Search

Water, Compression and Fire Rating of Polyester Insulation

Table of Contents

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 Chief Technical Officer, Maurice Beinat, puts polyester insulation to the test. See how this product holds up against water, flame, tearing and compression.  Decide for yourself what’s the most durable and safest insulation option for your family.

What is the fire rating of polyester insulation?

It is not legal to sell insulation in Australia that will carry a flame.  As you can see in the video above, our polyester, will not catch fire.

For those with a technical mind, our extensive polyester tests comply with ISO 9705 standard.  The test results also measure smoke, which is the main culprit in relation to casualties in a fire event.

Our polyester rates below the maximum 100 as set out below  for buildings without sprinklers (which have the strictest regulation AS ISO 9705 – 2003).  Results are as follows:

  • Australian Group Number: Group 1
  • SMOGRARC: is less than 100m2/s2
  • Report Number: FAR4045
  • AS1530.3
  • Ignitability Index (0-20) 0
  • Heat Evolved Index (0-10) 0
  • Spread of Flame Index (0-10) 0
  • Smoke Developed Index (0-10) 3

We can confirm the insulation is acceptable for use in Passenger rail cars that carry passengers and travel through underground tunnels.

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.

Click here to find out why we do never vacuum pack our insulation.