COST GUIDES
Icynene insulation cost: 2026 UK price guide
Updated 08/26
Looking into Icynene insulation costs as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional spray foam insulation? You've come to the right place.
Read on for:
2026 UK Icynene insulation and roof insulation costs
What to know before installing it
How it may affect future property sales or mortgage applications
Fast Facts
Typical cost: £40 to £90 per m²
Biggest pricing factor: Whether you need open-cell or closed-cell foam, plus the size and access of the space
Compliance: Look for installers certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA), IAB or ETA
How much does Icynene insulation cost?
| Insulation type | Unit (supply & installation) | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open cell spray foam | Per m2 | £40 | £70 | £55 |
| Closed cell spray foam | Per m2 | £50 | £90 | £70 |
| Icynene cell spray foam | Per square foot | £7 | £21 | £14 |
| Icynene roof insulation | Total project | - | - | £1,000 + |
| Last updated: August 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
While we know that the average cost for Icynene insulation is between £40 to £90 per m² (labour included), exactly how much you pay will depend on the:
Type of foam (open-cell or closed-cell)
Its thickness
The size of the insulated area
Let's dive deeper into the costs to help you decide whether Icynene insulation is right for your home. But first, what is Icynene?
What is Icynene insulation?
Icynene is a brand of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation. Available in open-cell and closed-cell forms, it's applied as a liquid that expands to fill gaps, creating an airtight, energy-efficient insulating layer.
Because it's water-blown, it's often considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional spray foam.
However, it's important to consider ventilation requirements and the potential impact on future property sales or mortgage applications. More on that later.
Icynene insulation cost: by type
Open-cell foam sits at the lower end of both ranges, and closed-cell foam costs more per square foot and per square metre because of its higher density and moisture resistance.
Let's compare both in closer detail:
1. Open-cell foam Icynene:
Installation method: It expands quickly when sprayed, filling gaps and irregularly shaped spaces easily. Is typically used for loft, roof, and cavity wall insulation work
Pros: Softer, more flexible and breathable
Cons: Not water-resistant and unsuitable for areas prone to high moisture
Cost: On average £55 per m²
2. Closed-cell foam Icynene:
Installation method: It's used where space is limited or where moisture control matters, such as basements
Pros: It has a higher insulating value per centimetre, better moisture resistance, and adds some structural rigidity to the surface it's applied to
Cons: More expensive and less flexible than open-cell foam
Cost: On average £70 per m²
Spray foam insulation can sometimes affect mortgage applications because it may prevent surveyors from fully inspecting the roof structure for issues such as damp or timber decay. Always check with your lender before installing, and see the FAQ below to learn more.
Icynene insulation cost per square foot and square metre
Icynene spray foam insulation costs between £40 and £90 per m², or roughly £7 to £21 per square foot.
Looking for a cost based on the exact size of the insulated area you need doing? Try out our free estimator tool below.
Icynene insulation cost: job estimator tool
Job Estimate Calculator
Or for an exact quote, speak to a certified Icynene insulation installer near you.
Find a local insulation specialist
Icynene roof insulation cost
Icynene roof installation costs are on average £1,000 + (supply & fit) or more.
Meanwhile, insulating a loft with basic quilt insulation costs around £725 (supply & fit).
Wondering why Icynene is more expensive? Roofs need thicker coverage under the tiles, awkward angles take longer to spray, and access can mean extra scaffolding or roof-space work.
A professional survey will confirm the exact cost for your roof, including the condition of the timbers and any ventilation the job needs.
How long does Icynene insulation take to install?
The first thing to know about Icynene insulation is that it's not a DIY-friendly job.
Because poor installation and over-expansion can lead to ventilation and mortgage issues, it's important that spray foam insulation is fitted correctly by an experienced installer.
Most Icynene spray foam jobs take a professional installer one to two days, depending on the size of the space and whether it's open-cell or closed-cell foam.
A single loft or small roof area can often be sprayed and left to cure within a day.
Icynene cures much faster than many traditional spray foams, typically within a few hours rather than 12–24 hours. Even so, you'll need to keep the area well ventilated and avoid occupying the space until the foam has fully cured and your installer confirms it's safe to re-enter.
Benefits of professional Icynene insulation
A professional installer will conduct a survey prior to application to assess the condensation risk, U values (how much heat passes through your loft or walls currently) and the quality of the surface the insulation is being applied to.
This will determine various factors such as how much ventilation might be required to prevent condensation and how thick the foam should be.
A professional installer will also:
Identify potential issues early before they become sealed beneath the foam
Install the insulation safely using specialist equipment and protective breathing apparatus
Apply the correct amount of foam to achieve the best thermal performance without compromising ventilation or risking overexpansion
Provide a guarantee and installation records, which can be helpful for future buyers, surveyors or mortgage lenders
If you're weighing up icynene against other options as part of a wider upgrade, see our guide to planning a home insulation project.
How to find a checked installer for Icynene insulation
Search Checkatrade to find a checked Icynene insulation installer near you and compare quotes before you commit. Have this ready when you request quotes so installers can give you an accurate price:
Room dimensions: Measure the area you want insulated in square metres
Open cell or closed cell: Know which type suits your application (ask an installer if unsure)
Access: Note whether the space is easy to access or confined
Selling plans: If you might sell in the next 10 years, discuss mortgage implications upfront
Roof condition: If the roof timbers haven't been inspected recently, factor in a survey
Find insulation experts near me
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Request a quote, search in the Checkatrade app, or enter your postcode below to find local Icynene installers near you.
Icynene insulation vs traditional insulation
Still unsure whether spray foam insulation is right for your home?
To help you compare against other types of home insulation, weigh up the following before you commit:
Air sealing: Icynene seals gaps as it expands; traditional insulation needs separate draught-proofing
Installation: Icynene goes on in one pass with no cutting or fitting; traditional insulation needs labour-intensive fitting
Cost: Icynene costs more per m²; traditional insulation costs less
DIY suitability: Icynene isn't suitable for DIY; traditional insulation is possible for some applications
Lifespan: Icynene lasts the lifetime of the building; traditional insulation lasts 25 to 50 years
Mortgage impact: Icynene can cause possible issues (see our FAQs below); traditional insulation has none
But if in any doubt, you're always best off speaking to an insulation expert directly.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Icynene insulation cost checklist
Before contacting a tradesperson, here's what to check:
Icynene insulation cost FAQs
The UK government's Green Homes Grant scheme has ended; however, other funding may be available depending on your property type and income. For instance, the Great British Insulation Scheme and ECO4 scheme both support insulation in certain circumstances. Check the government's energy grants website for current eligibility or our green home grants guide for more information.
Icynene and any other type of spray foam insulation need specialist equipment and breathing apparatus to apply safely, and incorrect application can cause ventilation or moisture problems that void the guarantee. Always use a certified professional installer.
Listed building consent may be required for any work to the fabric of the building, including insulation, so check with your local planning authority and conservation officer before going ahead. Open-cell spray foam applied directly onto historic roof timbers is particularly likely to need assessment.
Icynene spray foam is designed to last the lifetime of the building. Most manufacturers offer a 25-year or lifetime guarantee. Unlike mineral wool, it doesn't settle, sag, or degrade over time.
Yes, once cured, Icynene insulation is safe. The chemicals release isocyanate vapours during application, which need specialist breathing apparatus and protective equipment. But the cured foam (typically after a few hours) is inert and safe to be around. Look for installers certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA), IAB, or ETA for the product they use.
Some mortgage lenders and surveyors are cautious about spray foam insulation because it can hide roof defects and make inspections or repairs more difficult. Before installing spray foam, check with your mortgage lender and consider getting an independent survey. If spray foam is already present, a spray foam specialist can carry out a survey to assess whether it's likely to affect a sale or mortgage.
Need help with your home insulation? At Checkatrade we have a number of resources to help with your decisions, such as eco-friendly choices and planning guides.
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job