EXCERPT FROM TIMBERTRADER NEWS 20TH BIRTHDAY LANDMARK EDITION, OCTOBER, 2005 ARE FOIL BATTS THE ANSWER? L ate last year TimberTrader News covered the subject of the Five Star Energy Rating system being introduced for new Victorian housing . This program has the potential to cost the timber industry millions of dollars in lost sales as builders move to what they regards as ‘simpler’ construction methods in order to achieve Five Star Energy Rating . This program, introduced in July 2004, became effective in July this year, and incorporates a number of initiatives which the Victorian government says will lead to energy and cost savings . July 2005 compliance requires: • Five Star energy rating for building fabric PLUS water conservation measures AND rain water tank OR solar hot water service . However, in May 2005, due to intense lobbying by the timber industry, an extension was granted for the use of the earlier Five Star introductory transition period for homes utilising suspended timber sub - floors until April 30, 2006 . Various industry sectors have been lobbying the Government on having the program changed to better suit the use of timber in construction, particularly in sub - floor systems . Tim Renouf from Wren Industries in Cheltenham (Vic), says the Five Star rating is flexible and can be achieved using a range of energy efficient design features . “Building, design and construction professionals can advise builders on how to meet the Five Star standard . An accredited house energy rater can also help achieve Five Stars . He stated, “The FIRST RATE computer program, used to determine the Star Rating, is a point score system which operates with all parts of the building contributing to thermal performance . “However, FIRST RATE has a severe built - in bias favoring concrete slab - on - ground compared to insulated timber floors, without any comparative physical testing data as proof . “This regulation has caused massive commercial damage to the timber industry and is not quarantined to Victoria, as FIRST RATE is a current BCA compliance option for SA, WA and Tasmania . ” He added that it is understood Five Star homes are more affordable and save their owners around $210 per year on energy bills . “It is often said that even without using any heating or cooling, Five Star homes are up to five degrees warmer in winter and up to 10 degrees cooler in summer than the average (Two Star) new home . “But it is also important which type of insulation is chosen which best suits differing climates . ” He said that the news late last year that a comparative floor insulation testing project based on full scale heated houses to be constructed in Hobart (Tas) and tested in Winter 2006 is most welcome . “Historically, insulating timber floors has been ignored as being very difficult, compounded by the misbelief that timber floors do not lose winter heat . “With Five Star, insulating timber floors is essential . “In 1992 Concertina FOIL BATTS were invented and are proving to be the most cost effective method and easiest DIY insulation for new or existing timber floors . “Other insulation methods are much harder to install, more expensive and restrict the breathing of timbers . ” Tim added that Perforated Concertina FOIL BATTS are currently the only under floor insulation product with a written endorsement for use by the Timber Promotion Council (Vic) 1993, which states: “Due to our independence the Timber Promotion Council cannot normally recommend one product over another but if under floor insulation is desired then the most suitable system is Concertina FOIL BATTS . “We regard the FOIL BATTS n Tim Renouf of Wren industries says Concertina FOIL BATTS can provide the answer in insulating timber subfloors . to be the best form of under floor insulation . This product will fit between the floor joists allowing the floor to breathe, whilst the perforations will prevent any condensation buildup that may form . ” Continued on next page n FOIL BATTS installed, the timber flooring is installed in the almost completed house . Click here for Page 2 of article
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