer in Australia
Even the government’s requirement for listing on the “approved installers register” offered little certainty that the installer was in fact experienced at installing insulation.
To be listed on the Government’s Insulation Register you simply need to either;
1) Prove you have at least 2 years experience at installing insulation (Great)
2) Be a licensed trade professional – eg. a builder, electrician or plumber (Ok to Good)
3) Complete a 2 day Insulation Installation Course (Not Good)
So there are a huge number of installers out there who have no experience in actually installing insulation. Already hundreds of installers have been struck off the register and many believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Even if you aren’t paying anything for insulating your home, you still want to ensure you are getting the best insulation service for your home and climate needs and that you are not putting your home or family at risk.
Risks – In Dealing With Dodgy Insulation Installers
Poorly Installed – Some dodgy installers are just throwing batts into roofs or not covering the whole ceiling area. Insulation effectiveness relies massively on keeping gaps in the insulation cover to a minimum. As a guide for every 1% in area not covered by insulation material = 5% reduction in the overall insulation effectiveness for your home.
Incorrect Insulation - Due to a massive shortage in supply for Insulation some dodgy installers are installing insulation with lower R-value - which not only is a breach of your local council laws it is also in breach of the Insulation Rebate Guidelines
Sub Standard Insulation - Again due to the massive shortage some installers may be sourcing insulation from overseas which may not meet Australian standards. Resulting in incorrect R-value Ratings or even poor quality insulation material that may have a shorter lifespan.
Accidents – working in very confined spaces with bulky batt bags and other installers can result in accidents. Obviously experience reduces this risk but also being fully insured will ensure accidents are more quickly rectified.
Fire Damage - a lot has been on the news of late highlighting the very real risk of fire in poorly installed insulation. Whilst this is extremely rare in any type insulation that has been professionally and correctly installed - inadequate attention to down lights and wiring by inexperienced installer can increase the risk of fire to your home. Over 50 house fires in NSW alone have been attributed to the rebate> Regulations – Inexperienced installers are often unaware of the many building regulations that cover working on and in roofs, and also council requirements and building standards.
Don’t leave your most precious asset to chance - ensure you insulation is installed by a professional and reputable insulation installer! Preferably an installer that was in business before the rebate and intends to be in business after the rebate ends.
All the insulation companies listed on this website were selected based on their years of experience in installing insulation backed by a team of staff to ensure you get the right insulation and installation to maximise your home comfort home and energy saving needs…
Steps To Insulation Rebate:
1. Assess - Your Eligibility for The Insulation Rebate
2. Review - Guidelines for Obtaining the Insulation Rebate
3. Quotes - Select an Insulation Installer to Quote Your Homes Insulation Needs
4. Book - Once happy with your Insulation Installer simply book your insulation date
Select an Insulation Installers In
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