When packing strap underfloor insulation is being considered, it can look like the convenient and speedy option. 

The premise is straightforward: strap the insulation down, and it’s over. But while what appears to be a convenient option can prove problematic for your home in the long term, the poor performance, heat loss, and damage to your floor and insulation that can come from it are often overlooked by many homeowners, as well as some installers.

If you want a warm, energy-efficient, and long-lasting underfloor insulation system, it’s important to avoid packing a strap for insulation. 

In this guide, we will illustrate eight reasons why to avoid using a packing strap for insulation and provide underfloor insulation best practices you can apply. Let’s explore.

Insulation Sagging Over Time

One of the major problems with using packing straps is that the insulation will sag or become out of place. Straps stretch, relax, or wear into the insulation over time, making it less effective. 

Sagging creates space between the insulation and the floor, watering down its thermal performance.

The most common installation faults of underfloor insulation are a result of installers relying on packing straps instead of robust techniques. 

Insulation that fits well stays flat and firm, and your house will be warm in winter and cool in summer.

Gaps and Uneven Coverage

The second major issue is inconsistent coverage. Straps fail to provide even coverage of insulation over the floor space. 

There are gaps, voids, and compressed sections where heat leaks out. In Australia’s changeable climate, in winter these gaps create cold spots, and in summer they add to energy bills. 

Detailed best practices underfloor insulation ensures full coverage and uniform thermal performance. Straps simply can’t achieve this.

Attracts Rodents and Pests

Strapped insulation is also vulnerable to rodent and pest issues. When straps loosen, insulation gets pushed out, leaving gaps for rats, mice, and insects. 

Pests can ultimately make nests out of the insulation, which destroys it and becomes a health risk in the long run.

Secure fitting methods, like stapling or the use of supporting mesh, will prevent unwanted visitors from reaching your insulation and your home. 

This is a very important underfloor insulation tip for Australian homes, where rodents are common.

Moisture and Condensation Problems

It’s necessary to regulate moisture in underfloor spaces. Straps retain water or restrict air flow and generate a high risk of condensation and mould. 

This will damage your insulation and your wooden joists in your floor.

Good practice in underfloor insulation is following proper ventilation beneath your floor. Packed straps restrict airflow and stop moisture-based issues.

Compromises with Modern Installation Techniques

Most of the modern underfloor insulation, like polyester batts and rolls, is designed to be installed with staples, friction fit, or mechanical support.

Packing straps are incompatible with these techniques and can make future upgrades or repairs difficult.

Underfloor insulation installers recommend using standard fixing techniques, as these are easier to service and are consistent with Australian building codes.

Greater Maintenance and Risk of Failure

Straps can weaken, loosen, or become distorted with age. This requires constant maintenance and increases the likelihood of insulation failure. 

Correct installation methods provide stability for years to come and minimise future problems.

Reducing installation time using straps is a costly option in the long term through reinstallation, repair, or replacement.

Not in Compliance with Industry Standards

Australian standards and regulations promote safe and long-lasting underfloor insulation installation procedures. 

Packing straps are not standard-compliant and may invalidate product warranties.

Licensed underfloor insulation installers use tested methods that guarantee performance and compliance, giving homeowners peace of mind.

False Economy

Packing straps may be a cheap option in the short run, but long-term loss of performance, inefficiency in energy, and risk of damage outweigh any short-term cost savings. 

Correct installation procedures, although slightly more expensive, are an investment in energy efficiency, comfort, and longevity.

Right selection is utilising underfloor insulation best practices and avoiding pitfalls that are associated with shortcuts.

Best Practices for Underfloor Insulation

So that your underfloor insulation will be effective for many years to come, remember these underfloor insulation tips:

  • Staple or mechanically fasten insulation: Fasten batts to joists for long-term solid performance.
  • Install insulation to correct width: Insulation slightly wider than the joist fits snugly without additional supports.
  • Ensure air flow: Ensure underfloor ventilation is not restricted to prevent condensation and mould.
  • Do not compress insulation: Compression reduces R-value and limits thermal efficiency.
  • Protective mesh: In retrofits, mesh supports can retain insulation without holding moisture.
  • Regular inspection: Check for sagging, loose insulation, or pest infestation, particularly in old homes.
  • Use professional installers: Underfloor insulation installers trained in the field reduce the likelihood of mistakes and ensure compliance with Australian standards.

 

If you are planning to do underfloor insulation, these practices can help you avoid costly underfloor insulation installation mistakes and reap long-term rewards.

Conclusion

While underfloor insulation may appear to be a trouble-free solution, the drawbacks that emerge in the long term guarantee that it is not a wise option. Sagging, gaps, pest issues, moisture issues, maintenance woes, and non-compliance with regulations all make straps a bad option.

AA Insulation advises against using packing straps for underfloor insulation due to several critical drawbacks. While they may seem convenient, packing straps often fail to provide adequate support, leading to sagging or falling insulation over time. 

This not only reduces thermal efficiency but also creates gaps that can attract rodents. Additionally, packing straps can deteriorate in damp conditions, compromising the insulation’s effectiveness.