When you need ceiling insulation that’s easy to install, thermally efficient, acoustically strong and manufactured to modern safety standards, Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation is a product that consistently comes up. This guide explains what it is, how it performs, detailed specifications for the common thicknesses (50mm Aerolite, 100mm Aerolite, 135mm Aerolite), the health and fire-safety facts you need to know, and how installing Aerolite saves energy on he
Quick summary
- Product family: Soft Touch Aerolite — a flexible glasswool ceiling insulation made by Isover (Saint-Gobain).
- Common thicknesses & R-values: 50mm (≈1.14–1.25 m²·K/W), 100mm (≈2.50 m²·K/W), 135mm (≈3.38 m²·K/W). Exact R-values vary by product packaging and installed conditions.
- Key strengths: thermal insulation (lower heating/cooling bills), acoustic dampening, non-combustible classification and ease of installation.
What is Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation? (short explainer)
Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation is a modern glasswool (glass mineral wool) blanket designed primarily for ceiling and roof applications. It’s produced from recycled glass and virgin glass fibers, bonded with a thermosetting resin that gives the blanket resilience and soft-hand installation properties (hence Soft Touch). The product is supplied in compressed rolls or packs and is designed to be fitted between roof trusses or laid across ceiling brandering to create an insulating layer above living spaces. The product is engineered for both thermal resistance (R-value) and acoustic performance, while complying with modern fire-safety standards.
Why “Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation” matters
The “Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation” format is more about installer experience and handling. Compared to older or stiffer glasswool blankets, Soft Touch is easier to cut, less irritating to handle when using basic PPE, and tends to compress and recover well when placed between joists — all of which speed installation and reduce on-site fuss. The practical upside: faster installations, fewer wasted cuts, and fewer damaged packs — which lowers installed cost per square meter.
Detailed Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation & Specification Grids
Note: Data in the tables below is taken from Isover / Aerolite Soft Touch Insulation technical documentation and local distributors. Where there are slight differences between distributors, the manufacturer datasheet is the primary source. Always confirm pack lengths and R-values from the product label and technical datasheet before purchase and installation.
135mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation
At-a-glance specification (135mm Aerolite)
| Attribute | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 135mm Aerolite |
| R-Value (product) | 3.38 m²·K/W (product); Installed R often quoted ~3.78 m²·K/W (assembly dependent). I |
| Standard length | 5,000 mm (packaged roll) |
| Width | 1,200 mm |
| Coverage per pack | ~6.0 m² (varies by length/pack) |
| Density | ~11–11.5 kg/m³ (typical) |
| K-value (thermal conductivity) | ~0.040 W/m·K (ASTM C518) |
| Fire class | Non-combustible; SANS/EN class A1 / SANS 428 (A/A1/1) reported. |
| Composition | Glasswool (glass mineral wool), binder resin; ~80% recycled glass in many formulations. |
Why choose 135mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation for ceilings?
Maximum thermal performance without overbuilding. The 135mm Aerolite Insulation thickness gives the highest R-value in common domestic ceiling packs and is typically specified in climates or roof/ceiling constructions where strong thermal separation is needed (for example, coastal homes with high summer heat gain and cold winter nights). The 3.38 product R-value — and higher installed R-value in common assemblies — means measurable reductions in heat transfer through the roof, reducing peak cooling loads and stabilizing indoor temperatures.
Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation Thermal performance & energy savings
Thermal resistance is the core benefit. A 135mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation blanket delivering R≈3.38 reduces conductive heat gain and loss through the ceiling. Practically, that reduces the workload on air conditioning in summer and heating in winter. In many South African housing scenarios, upgrading from no insulation to a 100–135mm ceiling layer can reduce annual heating/cooling energy consumption substantially — often by double-digit percentages depending on building fabric and occupancy behavior. The specific energy saving depends on location (climate zone), roof reflectivity, ventilation, and occupancy patterns. For buyer decisions, 135mm Aerolite Insulation is a “high-performance” ceiling option that balances cost and measurable energy savings.
Acoustic benefits
Because Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation is an open-fibre, resilient blanket, the thicker 135mm Aerolite Insulation layer offers superior noise absorption in a ceiling cavity. This reduces airborne noise transmission (voices, TV, neighbor noise) and can improve perceived room quietness significantly compared with thinner layers or none at all. For houses under flight paths, near busy roads, or with high internal room-to-room noise transfer, thicker ceiling insulation like 135mm is a sensible upgrade.
Fire & safety
135mm Aerolite retains the product’s non-combustibility rating. Isover’s technical sheets state Aerolite is non-combustible and complies with SANS 10177 Part 5 and EN 13501 classifications (A1). This is important — glasswool does not burn, melt, or contribute to flame spread in a building assembly in the same way organic insulants can. Nevertheless, proper installation to maintain fire separation details is still essential.
Installation notes (practical)
- Handling: Use gloves, long sleeves, dust mask or respirator and eye protection when installing; although Soft Touch improves comfort, fibre dust and binder dust remain possible during cutting.
- Compression: Avoid excessive compression — the R-value is thickness-dependent. Do not squash a 135mm pack into a 100mm cavity.
- Ventilation & vapor control: Provide the recommended ventilation in roof spaces and consider vapor-barrier requirements for your specific roof assembly and climate.
Typical use-cases
- Full insulation of new ceilings where high R is required
- Retrofits for owners upgrading from 50mm or none to a thicker, energy-saving blanket
- Buildings requiring improved acoustic performance plus thermal separation
100mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation — In-depth
At-a-glance specification (100mm Aerolite)
| Attribute | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 100mm Aerolite |
| R-Value (product) | 2.50 m²·K/W (product) — common reference for installed performance is similar, varies by assembly. |
| Standard length | 6,000 mm (packaged roll) |
| Width | 1,200 mm |
| Coverage per pack | ~6.0–7.2 m² (depending on length) |
| Density | ~11 kg/m³ |
| K-value | ~0.040 W/m·K |
| Fire class | Non-combustible; SANS / EN classifications apply. |
| Composition | Glasswool blankets with binder resin; high recycled content typical. |
Why choose 100mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation?
Balanced performance and cost. The 100mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation variant is arguably the “sweet spot” for many residential properties: it delivers a strong R-value (≈2.50) for a mid-tier price, improves both thermal and acoustic comfort, and fits easily in many standard joist depths without complex carpentry. It’s a dependable choice for most South African climate zones where a reasonable thermal barrier is required without the bulk of a 135mm blanket.
Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation benefits & practical energy savings
A 100mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation blanket will cut heat transfer meaningfully compared to an uninsulated ceiling. In cooling-dominated climates, that means lower peak temperatures inside the home and a cooling load reduction for air conditioners. In mixed climates, it reduces heating needs in winter too. The percentage savings depend on many factors (existing construction, glass areas, occupant behavior), but upgrading to 100mm often produces clear reductions in monthly HVAC expenses and improves occupant comfort. For many retrofit scenarios, 100mm balances cost, space, and thermal return on investment.
Acoustic performance Of 135mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation
At 100mm, Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation offers good sound absorption characteristics for ceilings and loft spaces. It reduces reverberation and dampens airborne sounds — a practical and cost-effective way to improve interior acoustic comfort without separate acoustic panels. Thicker blankets (135mm) will perform better acoustically, but 100mm still gives a notable improvement versus uninsulated cavities.
Aerolite Fire and health considerations
100mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation carries the same general non-combustible character as the rest of the range. Proper PPE when handling, and good site housekeeping to limit dust exposure, is recommended. The material meets modern building fire classification tests cited in manufacturer documentation.
How To Install Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation: Installation notes
- Cutting & fitting: Soft Touch Aerolite cuts easily with a serrated knife — measure twice and cut once. For retrofit work, leave small clearances where required by installation guides.
- Avoid compressing into smaller cavities — the R-value will fall if the material is squashed. If joist depth is shallow, consider a top-up or a thin alternative rather than compressing.
Typical use-cases
- Standard ceiling insulation for new homes and renovations
- Attic/loft insulation where joist depth accommodates 100mm comfortably
- Projects seeking a firm balance between thermal results and budget
50mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation — In-depth
At-a-glance Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation specification (50mm Aerolite)
| Attribute | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 50mm Aerolite |
| R-Value (product) | ≈1.14–1.25 m²·K/W (product listings vary; use manufacturer TDS for exact claims). |
| Standard length | 10,000 mm (packaged length often larger) |
| Width | 1,200 mm |
| Coverage per pack | Depends on length and packaging |
| Density | Lower than thicker blankets; typically 11 kg/m³ nominal |
| K-value | ~0.040 W/m·K |
| Fire class | Non-combustible (as product family) |
| Composition | Glasswool blanket with binder; high recycled glass content in many formulations. |
Why 50mm Soft Touch
Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation exists — use-cases & role 50mm is often used as a top-up, retrofit layer or where joist depth is very limited. It’s also useful for partial coverage in sheds, garages, or where minimal insulation is required for cost or regulatory reasons. In warm climates where heating demand is minimal but heat gain in summer is a concern, a 50mm layer can still lower peak roof heat transfer and slightly reduce daytime overheating. It is not a substitute for thicker layers where significant thermal resistance is needed. Install the 50mm insulation is ideal for Summit XPS Ceilings where the R-value is below specifications.
Thermal performance & realistic expectations
Don’t expect 50mm to deliver the same energy reductions as 100mm or 135mm. Its R-value (≈1.14–1.25) is modest: it slows heat transfer but won’t dramatically change a house’s overall heating and cooling load by itself. Use it where structural or cost constraints make thicker layers impractical. When combined with other measures (reflective roof sheeting, good ventilation, roof cavity ventilation, shading), the effect on comfort can still be meaningful.
Acoustic and comfort aspects
A 50mm Soft Touch Aerolite Insulation blanket will provide some acoustic absorption (reducing reverberation and slightly reducing airborne sound transmission), but it is not a primary acoustic solution. For meaningful noise control (neighbor noise, busy roads, or multi-story dwellings), thicker blankets or dedicated acoustic measures will be needed.
Fire and installation advice
Same safe handling and non-combustible attributes as the rest of the family. Because 50mm is thinner, ensure vapor and ventilation considerations are followed per manufacturer instructions. The product is simple to install and is a favorite for quick top-ups or for lining internal partitions where depth is constrained.
Typical use-cases
- Top-up insulation where existing ceilings have a small cavity
- Garages, outbuildings, verandas or sheds needing basic thermal improvement
- Projects constrained by very shallow joists or structural depth
The measurable benefits — energy, acoustic & quality
Energy savings — how insulation saves you money
Aerolite reduces conductive heat transfer through ceilings. In practice:
- Winter: Less heat escapes from the living space through the roof, meaning heaters run less frequently and thermostat setpoints can be slightly lowered without loss of comfort.
- Summer: Heat gain through the roof is slowed, which reduces peak indoor temperatures and air-conditioner runtimes.
Quantifying savings depends on house design, climate zone, and occupant behavior. But it’s typical to see meaningful reductions in annual HVAC energy use when moving from uninsulated ceilings to 100–135mm of good-quality glasswool. The thicker the blanket (up to a point), the bigger the thermal resistance and the stronger the energy benefit — though returns per mm fall at high thicknesses. For residential retrofit decisions, 100mm or 135mm Aerolite commonly provides best balance of cost and energy return.
Acoustic benefits — real comfort improvements
Aerolite’s open-fibre structure traps sound energy and reduces reverberation. Thicker blankets improve low-frequency absorption and reduce perceived impact noise from upper floors — making living spaces quieter and more comfortable. In many retrofit projects, adding 100–135mm Aerolite to ceilings produces a real and noticeable drop in transmitted sound.
Quality & sustainability benefits
- High recycled content: Many Aerolite variants are manufactured with a high proportion of recycled glass, reducing embodied energy and waste.
- No ozone-depleting blowing agents: Production processes are modern and avoid CFCs/HCFCs.
- Durability: Glasswool maintains its thermal performance over decades when kept dry and uncompressed.
Fire rating & regulatory notes
Aerolite is a glasswool product and, according to manufacturer datasheets and spec documents, carries non-combustible classifications and test results to SANS/EN standards (for example SANS 10177 Part 5, EN 13501). That means the itself does not burn and will not contribute significantly to flame spread in the same way that organic insulants might. Still, building fire safety depends on the whole assembly, so follow local building regulations and the manufacturer’s installation instructions closely.
Manufacturers — Isover / Saint-Gobain
Isover is a Saint-Gobain brand specializing in glass mineral wool insulation. Saint-Gobain is a global building-materials group with a long history in insulation and construction materials. Isover’s Aerolite range is supported by technical data sheets, test certificates, and established distribution in South Africa; manufacturer documentation emphasizes recycled glass content, thermal/acoustic performance, and modern fire classification testing. When buying Aerolite, use Isover / authorized distributors to ensure you receive genuine product and valid warranty/technical back-up.
Installation checklist
- Verify product & R-value on pack vs TDS before purchase.
- Wear PPE: gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and a dust mask/respirator when cutting.
- Do not compress the blanket into a smaller cavity — you lose R-value.
- Protect from moisture: ensure no leaks in roofing and avoid storing packs exposed to the elements. Wet glasswool loses insulating value and is difficult to dry.
- Follow the TDS: Isover’s Technical Data Sheet gives fire, vapor and installation guidance.
Common FAQs
Q: Is Aerolite safe for homes with children?
A: Yes — when installed correctly and left undisturbed it poses no risk. During installation follow PPE guidance.
Q: Which thickness should I pick?
A: Use 100mm for balanced performance; choose 135mm for best thermal & acoustic performance if budget and joist depth allow; use 50mm for top-ups and low-depth situations.
Q: Will it catch fire?
A: Aerolite is non-combustible and tested to SANS/EN fire standards; it does not support flame. Still, maintain required fire separation in the overall construction.
Summary & buying advice
- For best energy ROI in most homes, choose 100mm or 135mm depending on joist depth and budget.
- Buy from authorized Isover/Aerolite distributors and ask for the product TDS and SANS/EN certificate to keep on file.
- Follow safe handling and installation practices — Aerolite is a modern, effective and well-tested insulation product when installed and used correctly.
