Its natural to be concerned about compression, water and the fire rating of polyester insulation, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this video, ecoMaster‘s Technical Director, Maurice Beinat, puts polyester insulation to the test. See how polyster insulation in roll format holds up against water, flame, tearing and compression. Decide for yourself what’s the most durable and safest insulation option for your family.
Both Polymax and Value Poly have published fire hazard property information.
What standard applies?
The relevant fire hazard property test commonly referenced for polyester insulation is AS/NZS 1530.3.
This test reports four indices:
- Ignitability Index
- Spread of Flame Index
- Heat Evolved Index
- Smoke Developed Index
These results help describe how a material behaves in early fire conditions. They do not mean the material is non-combustible. Thermal insulation products are also tested for thermal performance under AS/NZS 4859.1.
Polymax fire hazard properties
Polymax is an unfaced polyester thermal insulation product used in wall, ceiling and underfloor applications. The Bradford Polymax Product Technical Statement confirms that Polymax has been assessed to AS/NZS 1530.3 and meets the NCC fire hazard property requirements for insulation materials.
Polymax AS/NZS 1530.3 results
- Ignitability Index: 10
- Spread of Flame Index: 0
- Heat Evolved Index: 1
- Smoke Developed Index: 3
Polymax is also tested for thermal performance to AS/NZS 4859.1.
Important Polymax Limitation
Polymax is not classified as non-combustible. It must not be used where the project specification or building requirements call for a non-combustible insulation material. If you are working on a fire-rated building element, commercial project, bushfire-specific construction, or any application where non-combustibility is required, seek project-specific advice before using Polymax.
Value Poly Fire Hazard Properties
Value Poly is a polyester insulation product listed for ceiling, wall and underfloor applications.
Value Poly AS/NZS 1530.3 results
- Ignitability Index: 0
- Spread of Flame Index: 0
- Heat Evolved Index: 0
- Smoke Developed Index: 0–1
Value Poly is also tested for thermal performance to AS/NZ 4859.1:2018.
Fire Hazard Properties:
- Assessed to AS/NZS 1530.3 for Methods for fire tests on building materials, and therefore meets the requirements of NCC 2022 Volume 1 S7C7 for insulation materials.
Limitations of Use:
- This material does not meet the requirements for non-combustibility as defined by AS 1530.1 and is therefore unsuitable for applications where non-combustible materials are required.
- This product is not appropriate for use as an exposed internal wall or ceiling lining in situations where a Group Number rating is required under AS ISO 9705 and AS 5637.1, as referenced in NCC 2022 Volume 1 S7C4.
Polyester insulation vs water damage
If polyester insulation becomes wet from a water spill inside your home (from a dishwasher, washing machine or overflowing bath), the water will pass through the insulation and wick away. Your insulation will not hold moisture against your timber joists or floor boards. Even after it gets wet, polyester insulation will retain its loft (thickness) and remain in its original condition.
How does polyester insulation cope under pressure?
One of the beauties of polyester insulation is its ability to spring back into shape. Other types of insulation may not spring back, meaning that you may have spent time and money and may not achieve the result you are after. If your insulation has been squashed you may not be achieving the benefits you have paid for.
