NZ Insulation Comparison

Why comparing home insulation matters

Meeting the minimum requirements for council consent doesn't always mean you're getting the best outcome for your home or your family. Insulation that just ticks the compliance box may still leave your home cold, damp, and expensive to heat.

Choosing the right insulation is about more than R-values—it’s about creating a home that’s truly warm, healthy, and energy-efficient. This comparison tool helps you understand how different insulation types perform in real-world conditions, so you can make an informed choice that improves your family’s comfort, reduces your energy bills, and protects your investment for the long term.

The Real Cost of Low-Quality Insulation: Cold Homes and Higher Bills

Not All Insulation Is Equal. See What Really Keeps Your Home Warm.

Opting for cheaper, lower-quality insulation might save you money today, but it can lead to disappointment down the track— wondering why the house isn't retaining heat in the way you had imagined a new home would. Many New Zealand homes suffer from poor thermal performance simply because the insulation was chosen based on only meeting R Values and cost rather than effectiveness.

The calculator shows you what the price tag doesn’t: How different insulation options stack up when it comes to warmth, moisture control, and energy efficiency. Avoid the false economy of budget insulation—make sure your home is built to keep the cold out and the comfort in.

Free Calculator

Why Insulate?

Insulation Performance NZ

Proper insulation is key to an energy-efficient home. It slows heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This leads to greater comfort, lower energy bills, and a healthier living environment.

R-VALUE

Understanding R-Value

The R-value measures a product's resistance to heat flow—the higher, the better. NZ building codes set minimum R-values by climate zone, but exceeding them provides greater long-term benefits.

Compare Insulation Performance NZ

An interactive tool to understand and compare insulation types based on their performance.

Why Insulate?

Understanding R-Value

The R-value measures a product's resistance to heat flow—the higher, the better. NZ building codes set minimum R-values by climate zone, but exceeding them provides greater long-term benefits.

Beyond R-Value

Product R-value is only part of the story. True performance depends on the entire system, including airtightness, installation quality, and managing thermal bridges (heat loss through framing).

Select Product R-value: R3.0

Use the slider above to select a target product R-value. The cards below will update to show how each insulation type performs at that value.

NZ Foam – Spray Foam Pink Batts – Fibreglass Batts Mammoth – Polyester GreenStuf (Autex) – Polyester Earthwool – Fibreglass Batts Bradford (CSR) – Mineral Batts Terra Lana – Wool Blend ROCKWOOL – Mineral Wool Knauf Rock - Mineral Wool WoolBloc – 100% Wool CosyWall – Blown-in Fibreglass Insulmax – Blown-in Mineral Wool Jet Stream MAX – Blown-in Fibreglass Insultech Foam – Spray Foam Premier Insulation – Blown-in Fibreglass / Glasswool Batts Envirothane – Rigid Foam Board (PIR/PU) Thermakraft – Rigid Foam Board PIR Kingspan – Rigid Foam Board (PIR/XPS) STYROD – Rigid Foam Board (EPS/XPS)