COST GUIDES
How much does loft insulation cost in 2026?
Updated 07/26
Fast Facts
Typical loft insulation cost: From around £725 for a standard installation
Biggest cost driver: The size of your loft and the type of insulation you choose
Labour cost: Around £250 per day
If your home feels colder than it should or your energy bills seem to climb every winter, your loft is one of the first places worth looking.
Many older homes either have little insulation or no longer meet the current recommended depth, meaning valuable heat escapes through the roof.
Loft insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. The total cost depends on the size of your loft, the type of insulation you choose and whether any additional work is needed.
This guide explains typical loft insulation costs, what affects the price and how to compare quotes from checked loft insulation installers working in your area.
How much does loft insulation cost in the UK?
As a guide, insulating a loft with basic quilt insulation costs around £725, although larger properties and premium insulation materials will increase the overall price.
| Cost provided item | Unit | Average UK cost (+VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Insulating loft with basic quilt insulation | Ea | £725 |
| Quilt insulation (270mm) (Detached house) | Ea | £1,206 |
| Quilt insulation (270mm) (Semi-detached house) | Ea | £825 |
| Quilt insulation (270mm) (Terraced house) | Ea | £654 |
| Quilt insulation (270mm) (Bungalow) | Ea | £1,206 |
| Quilt insulation (2 x layers) (materials only) | Per m² | £10 |
| Loose-fill insulation (material only) | Per m² | £12 |
| Sheet insulation (PIR) (materials only) | Per m² | £35 |
| Spray foam insulation (materials only) | Per m² | £37 |
| Thermal foil layer (materials only) | Per m² | £14 |
| Labour cost | Per day | £250 |
| Insulation to pipework (materials and labour) | Per metre | £6–£35 |
| Upgrading water cistern insulation (materials and labour) | Ea | £150 |
| Relocating electrical wires (labour) | Per day | £300 |
| Loft boarding (materials and labour) | Per m² | £55 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
The table above shows typical costs for the most common insulation types and related work.
Get a quote for loft insulation in your area
The best way to understand what your project is likely to cost is to compare a selection of quotes from checked loft insulation installers working in your area.
Find a loft insulation installer near you
Average loft insulation costs by property type
The amount of insulation you need depends largely on the size of your loft. As a result, detached homes and bungalows generally cost more to insulate than smaller terraced properties.
On average, installing 270mm quilt insulation costs:
Detached house: £1,206
Bungalow: £1,206
Semi-detached: £825
Terraced house: £654
Loft insulation cost per m²
The type of insulation you choose has one of the biggest impacts on the overall cost. Here are the most common options.
1. Quilt insulation
Quilt insulation (sometimes called blanket insulation) is the most common choice for UK lofts. Made from mineral or glass wool, it comes in rolls that fit neatly between and across loft joists.
It's affordable, performs well and typically costs around £10 per m² for materials.
2. Loose-fill insulation
Loose-fill insulation is ideal for topping up existing insulation or filling awkward spaces that are difficult to reach with rolls.
Often made from recycled cellulose or fibreglass, it typically costs around £12 per m² for materials.
3. Sheet insulation
Rigid PIR insulation boards are commonly used when insulating the underside of a roof, particularly in loft conversions or where space is limited.
They offer excellent thermal performance and typically cost around £35 per m² for materials.
4. Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation expands into gaps to create a continuous layer of insulation. It's usually chosen for irregular roof spaces or specialist projects.
Because poor installation can lead to ventilation and mortgage issues, it's important that spray foam insulation is fitted correctly by an experienced installer.
Materials typically cost around £37 per m².
Labour cost for loft insulation
Labour typically costs around £250 per day, although most straightforward loft insulation jobs can be completed in less than a day.
The installation time depends on:
The size of your loft
The insulation material being installed
Whether old insulation needs removing
Any additional work, such as loft boarding or moving pipework
For example, quilt insulation is usually much quicker to install than rigid insulation boards, which require more cutting and fitting.
Factors that affect loft insulation costs
No two lofts are exactly the same, so use the prices in this guide as a starting point rather than a fixed quotation.
Your final price will depend on:
Whether any old insulation needs to be removed first
The accessibility of the space (limited access may cost more due to the complexity of the installation)
Property type and loft size: larger lofts cost more; detached houses typically cost more to insulate than terraced properties
Depth of insulation: going to the recommended 270mm costs more than a thin top-up of existing insulation
Condition of existing insulation: damaged or asbestos-containing insulation must be removed before new insulation is fitted, which adds to the total cost
Whether the loft is boarded: boarded lofts need boards lifting before insulation can be fitted
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Additional roof and attic insulation costs to consider
Roof insulation and loft insulation are often used to describe the same type of work.
Alongside the insulation itself, you may also need to budget for:
Pipe insulation: £6–£35 per metre (materials and labour)
Upgrading water cistern insulation: £150
Relocating electrical wiring: £300 per day
Loft boarding: £55 per m² (materials and labour)
Depending on your loft, you might also decide to install a new loft hatch or ladder while the space is being upgraded.
How thick should loft insulation be?
Current UK guidance recommends 270mm of loft insulation. Most installations achieve this by laying 100mm between the joists followed by 170mm across them.
If your loft already has insulation, topping it up to the recommended depth is often much more affordable than starting again from scratch.
A checked loft insulation installer can assess your existing insulation and recommend what's needed.
Energy savings with loft insulation
One of the biggest reasons people invest in loft insulation is the long-term reduction in heat loss.
While the exact savings vary between homes, improving your loft insulation can help reduce energy bills and make your home more comfortable throughout the year.
Checkatrade member and insulation expert Matthew Stott from MES Energy explains:
“Due to the increased cost of energy, the return on investment for an insulation measure is up to 230% quicker now than it was pre-price increases in February 2022, when costs spiked at the highest we have ever known.”
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a well-insulated home can see meaningful reductions in annual energy bills. The exact saving depends on your property type, your existing insulation depth, and your heating usage.
Making energy-saving improvements to your home can also increase its value. Improving your loft insulation can also help improve your property's energy performance rating, which may make your home more attractive to future buyers.
From here, it's a natural next step to look at cavity wall insulation or floor insulation to reduce heat loss from other parts of your home too.
Can I get free loft insulation?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to reduce the cost of loft insulation through a government-backed energy efficiency scheme.
Current schemes include:
ECO4 Scheme: the Energy Company Obligation scheme, which requires energy suppliers to fund energy-saving measures for eligible lower-income or vulnerable households
The Warm Homes Local Grant: replaces some previous schemes and helps eligible households with energy-saving home improvements
Through these schemes, you may also be able to get support to install:
Cavity wall insulation
Solid wall insulation (internal or external)
Flat or pitched roof insulation
Underfloor insulation
Solid floor insulation
Park home insulation
Room-in-roof insulation
How to apply for a loft insulation grant
Check your eligibility for support on the government website. Alternatively, learn more about the current green grants available and costs in our guide.
Green home grants available in 2026
Looking to make your home more eco-friendly and energy-efficient? Discover the latest green home grants that could help you save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Loft insulation cost calculator
The quickest way to estimate your budget is to think about the type of insulation you'd like, the size of your loft space, and whether you're topping up existing insulation or starting from scratch.
Job Estimate Calculator
This calculator provides a guide price only. Your final quotation will depend on your loft space, your chosen insulation type and the complexity of the installation. Compare a selection of quotes from checked loft insulation installers working in your area.
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Loft insulation cost checklist
Loft insulation cost checklist
Find a loft insulation installer near you
Choosing the right installer helps ensure your loft insulation performs as it should for years to come.
When requesting quotes, it helps to provide:
Your property type or approximate loft size
The type and depth of any existing insulation
Whether there are any access issues
Whether you need loft boarding or hatch work at the same time
Whether you're planning to apply for a government grant
Compare a selection of quotes from checked loft insulation installers working in your area to understand your options and what's included in each quotation.
Find insulation installers registered with recognised organisations, such as the National Insulation Association, on Checkatrade. Before you choose a contractor, read our guide on how to choose a loft insulation contractor so you know what to look for.
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Loft insulation cost FAQs
Insulating a loft in the UK ranges from around £654 for a terraced property up to around £1,206 for a detached house. Average loft insulation costs range from £10 per m² for quilt insulation up to around £37 per m² for spray foam insulation. Labour costs should be factored in too, at around £250 per day.
Insulating your loft or attic has many benefits, including energy efficiency, heat retention, and potential savings in your bills. For more information, see our guide on the benefits of insulating your loft.
Loft insulation is generally worth the investment due to its long-term energy savings. It reduces heat loss, so less energy is needed to keep your home warm, which lowers your energy bills.
Quilt insulation is the most affordable type of loft insulation at around £10 per m². It has good thermal performance at a lower cost than options such as PIR boards or spray foam insulation.
UK building regulations recommend loft insulation to be 270mm thick. However, some installations go to 300mm for additional energy savings.
It's not always necessary to remove old insulation unless it's damaged, ineffective, or contains a dangerous material such as asbestos. Simply topping up existing insulation can often be a more cost-effective way to improve thermal performance. A checked installer will be able to assess the condition of your current insulation.
If your home has less loft insulation than the recommended thickness, it can be worth adding more. However, it's not necessarily the case that more is better. It's best to meet but not significantly exceed the recommended thickness.
Yes, various grants and schemes are available in the UK to help with loft insulation costs, especially for lower-income households. The ECO4 Scheme and the Warm Homes Local Grant may cover all or part of the cost for eligible households. The Great British Insulation Scheme closed to new applications in March 2025.
Properly installed loft insulation can last around 40 years, provided it remains in good condition. Moisture build-up or pests can reduce its lifespan, so regular checks are recommended.
This depends on your loft layout, budget, and needs. Quilt insulation is versatile, easy to install, and cost-effective. PIR boards offer high performance in tight spaces, and spray foam is suited to irregular spaces, but both these options are more expensive.
Properly installed loft insulation should not cause condensation. This tends to happen if ventilation is inadequate. A checked installer will ensure sufficient airflow to avoid moisture build-up.
Without loft insulation, your home will lose heat more quickly, which means you'll be paying higher energy bills trying to maintain a warm home. Your carbon footprint will likely increase and you might notice more draughts. For extensions or heating system replacements, building inspectors will often ask for the existing attic insulation specifications. If they don't meet the recommended requirements, an upgrade will be necessary before work can be carried out.
Although it is possible to install some loft insulation yourself, for example blanket or roll, the results are less likely to last. This means you'll miss out on the cost-saving benefits that led you to install insulation in the first place. Hiring a checked tradesperson is beneficial for several reasons. They'll dispose of any excess materials for you. They'll prepare the area and ensure the insulation meets the required standards. And they'll know what to look for, what equipment to use, and how to protect themselves.
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