Installing loft insulation costs
What should the price of your home’s loft insulation be?
According to this guidance, the average price for loft insulation is between £5 and £11 per square metre. This suggests that insulating a separate 4-bedroom home shouldn’t cost more than roughly £1250.
Find out everything you need to know about loft insulation costs by reading this cost guide.
Loft Insulation: What Is It?
The price of loft insulation, the costs of the materials, and what you should typically budget for loft insulation installation are all included in this guide.
But let’s start with the fundamentals first.
The method of loft insulation involves filling the loft area of your home with insulation to reduce the rate at which heat is lost from the interior to the exterior.
We can put you in touch with nearby insulation experts if you’re looking for an estimate on insulating your loft.
When you break the words down, the idea becomes clearer.
An attic or upper part of a house is referred to as a loft.
Insulation is a substance that keeps heat or sound inside a space.
It is generally advised that the thickness of your loft insulation be at least 270mm. Various materials can be used to accomplish this.
Now that that has been addressed, let’s look at the prices you should anticipate.
How Much Does Insulation for Lofts Cost?
The cost of loft insulation is affordable.
One significant benefit is that it lowers your energy costs. With it, some customers discover they may reduce their annual energy costs by as much as £215.
No matter how much loft insulation costs, you will ultimately save this much (or more).
However:
The size of the house and a few other criteria affect how much insulation costs.
The type of insulation you install is one important consideration.
As a result, we’ll discuss the various types of insulating materials you can buy, their advantages and disadvantages, and the expense of using them in your home.
In this essay, we’ll figure out how much loft insulation costs per square metre.
Cost of Blanket Insulation
We’ll start with blanket insulation.
Those in need of inexpensive loft insulation frequently utilise this. It is constructed from pebbles, mineral fibre, glass, or sheets of foil-backed felt and is incredibly common. It is suggested that you install a minimum thickness of 270mm if you choose to do this.
What costs should you anticipate paying for it, then?
Insulation blankets cost roughly £5 per square metre. You can get it for roughly £100-£150 for a small house.
However, hiring a pro to install it is recommended (unless you have some experience). As a result, you should budget between £300 and $400 to buy and install blanket insulation. Depending on the size of your home, this will change.
Pros: Simple installation (and can be done by hand).
Materials may not irritate the skin (so don’t use them on it).
Reduces energy costs
Reduces outside noise.
Cons: Rolls of blanket insulation might be challenging to manoeuvre.
Some brands may cost more money.
Skin responses can occur with some materials.
Cost of Loose-Fill Insulation
Another technique for keeping the heat in is loose-fill insulation.
As opposed to blanket insulation, loose-fill insulation uses light, airy materials like mineral wool, cellulose fibre, or cork granules. To insulate the loft as uniformly as possible, these lightweight materials are positioned in various locations throughout the space.
You could even use old newspapers if you care about the ecology.
It’s a desirable option because it can reach all the challenging areas in your loft and be swiftly and easily installed (within about 4 hours if blowing equipment is used).
However, it does have a few drawbacks.
First of all, installing it might be rather messy. Second, loose-fill insulation has the potential to be unstable and loosen (especially in a draughty loft).
Costs for loose-fill insulation range from £4.80 to £6.50 per square metre.
Pros: It can be used in any loft area.
Reaches the difficult-to-reach places.
Installs more quickly (as no cutting or measuring is required).
Can be used both alone and to strengthen current insulation.
An easily affordable way to insulate your loft.
Several types of loose-fill insulation are non-toxic and environmentally benign.
Cons: Installation can occasionally be rather untidy.
May become unsecured in a draughty loft.
The cost of the installation is increased since safety equipment is needed.
Cost of Sheet Loft Insulation
The sloped sides of the loft are insulated using sheet loft insulation, which is more efficient than other ways at doing so. In order to do this, insulated boards that are designed to fit across the loft joists must be used.
And there are lots of advantages.
For instance, you may get versions that are fire and moisture resistant, and they are simple to decorate. They can also be installed in tight locations.
The negative?
The most expensive type of insulation available is sheet loft insulation. Typically, it costs between £7.75 and £11 per square metre.
But the cost will depend on how big the house is, how thick the sheets are, and what sizes you want (as custom sizes cost more).
Pros: Variants that are resistant to fire and moisture can help make your home safer.
Each sheet has a high level of insulation, so they don’t need to be as thick as other options.
Ideal for loft conversions.
Can be embellished to appear more appealing.
Cons: Expensive insulation type.
Can be very delicate.
Not all of the materials utilised are environmentally friendly.
Cost of Blown-Fiber Insulation
The blown-fibre insulation comes last.
This technique, which frequently insulates the loft with materials like fibreglass and cellulose, is somewhat similar to the loose-fill insulation approach.
As the name suggests, this form of insulation must be blown in, which usually necessitates hiring a professional.
This can get very pricey.
It will often cost between £300 and £450. (if you factor in the price of the materials and labour).
Pros: This is an environmentally responsible choice because it uses recycled materials (such recycled paper or wool).
Can be rapidly installed with a pro’s assistance.
The materials are simple to use.
Able to access difficult locations.
Cons: There are insulation options that are less expensive.
When using cellulose, it can eventually sag.
It readily absorbs moisture and dries out slowly.
Costs of Loft Insulation
Type of House | Blanket Insulation Cost | Loose-fill Insulation Cost | Sheet Insulation Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Detached | £350-£420 | £735-£760 | £1000-£1250 |
Semi-attached | £310-£365 | £578-£605 | £930-£964 |
Terraced | £280-£315 | £515-£532 | £850-£880 |
Bungalow | £375-£420 | £700-£730 | £1000-£1200 |
What Are the Loft Insulation Supply Costs?
Now that you know how much loft insulation installation will cost, you can budget accordingly.
But what if you prefer to purchase the insulating materials on your own?
This section discusses the price ranges for the various kinds of loft insulation that are offered.
Price of Blanket Insulation
As we’ve already mentioned, materials like glass, mineral fibre, and others are used in blanket insulation. The price of each of these materials varies.
Depending on the kind of material you want installed, the cost of blanket loft insulation per roll varies.
For illustration:
Rockwool loft insulation costs between £35 and £57 each roll to purchase. Using glass wool, on the other hand, might cost as little as £20-£40, depending on the size you require and the brand you prefer.
Price of Loose-fill Insulation
Numerous materials, including as cellulose, fibreglass, and mineral wool, are used in the loose-fill insulation technique.
Fiberglass is available for as little as £27, but it can also cost as much as £40.
But then again…
12 kg of cellulose can be purchased for about £10 and £15. If you want to insulate your loft at the lowest possible cost, this is a really appealing option because it is so inexpensive.
Price of Sheet Insulation
The most common materials used in sheet insulation are foam boards.
Sheet insulation for lofts and boarding for them start at around £20.
Nevertheless, it varies depending on the desired thickness.
For illustration:
10mm foam boards cost between £45 and £50 to purchase.
Price of Blown-fibre Insulation
Mineral fibre is used in the blown-fibre method of insulation, which is blown throughout the loft (rather than laid down like other types). This makes sure that the fibre is evenly dispersed throughout the loft and reaches every corner.
And what is the price of blown-fibre insulation?
Due to the fact that blanket insulation employs the same materials, the cost of materials will be comparable. The style of the application and the requirement for a professional to install it for you are the primary differences.
Ladder cost
The cost of spray foam loft insulation, on the other hand, can range from £44 per square metre to $52 per square metre.
Now that you know how much the materials for the various types of insulation will cost, you can estimate the ladder cost.
What additional material costs must you budget for?
Initially, a loft ladder.
In general, using ladders to access a loft is the safest option. As a result, loft ladders cost between $250 and $300. (excluding the labour cost for installation.)
Hatch Door Price
Budgeting for the price of a hatch door is also necessary.
The ideal approach to enter your loft is through a hatch door.
It’s possible that you won’t need to worry about it if your house already has one. However, you should be ready to invest between £250 and £300 if you need (or want) a new hatch installed.
There is a method to save some money here, though.
Ladders and hatches may be combined in some deals. These can be purchased for between £350 and £400, which is a significant discount compared to purchasing them separately.
Cost of Loft Legs
The price of the loft legs comes last.
The loft leg is a design strategy that guards against insulation compression in your loft.
Typically, this is done when you wish to store things in the loft.
They are also inexpensive. Typically, they come in sets; a 48-piece set will run you between £40 and £60.
What Additional Costs Are There for Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation costs more than just the expense of labour and materials.
You should be aware of these additional loft insulation costs because they may increase the price of installing loft insulation.
These elements will be discussed in the ensuing subsections.
Ready? Let’s start now.
Cost of Insulating Pipes
You must also insulate any pipes if you have them in your loft.
They might freeze over if you don’t during the chilly UK winter.
Fortunately, solving this issue won’t be difficult.
In fact, you can purchase and install insulating foam tubes yourself for about £1.75 per square metre to £3 per square metre.
However, if you’d prefer to work with a professional, the price (including materials) should be in the range of £70 and £100.
Installing a ladder and hatch costs
You’ll need a hatch and a ladder to access your loft, as we’ve already established.
You should prepare to spend between £350 and £400 if you purchase these things all at once.
But there’s also something else to think about.
Many home owners decide to also insulate their hatch because doing so stops heat from escaping from your home through open gaps and entering the loft.
This is not a particularly expensive undertaking to undertake because the hatch is not a particularly wide area.
A polystyrene board costs between £10 and £20 to buy (1200mm x 2400mm).
Cost of Electrical Wiring Moving
Does the loft have any electrical wiring?
If so, it could be necessary to move this so that it doesn’t obstruct the loft insulation installation.
An electrician will be needed for this, and their services could range in price from £100 to £150. A more reasonable budget may be between £200 and £250 if they insist on working as a two-person team.
The price of installing skylights
The best way to bring natural light into your loft space is with loft skylights.
There’s a catch, though.
You’ll need to hire an expert to assist you with this because installing a skylight window necessitates some complex manoeuvres.
You should allocate between £1000 and £1500 overall for this project (which covers materials and labour).
Positively speaking
It shouldn’t take more than one day to finish this straightforward task.
Cost of labour for loft insulation
The cost of hiring tradespeople to install the insulation is the next factor to take into account when estimating the cost of loft insulation.
But what if you choose to handle things on your own?
While you can install blanket insulation on your own, a professional installation is necessary for other forms of loft insulation.
Let’s discuss what will affect the current fees you are being charged.
Currently, the loft’s condition
Is your loft in good shape, organised, and tidy?
If it is, you won’t need to be concerned about this.
But the price to install loft insulation will go up if there is rotten timber that needs to be removed or if there are other debris-filled areas.
Loft Height
The size of your loft has a big impact on how much it costs to install loft insulation.
Why?
This is due to the fact that it is recommended to insulate the entire loft area. The entire purpose of covering up any spaces could be defeated if there are any!
Added Extras
These are some of the topics we’ve already examined, along with the possibility that the loft has pipes or electrical wire that needs to be relocated or insulated. All of these elements must be taken into account before beginning any work.
Once that is resolved, getting a quote for pros online is simple.
To obtain an estimate of what an insulation project should cost, look at the table below.
Insulation type | Cost |
---|---|
Blanket insulation | £150-£250 |
Loose-fill insulation | £75-£130 |
Sheet insulation | £180-£350 |
Boarding | £800-£1200 |
How Long Does the Loft Insulation Installation Process Take?
If you’re thinking of adding loft insulation in your house, you’ll want to know how long it will take to finish.
This provides you the chance to carefully schedule your life around the work being done, which is crucial if you need to be at home while the specialists are at work.
But what could affect how long loft insulation installation takes?
The size of your loft and the type of insulation you’re employing are two factors that can determine how long it takes.
The length of time needed to install various types of loft insulation is shown in the table below.
Insulation type | Duration |
---|---|
Blanket insulation | 2-6 hours |
Loose-fill insulation | 1-4 hours |
Sheet insulation | 2-12 hours |
Boarding | 6-24 hours |
How Much Does Boarding a Loft Cost?
Many homes in the UK have little storage spaces. Due of this, many homeowners use their lofts as additional storage areas.
However, how do you approach this?
Your apartment will require boarding. This can be a labor- and time-intensive process.
But after it’s finished?
You’ll be astounded by how much more room you have now.
Other advantages of boarding your loft include:
Clutter that you would typically have around the house can be removed.
Your property’s worth might go up as a result.
It assists in keeping heat from escaping (which reduces your energy bills).
Regarding boarding your loft, you have two options.
We’ll start with partial boarding.
If you have some prior experience working with wood, you can accomplish this yourself. In order to gain a little bit more storage space, it essentially entails boarded-up loft regions near the hatch.
To do the task, you can purchase PIR, polystyrene, or phenolic boards. If you hire a pro, you should be prepared to spend between £200 and £300 for a few hours of labour.
Second, the loft space is fully boarded.
Full boarding is much more expensive, and it may take more than one person to complete the task. As a result, you can anticipate paying between £1500 and $2000 for labour and supplies.
Different Boards for Lofts
There are several different kinds of boards that can be used for loft boarding.
Let’s quickly review a few of them.
Boards PIR
These could be the most common kind of board.
They are known not to be detrimental to your health and have excellent thermal efficiency. Additionally, these planks are fireproof and strong enough to support your loft area.
Phenolic Boards
The most expensive type of board you can install in your loft is phenolic.
They’re worth it, though.
They are resistant to fire and have excellent thermal efficiency. They are therefore perfect for installation in homes.
Raising the Loft
Elevating the floor is a crucial component of loft insulation.
Why?
The thickness of loft joists is only 100mm. Thus, you must raise the floor in order to create adequate room for both the insulation and an air gap in order to achieve the needed insulation thickness of 270mm. Condensation is prevented by this air gap.
In addition, loft legs, which are normally screwed to the joists, are frequently employed in this method.
For around £50, these can be purchased in sets. While paying someone to board the loft and elevate the floor level will cost you between £900 and £1200.
How Much Does Loft Insulation Removal Cost?
You might need to take out your loft insulation for a few different reasons.
Here are a few typical explanations:
to put in a new, better loft insulation.
if there has been an infestation of pests.
if moisture from a leak has harmed the insulation.
On the plus side, though?
You might not need to remove all of your loft insulation, depending on the extent of the damage.
Once you’ve repaired the loft insulation, you can replace the boards if only the insulation was harmed.
Because of this, many homeowners utilise loose-fill insulation to re-insulate their lofts.
How much will this cost you, exactly?
For a normal three-bedroom property, removing the attic insulation should cost you between £300 and £600.
How to Get Rid of Loft Insulation
Loft insulation disposal is a little different.
That’s because certain popular techniques, like bin bags or recycling trash bins, are prohibited. It is recommended that you discard your loft insulation to a local facility that recycles home waste.
For a little bit more money, you can hire a professional to assist you in removing the insulation if you don’t want to do it yourself.
FAQS
How thick of a loft insulation should be used?
A: A loft insulation depth of between 250mm and 270mm is advised. Make sure you purchase enough material to reach this depth.
If you already have insulation and want to add more, you must measure the depth of the existing insulation and add more insulation in accordance with that measurement.
How much of a difference does insulation in the loft make?
A: Loft insulation is quite beneficial. It helps you keep the heat in the house longer, requiring less frequent usage of the heating system and lowering your energy costs.
It goes further than that.
Because less energy is used to heat your home, it also helps to (substantially) reduce your carbon footprint.
What materials are used in loft insulation?
A: Wool, rock minerals, fibreglass, and foam are a few of the most popular materials used for loft insulation. Different types of insulation work with various materials.
For instance, fibreglass, cellulose, and recycled paper are frequently used in loose-fill insulation.
What does loft insulation made of asbestos look like?
A: Asbestos is no longer utilised as insulation due to the risks linked with it. However, older homes may still contain some asbestos, particularly in the loft and the flooring.
Look for a white or blue-tinged fluffy substance if you want to find the asbestos in your house.
Is free loft insulation available?
A: If you are eligible for the government’s EC programme, you may be able to get loft insulation installed for free.