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When you are building a new home or renovating your old one, there are plenty of questions that arise, particularly when facing a different construction method. We have outlined our most frequently asked questions we receive regarding the InsulLiving® system. If you are still left with questions please call 1300 300 099, we’d be happy to help.

FAQ's

  • Can Bondor build an InsulLiving® house for me?

    Bondor is the designer and manufacturer of the InsulLiving® system. Bondor does not design or build houses, however we can introduce you to a designer and/or builder who has the knowledge and willingness to give you a cost effective, energy efficient home.

  • Where is the InsulLiving® system made?

    Bondor manufacturers all of its products, including the InsulLiving® system in Australia. All InsulLiving® panel products are made exclusively from high quality, Australian Bluescope steel.

  • What will my house cost if I build using the InsulLiving® system?

    As a complete walling and roofing system, the InsulLiving® system competes very favourably with alternative construction methods, particularly due to the labour savings. Furthermore, the InsulLiving® system offers a huge return on energy savings over the life of you home, which will be an ongoing gain on your investment.

  • How long will it take to build?

    Every home building project is unique and many issues can delay any project. Recent research by Queensland University of Technology found that when building a ‘standard’ three bedroom InsulLiving® house, it would take approximately four days to stand the walls and three days for any required ‘pre-roof’ rough-in by the electrician and plumber (while the windows and doors are being fitted). It will then take another two days to lay the SolarSpan® roof. This meant that lock up could potentially be achieved in ten days, with a well-trained and well-coordinated crew. Overall the house build is quicker, as there are no bricks and no plaster board to fit. As soon as the roof is on the plasterer can start his work.

  • Is the InsulLiving® system suitable for extension or renovation?

    Yes, whether the original house is built of InsulLiving® components or bricks and other construction, alterations and extensions can be made to look like the original house.

  • Can a two storey house be constructed using the InsulLiving® system?

    Yes, InsulLiving’s structural applications extend to two storey designs.

  • Can I build a house using the InsulLiving® system on a floor system (off the ground) rather than a concrete slab?

    Yes, the only issue is ensuring an adequate flooring system is designed. This should be easy as the InsulLiving® system is one of the lightest ‘full’ wall systems on the market. Of course, to get the maximum insulation benefits the floor should be insulated.

  • Where are the electrical services run through an InsulLiving® house?

    Your electrician can run his wiring along the top of the walls and then through the preformed ducts in the InsulWall® panels, after the walls have been stood and before the roof is fitted.

  • Where can power points be located?

    Power points can be located virtually anywhere. However, the house designer can make this easier with a smart house design. It is optimal to have power points and/or light switches adjacent to panel joints.

  • Is the InsulLiving® system more thermally efficient than double brick?

    Yes, the ‘R’ value of double brick (uninsulated) is 0.5, whereas the ‘R’ value of external InsulWall® (140mm thick) is 3.7. The other very important fact of comparison is that with an InsulLiving® house, only the air needs to be heated or cooled as there is no heat sink condition (unlike most other building materials).

  • How difficult will it be to add power points through the ‘solid’ walls?

    Additional power points are able to be installed much easier than other systems (such as concrete blocks) in most instances. However we would encourage the house designer to plan the ultimate power points in the original build.

  • How will I be able to repair damaged walls inside (or outside) my house?

    Generally holes or dents are a very rare occurrence, as both internal and external skins are comprised of strong steel. However, the surface can be repaired using similar products to those used to repair plaster walls internally and patch or fill methods used with many external products.

  • How do you hang fixtures?

    Pictures, wall cupboards and brackets can be mounted anywhere on a wall (no need to find a stud of other internal framework). All testing for weights allowable and bracketing on InsulWall® have been done; and information on this subject can be obtained through the Bondor Technical Services Department.

  • Can the InsulLiving® system be used close to the beach?

    Yes, the matter of a salt environment and metals (steel or aluminium) is managed with the InsulLiving® system. InsulWall® is finished with the AcraTex coating alleviates this issue; however other precautions may need to be considered. The Colourbond steel topside of SolarSpan® will generally be washed naturally by the rain, however the ceiling (underside) of the SolarSpan® roof should be regularly flushed with clean water to stop salt particles building up on the panel join.

  • What warranty is offered on a house built using the InsulLiving® system?

    The history of Bondor insulated panels is such that the harshest environments possible from coldrooms to accommodation at Antarctica have proven the longevity of the product. We stand by both InsulWall® and SolarSpan® with a ten year manufacturer’s warranty.

  • Can any builder build an InsulLiving® home?

    Yes, most of the skill required to build with the Insuliving® system is the laying out of the bottom channel. The mechanics of the build are very simple and it is possible to turn even relatively unskilled laborers into capable InsulLiving® installers in a matter of weeks.

  • How is it different from a traditional home?

    Living in an InsulLiving® home is like living in a giant esky. As soon as you walk through the front doors you can feel the thermal difference as opposed to a traditional brick and mortar home. In winter you’ll be kept warmer, while in summer you’ll be kept protected from the Australian heat. You’ll gain a number of energy benefits, whilst retaining the appearance of a normal Australian home.

Call us now on 1300 300 099