Bradford Black - a different kind of insulation

Frequently asked questions

These are some of the common questions asked about thermal insulation and Bradford Black. If your question is not answered here, please get in touch with us.

Is Bradford Black made of glasswool?

Yes – the glasswool fibres in Bradford Black are essentially the same as those of other glasswool products like Bradford Gold Batts, Pink Batts and EarthWool.

Is Bradford Black safe for my family?

Absolutely. We know well insulated homes are healthier homes and people living in them live longer and get sick less often. Bradford Black provides this performance with a product that has no VOC’s or other potentially harmful bi-products.

Why doesn’t Bradford Black itch like other glasswool batts?

The binder used in Bradford Black has special properties which impacts on the stiffness of the fibres. This makes them less abrasive and therefore less prone to itch when in contact with skin.

Why are Bradford Black batts an off-white colour?

The binder used to hold the glass fibres together will typically give the product its colour. The binders used in traditional glasswool products give it its distinctive yellow colour. However, some manufacturers add a dye when making the product – this is the case with Pink Batts. In the case of Bradford Black no dyes are used and it’s the different properties of the natural binder which result in the lighter colour.

How is the binder used in Bradford Black different to traditional glasswool insulation products?

Traditional glasswool products use a binder that is a synthetic polymer – a plastic resin derived from crude oil. For this reason it is a non-renewable resource in the same way as petrol or diesel. The binder used in Bradford Black, however, is derived from plant based raw materials which are renewable and therefore sustainable and better for the environment.

How do I install it?

The batts come compression packed and should be kept in their packaging and taken to the area where the product will be installed. Clear installation instructions are on the pack and are available on our website.

Are Bradford Black insulation batts easy to cut in both directions?

Yes – Bradford Black cuts easily along and across the batt in the same was as other glasswool batts. Bradford recommends using a sharp, retractable knife to cut Bradford Black batts as required.

Why are Bradford Black wall batts 420mm and 570mm wide instead of other equivalent products which are 430mm and 580mm wide respectively?

Australian construction practice typically builds homes with timber studs at 450mm or 600mm centres. The timber studs are typically 35mm wide, therefore the clear opening between studs is usually 415mm for 450 centres and 565mm for 600 centres. Standard wall batts are typically made 15mm oversized to help them stay in place. However, higher density wall batts (like Bradford Black R2.5 wall batts) will not compress easily into this restricted opening. Therefore the width of the batts has been reduced to make them easier to install. Note that the coverage achieved from batts which are 420 and 570mm are the same as those of batts which are 430 and 580 – as they fill the same opening between studs.