Earthwool R8 vs R7: Which Ceiling Insulation Is Best for WA Homes?

In Western Australia’s scorching summers and cool winters, proper ceiling insulation can make a huge difference to your home’s comfort and energy bills. Two of the most popular high-performance options are Earthwool R7.0 and Earthwool R8.0 thermal ceiling batts — but which one should you choose?

Let’s compare the two in a WA-specific context.

Understanding R-Values: What’s the Difference Between R7.0 and R8.0?

The R-value measures thermal resistance — the higher the number, the better the insulation resists heat transfer. That means:

• R7.0 is already a premium level of insulation, designed for excellent year-round performance.
• R8.0 offers about 14% more thermal resistance than R7.0.

But is the increase noticeable, and is it worth the cost?

Earthwool R7.0: High-Performance, Trusted Choice

Earthwool R7.0 is one of the highest-performing insulation products readily available in Perth and WA. It offers:

• Excellent heat resistance
• Reduced energy use during hot WA summers
• Comfortable indoor temperatures in winter
• Lightweight and easy to install

Shop Earthwool R7.0

Earthwool R8.0: Even Better, But Do You Need It?

R8.0 insulation goes a step further in thermal performance. If you’re building a Passive House, all-electric home, or want to futureproof for zero-energy living, this may be the right upgrade.

• Maximum energy savings
• Best performance in extreme heat
• Ideal for large open-plan homes with high ceilings

However, it’s thicker and heavier than R7.0, and may not suit all roof cavities. Always check your ceiling space and batten spacing before purchase.

Climate Considerations for WA Homes

Western Australia sees a hot-summer Mediterranean climate — especially in areas like Perth, Geraldton, and the Wheatbelt.

• In older homes or those with tiled roofs and no sarking, R8.0 offers better thermal protection.
• In newer builds or Colorbond-roof homes with reflective foil wrap, R7.0 is usually more than enough.

Cost vs Benefit: Is R8.0 Worth It?

Feature	R7.0 Earthwool	R8.0 Earthwool
Thermal Resistance	★★★★☆	★★★★★
Thickness	330mm	~370mm+
Price (Per m²)	Lower	Slightly Higher
Availability in WA	In stock	Special Order
Suits Tight Ceiling Spaces?	Yes	No

For most homes in WA, R7.0 is the sweet spot between price, performance, and ease of installation.

Our Verdict

If you want top-notch insulation without the bulk or complexity, go for Earthwool R7.0. It's more than sufficient for 90% of WA homes. But if you're designing a future-proof, ultra-efficient build with room to spare in the ceiling cavity — Earthwool R8.0 is a strong long-term investment.

Need Help Deciding?

At Perth Insulation Centre, we stock and deliver both R7.0 and R8.0 Earthwool insulation across WA. Contact our team for tailored advice or a free quote based on your roof cavity, batten spacing, and build type.

Visit www.perthinsulationcentre.com.au