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Loft Insulation Cost Guide: Understanding UK Prices 2024
- Up to 33% of UK properties with lofts have insufficient insulation measures.
- Loft insulation for a standard detached UK home costs around £1,200 but can save you up to £445 on annual energy bills.
- Loft insulation has one of the quickest payback periods on your investment of just 3 years.
Loft insulation stands out as one of the most cost-effective home upgrades anyone can undertake. It is far more affordable than other insulation measures, can reduce up to a quarter of your home’s heat loss, and can even be installed DIY if you’re handy with some tools.
An added benefit is that no matter what type of property you live in, loft insulation has one of the shortest return on investment periods, hardly taking more than 3 years to see your money back. This means loft insulation will pay itself over many times throughout its 40-year lifespan.
Ever wondered how much is loft insulation? In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about loft insulation, including the cost of materials, installation and labour. We will also discuss various factors you need to consider, and how to apply for a free loft insulation grant.
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How much is loft insulation in the UK?
The average loft insulation cost for a standard detached UK home is around £1,200, but this cost can vary based on the type of property you have, the loft size, insulating material and several other factors.
Luckily, loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective home upgrades with plenty of suitable options for most budgets. Additionally, there are a few government-backed UK schemes in place to help low-income households with free and partial coverage on loft insulation.
Investing in loft insulation for a detached home in the UK can save you upwards of £445 every year on energy bills, paying off your initial investment in 3 years and continuing to save you money for decades to come.
Cost of loft insulation materials per m2
Your average loft insulation cost will also be determined by the type of insulating material you opt for. Luckily, there is a wide range of options available for every budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced insulating materials tend to be far more effective in their job, hence the price tag.
The most common type of loft insulation is standard (blanket) insulation, done by using rolls or ‘batts’ of mineral wool, fibreglass or sheep’s wool. Generally speaking this approach to insulation also is the cheapest, with fibreglass costing no more than £10 per m2.
On the more expensive side, a spray foam loft insulation cost tends to be one of the highest per m2, but is not often advised due to its safety risks, and potential devaluing of your property once installed.
For a more complete picture, check out our breakdown of loft insulation cost per m2 of material:
| Insulation | Average price (per m2) incl. installation |
|---|---|
| PIR Boards | £5 – £15 |
| Fibreglass | £10 |
| Polystyrene (EPS) Boards | £10 |
| Cellulose | £10 – £12 |
| Mineral (Glass) Wool | £13 – £17.5 |
| Sheep wool | £17.5 – £22 |
| Mineral (Rock) Wool | £18.2 |
| Polyurethane Boards | £21.5 |
Loft Insulation costs per property type
If you’re curious how much does loft insulation cost, you’re in the right place. Semi-detached dwellings tend to be the most common in the UK, making up more than 30% of all housing. With this in mind, loft insulation for a standard semi-detached home in the UK is around £930, with prices up to £1200 for detached homes and bungalows.
Ultimately, your final cost will depend on many factors such as your location and accessibility, loft size, whether any existing insulation is in place, and many more. Assessing your home with a professional installer can help give you a better cost understanding.
Below is our breakdown of typical loft insulation costs per home type in England, Scotland, and Wales:
| Home type | Insulation cost (0mm – 270mm) | Insulation cost (120mm – 270mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Detached house | £1,200 | £930 |
| Semi-detached house | £930 | £760 |
| Mid terrace house | £880 | £720 |
| Detached bungalow | £1,200 | £940 |
Average loft insulation costs may slightly differ if you are based in Northern Ireland, so here is what you could expect:
| Home type | Insulation cost (0mm – 270mm) | Insulation cost (120mm – 270mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Detached house | £1,300 | £1,100 |
| Semi-detached house | £840 | £800 |
| Mid terrace house | £740 | £760 |
| Detached bungalow | £1,700 | £1,600 |
Labour costs
In 2024, professional installation of loft insulation typically costs around £250 per day. This includes the labour for installing the insulation itself, but some other factors can influence this cost:
- Additional jobs: Other small tasks might be necessary for proper installation, such as boarding your loft or relocating electrical wires. These additional costs will be discussed later in the article.
- Location matters: Labour costs can vary depending on your location. Professionals in centralized areas like London may charge more for their services compared to those in rural or suburban areas.
If you’re feeling handy, you might be brave enough to install loft insulation by yourself. While a DIY installation can cost two to three times less than hiring a professional, it’s crucial to understand the benefits of professional service:
- Guaranteed quality: Accredited companies make sure the job is done correctly and meets government-backed standards and regulations. They tend to be part of several installer associations that know exactly what you need.
- Expertise and experience: Professionals bring expertise and experience to the table, ensuring the insulation is installed efficiently, quickly, and safely. This is useful if your home has structural issues or draft and dampness problems that need addressing before loft insulation.
- Peace of mind: Knowing the work is done right by qualified individuals can provide significant peace of mind through their craftsmanship. Chances are your insulation will bring you benefits for decades to come with no need for repairs.
Overall, the decision of whether to undertake a DIY installation or trust a professional rests on your skills, budget, and time availability, but if you are interested in having a professional take care of the job for you, Household Quotes UK is here to make sure you get the best bargain.
Through our network of trusted installers, we can save you countless hours of research and vetting by connecting you with 3 free home-tailored quotes; with absolutely no hidden charges or obligations involved. Simply fill out our quick 30-second form and let land you the best loft insulation deals!
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What factors affect the loft insulation cost
Before starting an insulation job, it’s best to understand the factors that impact your overall cost to make an informed decision on the best insulation for loft jobs. Here are some of the key elements influencing your total expenditure:
- Intended loft usage
Storage loft insulation requires simpler and often cheaper cold loft insulation, which focuses on insulating the loft floor to keep the rest of your home warm.
Living Space Loft insulation demands more complex warm loft insulation. This involves insulating the inner walls of the living space, along with windows, skylights, and draught-proofing to create a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
- Existing insulation
If your loft already has insulation, topping up to the recommended 270mm thickness might be sufficient. However, a professional assessment is needed to ensure that your existing insulation is dry and in good condition.
- Addressing underlying issues
Lofts with dampness or draught issues are unsuitable for insulation until these issues are addressed professionally. They can lead to structural damage like rot and mould and must be resolved before insulation, potentially raising your overall project cost.
- Professional vs. DIY installation
DIY Installation might offer potential short-term cost savings, but an improper installation can lead to costly repairs over time.
Professional Installation can be two to three times more expensive than DIY, but it ensures proper installation and minimizes the risk of future problems, offering long-term benefits and peace of mind.
Loft for storage space
The process of insulating your loft for storage space is commonly called cold loft insulation.
This is when the floor of your loft is insulated with loft insulation roll (such as mineral wool) to keep the rest of your house below warm. The only con is that your loft will not be insulated, but can still be used for storage.
Cold loft insulation normally costs around £930 for a 3-bedroom semi-detached home, and up to £1,200 for a fully detached UK home. This is also one of the cheapest loft insulation approaches.
It is a relatively simple process that can even be handled DIY:
- Access the floor joists: Carefully lift the existing loft floorboards to expose the underlying joists. If these joists are evenly spaced and accessible, then you’re good to go with DIY insulation.
- Install insulation: Fill the spaces between the joists with 270mm of mineral wool insulation (or similar sheet material). Make sure to not compress it.
- Maintain airflow: Ensure that there is space for proper ventilation by leaving a 50mm air gap between the insulation and the replaced floorboards.
- Raise the floor (if needed): In most cases, the existing loft height might not accommodate both the insulation and air gap. To fix this, purchase loft legs from a hardware store to raise the floor. A professional installer can also handle this.
As mentioned, this form of loft insulation can certainly be handled as a DIY project, but it’s most recommended to hire a professional. That way you can guarantee high-quality work and compliance with current government regulations.
Damp and leaks
Before installing loft insulation, it’s crucial to address any existing dampness or draught issues in your home. Loft insulation is very effective at trapping both heat and moisture, so in drafty homes loft insulation can worsen dampness, creating a breeding ground for mould and rot.
While professional help is recommended to solve the problem at its root, here are some cost-effective DIY solutions you can also implement:
- Chimney: Install a chimney pot cover for around £150 to better prevent heat loss and draft.
- Loft Hatch: Seal the gaps around your loft hatch opening with draught-proofing strips. Can be found in hardware stores and shouldn’t set you back more than £50.
- Pipes: Use filler foam or paste to seal gaps around pipes where they penetrate walls and floors. On average, this should also cost somewhere around £50 in total.
- Extractor Fan: Consider installing an extractor fan for about £400 to promote ventilation and regulate moisture buildup, but only in cold lofts.
- Walls and Ceiling: Fill small cracks inside your loft with mortar paste or mix. Depending on how many cracks and openings there are, this can cost up to £100.
Remember, these are not the main solutions to draught proofing and you should consult about structural issues with a professional for a full assessment and permanent fixes. These are simply extra measures you can take to ensure the best-case scenario.
Accessibility to the loft
Blown insulation is a great choice for lofts that are difficult to access or lack structural integrity. Professionals install it using specialized equipment that blows loose-fill fibres into the loft space through a safe opening. This method effectively insulates hard-to-reach areas and hidden nooks, ensuring complete insulation coverage.
However, blown insulation is significantly more expensive than traditional blanket insulation. The typical cost for a 3-bedroom semi-detached home ranges from £2,200 to £2,750.
Unexpected issues
While the cost of standard loft insulation is in itself something to consider, there are sometimes additional tasks that may be necessary to ensure a proper installation. These unforeseen circumstances can add to your overall project cost.
Here’s a breakdown of some potential extra costs you might encounter along the way:
| Additional task | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Relocating electrical wires | £250 per day |
| Insulating existing pipework | £6 per metre |
| Reboarding the loft | £55 per m2 |
What is the cheapest way to insulate your loft?
The cheapest way to insulate your loft is cold loft insulation. This is a relatively straightforward and cheap loft insulation process as the only insulation installed is between the joists of your loft floor, ensuring no heat gets into your loft. This keeps the rest of your house nice and warm.
Cold loft insulation is best suited for homes that want to use their loft as storage space. Keep in mind that some temperature-sensitive materials might not be suitable for storage in a cold loft as that space will indeed be uninsulated.
For crafty individuals, you can even try your hand at a DIY installation. However, it’s always recommended to work with a professional to ensure government regulations are being met, and that the job is done to the highest quality. A faulty installation or poor craftsmanship can cost you far more in repairs and home damage in the long run than getting a professional job done.
Can you get free loft insulation?
You might be eligible for free or discounted loft insulation under two government-backed schemes currently running in the UK:
- The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): This scheme prioritizes providing one essential insulation measure to each qualifying household, which can also include loft insulation. This way, the GBIS aims to maximise its reach across the UK. The scheme runs until March 2026.
- ECO4: This scheme assigns energy suppliers the responsibility of aiding low-income and energy-inefficient households with various upgrades and improvements, including loft insulation, central heating, and repairs. ECO4 also operates until March 2026.
Eligibility: Homes with individuals receiving government benefits (check the scheme’s websites for specific details) or falling into low-income categories are highly likely to qualify. Homes with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, typically below C, are also strong candidates.
Applying: The Great British Insulation Scheme can be directly applied through the official government portal. For ECO4, you will need to contact your energy provider to inquire about eligibility and application procedures.
Get multiple quotes to secure the best loft insulation cost
Considering loft insulation for your home? Getting quotes from several installers is a great way to ensure you receive the best value for your investment. Getting more than just one loft insulation quote ensures you don’t miss out on potential deals while helping you make an informed decision.
Why opt for professional installation? The initial cost might seem higher, but the advantages outweigh the expense in the long run:
- Safety First: Certain insulation materials pose serious health risks through contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Professional installers are trained and equipped with appropriate safety gear to handle these materials safely.
- Faster Completion: Professional installers can complete an insulation job significantly faster than a DIY approach, minimising disruption to your daily life and home.
- Expert Craftmanship: While DIY enthusiasts may be savvy, professional installers have extensive knowledge and experience. This is valuable when dealing with pre-existing issues like drafts, dampness, or structural problems. They can ensure your loft is prepared for insulation and that the entire process is within government regulations.
There are some other extra precautions you can take to make sure you are properly vetting the installers you are in contact with. Here are some ideas:
- Compare Comprehensively: Don’t just compare prices; question the services included in each quote, such as materials, removal of existing insulation (if necessary), and potential additional work.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask installers about their experience, qualifications, insurance coverage, and warranty information. It will help identify the more serious accredit installers on the market.
- Check References: Check what past clients say about the services they received to gain insights into the installer’s professionalism and quality of work.
The process of vetting installers can be hard work, especially with the endless options on the market. On the hunt for the best bargain, you can find yourself spending hours on end surfing websites and dialling phone numbers. To save yourself the headache, Let Household Quotes UK do the work for you.
Simply fill out our quick 30-second form and you can receive up to 3 free quotes on loft insulation, tailored to your home’s specific needs. No fees or obligations are required. Click the button below to begin!
- Describe your needs
- Get free quotes
- Choose the best offer
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Akif has a keen interest in green home improvement solutions and the role of digital media in identifying climate trends. He aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach to content rooted in credible research and accuracy.