Home BLOGS Home Improvement Loft Insulation Cost 2022: Heating Appliance Prices UK

Loft Insulation Cost 2022: Heating Appliance Prices UK

July 14, 2022

Do you want a warmer place with lower energy bills? Loft insulation boosts the overall efficiency of your area by keeping it warm and saving you a lot on heating bills. It helps retain heat which otherwise is easily lost in an uninsulated home. Plus, the cost of loft insulation is also covered up in the upcoming years as you do not have to spend on electricity bills that shoot up due to increased usage of heating appliances.

Loft insulation is a home improvement that is beneficial in many ways. Even if you already have loft insulation, check its thickness because the standard thickness level has been changed to 270 mm.

Moreover, we will help you figure out the best loft insulation materials, how to do the job, the installation cost, the type of loft insulation, and how to find a professional for the project.

How Much Does Loft Insulation Cost?

Loft insulation costs depend on various factors, for instance, the materials you will use and the type and size of the insulation. Following is an estimate of loft insulation costs in the UK:

House Size	Blanket loft Insulation	Loose Fill Loft Insulation	Sheet loft Insulation	Spray Foam or Blown Fibre Insulation	Labour Costs	Required Time
Terraced House	£125 to £160	£180 to £225	£250 to £310	£1375 to £1720	£150 to £300/day	3 to 5 hours
Detached House	£300 to £375	£430 to £550	£600 to £750	£3,300 to £4,125	£150 to £300/day	4 to 6 hours
Semi-detached House	£200 to £250	£290 to £360	£400 to £500	£2,200 to £2,750	£150 to £300/day	3 to 5 hours

The cost of loft insulation depends on the type of house you live in. However, the main factor that affects the costs is the number of square metres and the depth of the loft insulation. For a terraced house, the insulation cost can start as low as £125 and reach as high as £1,720. Blanket loft insulation is the cheapest as it ranges from £125 to £160, while blown fibre insulation is the most expensive, ranging from £1,375 to £1,720.

Similarly, for detached houses, the cost of loft insulation ranges from £300 to £4,125, and for semi-detached houses, the price is between £200 and £2,750. The labour costs vary from £150 to £300/day, but for the blown fibre installation, labour costs can go higher because of specialised equipment. Besides that, the terraced and semi-detached houses can be between 3 to 5 hours, but detached houses take more time.

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What Affects the Loft Insulation Costs?

To install or upgrade loft insulation, you must know the main factors contributing to the total costs. Knowing all the costs beforehand is better for planning your budget and successfully carrying out the loft insulation project. The following are the main factors that will affect loft insulation costs:

Type of Insulation

The first main factor that affects loft insulation costs is the type of insulation. All the different types of insulation have their advantages and disadvantages; in the end, it will depend on your requirements. Blanket loft insulation is easy to install and is the cheapest, along with the loose-fill insulation. On the other hand, the blown fibre or spray foam insulation is the most expensive as it requires a professional tradesperson for installation. With blanket insulation and loose-fill insulation, you can do the task within a range of £125 to £180, while for blown fibre installation, it can go as high as £4,000 for a detached house.

Loft Size

The larger the loft insulation’s size, the higher the price. A terraced house needs a small loft; thus, the cost of installation of blanket insulation is around £125 to £160. However, using the same insulation materials in a detached house will cost about £300 to £375. Thus, if you want to analyse the budget, you must consider the space and size of the loft.

Accessibility

If a loft at your house is not easy to access, the installation process will become more complicated. Thus, a loft with more accessibility will be cheaper than one with a difficult-to-access pattern. Builders consider ease of access a plus point for installing insulation, but if the loft or attic is difficult to access, they will charge more. Plus, you must inform the builders and labourers beforehand if there are any spatial issues so that you do not end up with high labour costs at the end of the project.

Extra Services

Besides the above factors that affect the costs, some extra expenses can come with the installation. For example, if you are willing to install new insulation, you must remove the old one first. Removing old insulation is not easy; the labour will also have to move the insulating pipes and the electrical wiring. Apart from that, you might want to change your loft ladder to a better one to access the loft easier. However, that can add to the total cost. However, you can skip this extra expense if you decide not to access the attic frequently.

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How to Save On Loft Insulation

Loft insulation is a good investment; anything you spend on the project will pay off later. The savings on loft insulation depends on the type of your living space. For example, loft insulation in a mid-terrace house can help you save £125 per year, a semi-detached house £135 per year, and a detached house £315 per year. If you already have loft insulation of 120 mm at your place, we recommend increasing it to 270 mm. This improved insulation of 270 mm thickness will help you save £11 to £20 per year on energy bills, according to the type of house you live in.

You will likely notice a decrease in your electricity bills within two years. Besides that, you can save more on the total cost by doing some preparations for loft insulation yourself. For example, you can increase the accessibility to the loft by cleaning the clutter. You can also inform the labour and builders if there are difficult-to-access spots, so they do not come up with extra charges at the end.

Which Loft Insulation is the Best?

As we discussed earlier, there are different types of loft insulations, and each one has its pros and cons. Following are the main advantages and disadvantages of the different kinds of loft insulations:

Benefits Of Blanket Loft Insulation

Blanket loft insulation comes in the form of slabs and rolls. The rolls are made from sheep’s wool, mineral wool, glass, rock, or encapsulated in foil. This type of insulation is the most common and is the cheapest option too. The blanket loft insulation is easy to fit, and thus many people install it themselves without the help of a professional builder. Following are the main advantages of blanket loft insulation:

It is very easy to install.
It offers all-purpose insulation.
It offers quick installation for exposed cavities and accessible spaces in the loft.
The cost of loft insulation is very low. A 100 mm thick roll that covers 8 metres squared costs £20.
Heat is better controlled and maintained.
Lower maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of Blanket Loft Insulation

Blanket loft insulation does not neatly fit into tight or small spaces.
It is bulky, which can cause difficulties in laying the rolls.
The materials can irritate the skin if you come in contact.
The only non-irritant material is sheep’s wool, but it is more expensive than other materials.

Advantages of Loose-Fill Loft Insulation

Loose-fill loft insulation comprises cellulose fibre, mineral wool, or cork granules. These materials are lightweight and are good for difficult-to-access areas in the loft. This type of insulation is a great choice if you want to cover the entire area. Following are the main advantages of loose-fill loft insulation:

You can install it in any roof shape.
You can use it for upgrading your existing loft insulation.
It allows you to fill spaces and gaps between joists.
It can provide better insulation of up to 22% as it does not have seams.
Fast and straightforward insulation.
Cellulose insulation is eco-friendly.
The upfront cost is comparatively lower because of the easy installation.

Disadvantages of Loose-Fill Loft Insulation

You might need protective clothing for installation.
It compresses quickly, which makes it lose insulating properties over time.
It can absorb water over time and cause damage to the interior.

Advantages of Blown Fibre Insulation

Blown fibre insulation is easy to cut and handle, and like loose-fill insulation, it is good for inaccessible areas. You can install it into small cavities and between joists easily. It is ideal if you want to fill in gaps or spots from where cold air enters. Following are the main advantages of blow fibre insulation:

Perfect solution for difficult-to-reach areas.
Lightweight and easy-to-handle material.
Reduces sound transfer and thus decreases outdoor noise.
Greener options include newspaper and sheep’s wool.

Disadvantages of Blown Fibre Insulation

It can restrict air circulation and cause rotting and weakening of the roof.
It is very expensive because of material costs.
You need to hire a professional for installation.
Not suitable for draughty lofts.

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What Is Needed for a Loft Insulation?

According to EST (Energy Saving Trust), there are certain considerations when installing different loft insulations. For example, the builder will have to lay the first roll in the gaps between the joists for blanket insulation. After that, the builder has to apply a second layer at right angles to cover the joists. Loft rolls are available in different materials; the choice depends on how you will use them.

Besides, you must also consider insulating the pipes in the loft if the temperature gets very low, such as below freezing point. If the temperature gets too low, the loft insulation will retain heat downstairs only, and the temperature in the loft itself will be low. Plus, if you wish to use the loft as storage, you must add boards above the joists. Boards with built-in insulation layers are beneficial because the joists cannot be placed on top of the insulation material. If you do so, the insulation will lose its ability as it will get compressed.

Moreover, you should remove any dangerous materials for insulation, such as asbestos. You must discuss it with the professional before installation of the insulation with new materials. The removal of such materials can delay the timeline of the project too.

How to Find a Professional for Loft Insulation

A good way to find a good professional for loft insulation is by going through recommendations. Word of mouth is helpful; talk to anyone and ask for a builder who has done an insulation project for your family or friends. If someone recommends a professional with whom they had a good experience, it will help you save time and get the right services.

If you do not have anyone to recommend a professional for loft insulation installation, you can also get help from the National Insulation Association. It is a good place to find the best and most reliable traders and builders who deal in loft insulation projects. Apart from that, you can also use Bark to find a specialist for insulation near you.

Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:

How to Ensure That You Have the Right Professional for Installation

To get the best experience for loft insulation at your place, you must consider getting a written quote before the project. This will save you from any unexpected costs or additional charges at the end of the project, and you will also be able to avoid any unfavourable experiences with the traders. You can read customer reviews to know if they had a good experience with a particular trader.

If you have a complicated loft construction with more tricky spaces and asbestos insulation, you must choose a highly skilled trader to do the job. In addition, you must consider the trader’s qualifications or skills in the relevant industry and ensure he can carry out the project successfully at your place.

Tips for Loft Insulation

You must be fed up with the rising heating bills, especially if you live in a very cold place. No matter how much you try to keep your house warm, the heat will escape towards the roof because there is no insulation. High-quality loft insulation is the best way to keep the heat inside and warm your place. Below are our tips so that you do not forget anything important:

If you have loft insulation already, you must contact a professional so that he can check the loft thoroughly. If there is asbestos, it should be removed; otherwise, you need to upgrade the existing insulation, which is a more cost-effective option.
If you have a loft insulation installation from scratch, you must consider the different types of insulations available. For example, if your roof space is likely affected by draughts or drafts, you must leave the idea of loose-fill loft insulation.
Go through Bark to find a professional according to your requirements. The best thing about this service is that it is completely free. You can use the platform to look for home insulation specialists by reading reviews and comparing their profiles.
Preparing your space is always the best thing to do as it saves you time and money.
Always consider the extra items that can make the job easier and your overall loft insulation project successful. For example, you can also use a ladder, hatch, or pipe insulation for the loft.

Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:

FAQs About Loft Insulation

What should be the thickness of the loft insulation?

The thickness of the loft insulation differs in the types of insulations. To know the thickness, you must first determine the type of insulation you will be using for the project. According to the National Insulation Association, glass wool needs 270 mm, rock wool needs 250 mm, and cellulose needs 220 mm thickness. Moreover, the current regulations under the EEC program determine the minimum thickness for loft insulation to be 270 mm. To get the right thickness, you must consider getting help from a professional.

How long does loft insulation take to pay off its cost?

The main aim of having loft insulation is to decrease electricity bills in the future. Thus, if you are looking forward to reducing your annual expenses, you must consider loft insulation. Regarding the annual savings, loft insulation for a detached house (which costs around £395), the savings per year will be around £225. Thus, according to an estimate, the insulation will pay for itself in a year or two.

For a terraced house, you will be able to save £120 per year with an average installation price of £285. With a semi-detached house, you will be able to save £135 per year with an average installation price of £300. There is no exact time duration for insulation to pay off its cost as it depends on the area and type. In most cases, the insulation will allow you to cover the installation cost within two years.

Can I use any type of loft insulation?

No, you must consider the differences among the types of loft insulations and choose the right one according to your requirements. Some types of insulation might suit your loft more than others. It is better to take advice from a professional or home insulation specialist to choose the right insulation for your loft. For example, if you have a draughty loft, you will not be able to use loose fill or blown fibre insulation. Moreover, you cannot use blanket insulation if you have lots of tight spaces and small cavities in the loft.

How long does the loft insulation last?

According to EST, the loft insulation can is very durable, and its average lifespan is 40 years. However, it also depends on the quality of the materials used and the skills and expertise of the trader or builder for loft insulation. Loft insulation is a long-term investment, and if the job is done properly, you will not have to check it again for a long period.

If I need free loft insulation, can I get a government grant?

Yes, you can get free loft insulation under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme. This scheme was introduced after the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) scheme ended in 2012. The British government introduces these types of schemes to improve the energy efficiency of homes in the UK. You can check your eligibility for this scheme and get free loft insulation through an energy provider.

Is loft conversion expensive?

Loft conversion allows you to utilise the space at your home efficiently. By changing your loft space into a living space, you can have a great area to improve the functionality of your place and add value to it. However, a loft conversion is more expensive than loft insulation. The costs of loft conversion also vary according to the size of the loft.

What is the cost of loft boarding?

Loft boarding creates a barrier on the roof so that no heat escapes from it. It also reduces heat loss, just like loft insulation. Besides reducing heat, loft boarding can also be a handy storage space where you can dump unwanted stuff. The cost of loft boarding will depend on the area of the loft. A medium-sized loft boarding of around 15 square metres will lie between £1,100 and £1,500.

How to know if I have asbestos loft insulation?

Asbestos loft insulation is easy to spot, but removing it is difficult, and you should hire a professional for it. If you have an old property, you should know that earlier, there were only a few types of asbestos loft insulation, and the risk of these types of insulation was unknown yet. Breathing or handling asbestos fibres can be dangerous, and you must not deal with them yourself. Inhaling asbestos fibre can be lethal. Moreover, it can increase your chances of contracting serious diseases, including lung cancer.

According to The Spruce, asbestos loft insulation mostly consists of loose fill or blown fibre insulation. If you want to identify the insulation, look for lumpy, loose, fluffy, or granular material in the loft. Besides that, the vermiculite insulation has a silvery-gold or greyish-brown colour and a pebble-type touch to it. If you have already identified if there is asbestos loft insulation at your place, you must not try and remove it yourself. A home insulation specialist will first analyse the materials in the asbestos loft insulation by testing it. Then they will remove it in a professional way using the right equipment.

How to use my loft for storage?

If you want to access your loft or use it for storage, you must use a single layer of blanket insulation in the space between the joists. Then you can add wooding boarding on the top. In addition, you can go for the insulation boards bonded to other materials such as glass or wood. However, you must make sure that you do not damage the insulation blanket material as it would lose its purpose.

What is roof insulation?

Roof insulation is more expensive than loft insulation because it requires more effort. If you plan to convert your loft or attic into a living space, you must consider roof insulation instead of loft insulation. For loft conversion, the best is to go for board or sheet insulation as it attaches readily to the edges of the roof. If you want to go for safer options, water and fire resistance boards are also available. You can also order customised insulation boards that fit properly according to the measurements. Following are some advantages and disadvantages of roof insulation:

Advantages:

It has high insulation characteristics and thus is an ideal loft conversion.
You can finish it off and decorate it using plasterboard.
They are a greener and safer option.
There are a lot of options for materials.
There are different ways to attach the insulation boards to a roof.

Disadvantages:

It is more costly than other types of insulations.
Because of rising costs, the cost to produce synthetics is also high.

Conclusion: Loft Insulation Costs

Though it is difficult to state which type of loft insulation is the best one, you can go through the properties of each one of them to get the right one that is suitable for you. The insulation you choose for your loft will depend on the purpose for which you intend to use it.

In most cases, blanket insulation will be enough to keep your house warm. It is the best option if you are looking for an affordable way to retain heat at your place. Plus, hiring a professional for home insulation is more beneficial than DIY methods. A professional tradesperson will prepare the area by making it clutter-free. Moreover, a skilled builder will also determine if the insulation is according to the standards and regulations. Including insulation in the home is a great way to save on your energy bills. You could qualify for insulation in the home if you are a homeowner. To find out more about free insulation grants read the Warma UK full guide on how to qualify for a free grant.

According to most of the experts in the construction industry, loft insulation is a great way to reduce your heating bills when the colder months hit. Moreover, you can get your money’s worth by insulating your loft and increasing your property’s value should you plan to sell it. In addition, you would also have a return on investment in a year or two.

Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:

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