Insulation is one of those materials that quietly does the heavy lifting in any build. You can’t see it once the walls go up, but you’ll definitely feel the difference if it’s done right.
Here in Western Australia—where a single summer day can hit 40°C and winter nights drop into single digits—quality insulation isn’t a luxury. It’s a must-have for energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term value.
But when it comes to choosing the right product, not all insulation is created equal. The biggest question most builders, tradies, and DIYers face is this: what’s the difference between thermal and acoustic insulation—and which one do I need?
Let’s unpack the difference, look at how Ecowool insulation (supplied by Westgyp) performs across both categories, and explore how it’s being used in real WA builds.
Thermal Insulation vs Acoustic Insulation: What’s the Real Difference?
Thermal insulation is designed to resist heat flow—keeping warm air in during winter and hot air out during summer. It’s rated using an R-value (resistance value): the higher the number, the better it performs.
Acoustic insulation, on the other hand, is designed to absorb sound. It reduces noise transmission between rooms, floors, or from outside sources. Acoustic performance is measured by STC (Sound Transmission Class) or NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) values—the higher the number, the quieter your space.
In short:
- Thermal = temperature control
- Acoustic = sound control
And while some products offer a bit of both, it’s crucial to understand what outcome you want before choosing.
Understanding the performance requirements and standards of insulation for WA builds starts with understanding the new codes informing builds – NCC 2022 – Building Code of Australia.
Why Builders Choose Ecowool
Ecowool insulation combines modern performance with eco-conscious manufacturing. Made from recycled glass and bound using natural, bio-based binders, it’s non-toxic, low-irritant, and durable.
Tradies appreciate it because it’s:
- Non-combustible and fire safe
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Mould, pest and rot resistant
- Available in both thermal and acoustic ranges
And importantly, it’s fully compliant with the latest National Construction Code (NCC) requirements, which are now in full effect across Australia.
That means builders, homeowners, and owner-builders don’t need to stress about juggling different insulation brands or trying to interpret complex new compliance standards.
If you want to keep things simple and safe, Ecowool is your compliant, eco-friendly, and high-performing choice—perfect for any WA home, renovation, or shed conversion.
Case Study 1: Retrofitting a Family Home in Dunsborough
Down in Dunsborough, one homeowner recently retrofitted their 1990s brick home to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The house had almost no existing insulation, leading to high energy bills and uncomfortable indoor temperatures.
The Goal: Improve energy efficiency and comfort without major renovations.
The Solution:
- Installed Ecowool Ceiling Batts R4.1 to boost thermal resistance in the roof space.
- Added Ecowool Wall Batts R2.5 to the external walls for consistent internal temperature control.
- Fitted Ecowool Acoustic Batts between bedrooms to reduce sound transfer.
The Result:
- Summer indoor temperatures dropped by around 6–8°C on hot days.
- Air conditioning usage dropped by roughly 35%.
- Noticeably quieter rooms and reduced outdoor noise from passing traffic.
The homeowner was so impressed with the results – and better yet, the materials met all NCC energy efficiency requirements without needing multiple product lines or custom solutions.
Case Study 2: Converting a Shed to a Workshop in Manjimup
In Manjimup, a local carpenter converted his large Colorbond shed into a usable workshop. The problem? It was freezing in winter, sweltering in summer, and unbearably loud during heavy rain.
The Solution:
- Roof: Installed Ecowool CondenShield for fire safety, thermal and acoustic performance – an effective way to control temperature in metal roof systems because the reflective foil shields against radiant heat from entering the roof cavity.
- Walls: Lined with Ecowool Acoustic Batts to absorb tool noise and reduce outside disturbance.
The Result:
- Workshop temperature now stays between 20–28°C year-round.
- Massive noise reduction from both machinery and rainfall.
- Comfortable environment for long days on the tools.
The builder also noted how easy Ecowool was to work with—cutting neatly and fitting snugly into steel framing cavities without sagging or excessive dust.
Thermal Insulation in WA: Where It Matters Most
For WA builds, thermal insulation has the most impact in three key areas:
- Ceilings & Roofs – The biggest source of heat loss and gain.
→ Use Ecowool Ceiling Batts R4.0 or higher for maximum efficiency. - External Walls – Vital for consistent indoor comfort.
→ Ecowool Wall Batts R2.5–R2.7 provide an excellent balance between performance and cost.
If you’re building in areas like Toodyay, York, or Busselton, where the temperature swings can be significant, upgrading to higher R-values makes a tangible difference in both comfort and running costs.
Quick Reference: Choosing the Right Ecowool Product
| Application | Purpose | Recommended Ecowool Product | Notes |
| Roof & Ceiling | Thermal | Ecowool Ceiling Batts R4.1+ | Prevents heat gain/loss; essential for NCC compliance |
| External Walls | Thermal | Ecowool Wall Batts R2.5–R2.7 | Maintains consistent indoor temperature |
| Internal Walls | Acoustic | Ecowool Acoustic Batts | Reduces noise between rooms |
| Between Floors | Acoustic | Ecowool Acoustic Batts | Reduces footstep and impact noise |
| Sheds/Workshops | Combined | Thermal + Acoustic Batts | Keeps temperature stable, noise down |
| Retrofitting Homes | Combined | Ecowool Cavity Fill | Improves comfort with minimal disruption |
Why NCC Compliance Matters (and How Ecowool Makes It Easy)
As of 2025, the National Construction Code (NCC) energy efficiency standards are fully in effect across Australia. These changes mean stricter insulation and energy performance requirements for both new builds and renovations.
For many builders, this has introduced new complexity—balancing multiple insulation brands, interpreting R-values, and ensuring documentation aligns with the code.
You don’t need to overthink it. Whether you’re working on a family home in Perth, a coastal build in Esperance, or a workshop in the Wheatbelt, Ecowool gives you a safe, compliant, eco-friendly solution that performs just as well as other premium brands—without the headaches.
Don’t Forget Sound Control
If you’re already insulating for thermal performance, it’s worth adding acoustic batts in key internal areas at the same time—especially:
- Between bedrooms and bathrooms
- Around theatre or study rooms
- Between floors in two-storey homes
It’s a small cost difference for a big improvement in liveability—especially for families or shared homes.
Pair Insulation with Smart Material Choices
For the best outcome, pair Ecowool with other Westgyp-supplied materials such as Nasahi walls and James Hardie external linings. Both are high-performing, durable, and designed for WA’s harsh climate—making them ideal companions for a fully compliant and efficient build.
Thermal Insulation vs Acoustic Insulation: The Verdict
The difference between thermal and acoustic insulation comes down to what you want to control—heat or sound. But for most WA builds, both matter equally.
With Ecowool insulation from Westgyp, you get the best of both worlds:
- Excellent thermal and acoustic performance
- Simple NCC compliance
- Sustainable manufacturing
- Proven comfort and energy savings
Whether it’s a retrofit in Dunsborough, a shed conversion in Manjimup, or a new family home in Albany, Ecowool is the safe, compliant, and high-performing choice for modern WA homes.