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The new NCC 2022 building code is here, and it’s raising the bar for energy efficiency and moisture control in Australian homes. One of the best ways to keep up with these new standards is to get serious about cavity wall insulation.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how insulation like Air-Cell Permicav XV can help you meet the updated 7-star NatHERS energy rating and why getting it right matters more than ever. From battling thermal bridging to preventing moisture buildup, Permicav XV does more than just “fill a wall” – it helps futureproof your home.
If you’re building or renovating, you’ve probably heard about NCC 2022 and its focus on energy efficiency. At the heart of it all is insulation, but not just the ceiling and floor. Wall insulation, especially in cavity walls, now plays a much bigger role.
Modern homes are more airtight (great for efficiency), but that also means we need smarter ways to manage heat and moisture. Insulation in wall cavities, when paired with the right sarking and drained cavity design, helps keep your home’s temperature stable, lowers your power bills, and reduces the risk of condensation and mould.
New builds now need to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating (up from 6 stars). That means every part of the building envelope – walls, floors, roofs – needs to step up its performance.
But it’s not just about adding in more insulation. NCC 2022 also looks closely at things like thermal bridging. That’s when heat sneaks through steel or timber frames and bypasses insulation entirely. To address this, the code requires insulation systems that include thermal breaks with a minimum R-value of 0.2 where needed.
So, what you choose and how you install it really matters. All insulation now needs to meet AS/NZS 4859.1 standards and be installed properly, without gaps or compression, to perform as promised.
Looking for a product that ticks all the NCC boxes? Air-Cell Permicav XV is a standout. Designed specifically for cavity walls, it combines thermal performance, vapour permeability, and easy installation in one clever package.
Here’s why it’s such a great fit for NCC 2022:
Top-notch thermal performance: Its reflective foil layers help cut down radiant heat, giving your wall system a real boost in R-value.
Vapour permeable: Permicav XV is designed to let water vapour escape from the wall cavity while keeping external moisture out. That’s key in preventing internal condensation and mould in today’s airtight homes.
Air barrier benefits: Helps minimise air leakage, which can lead to heat loss and unwanted moisture movement.
Quick and simple to install: Lightweight and flexible, making it ideal for new builds and retrofits alike.
Bottom line: it’s smart, efficient, and built for the realities of modern construction.
Insulation is just one piece of the puzzle. To really meet NCC 2022 requirements, you’ll also need to think about wall sarking and drained cavity design.
Sarking membranes, like what’s integrated into Permicav XV, act as moisture and air barriers, and the code now sets specific vapour-permeance requirements based on your climate zone.
The NCC 2022 has introduced specific requirements for the vapour permeance of sarking-type materials in external walls, particularly for Class 1, 2, and 4 buildings. The table below outlines these requirements by climate zone:
| Climate Zone(s) | Minimum Vapour Permeance (μg/N.s) | Corresponding Vapour Control Membrane Class (AS 4200.1) | Building Classes Affected |
|
4 & 5 |
Not less than 0.143 |
Class 3 or Class 4 |
1, 2, & 4 |
|
6, 7 & 8 |
Not less than 1.14 |
Class 4 |
1, 2, & 4 |
|
1, 2 & 3 (Hot, Humid) |
Potential future requirement: No more than 0.002 (Vapour Barrier/Retarder) |
Class 1 or Class 2 |
1, 2, & 4 |
Add to that: drained cavities (like those in double brick or masonry veneer walls) are also required to be 25-75mm wide so that any moisture can escape instead of getting trapped.
When you combine Permicav XV in a properly detailed wall with a well-drained cavity, you’ve got a wall system that’s smart, compliant, and built to last.
Sure, all this might sound like more upfront work. But the benefits? They’re worth it.
Lower power bills: Better wall insulation means you’ll rely less on heating and cooling, saving money year after year.
Healthier living spaces: Reducing condensation = less mould = better indoor air quality. It’s a win for your lungs and your building.
Longer-lasting structures: Keeping moisture away from structural elements reduces the risk of rot and degradation, meaning fewer repairs down the line.
The NCC 2022 update is pushing the building industry in the right direction toward more efficient, comfortable, and durable homes.
With cavity wall insulation like Air-Cell Permicav XV, you’re not just ticking a compliance box; you’re creating a better home. It’s insulation that helps you hit that 7-star energy rating while protecting against future moisture issues.
If you’re building, designing, or renovating, now’s the time to think bigger about what’s inside your walls.
