How to find an insulation contractor
With a quarter of heat lost through the roof in an uninsulated home, loft insulation is one of the most effective ways to save energy and money.
Read on to learn how to find an insulation installer and the essential questions to ask. We also share a breakdown of loft insulation costs and information about the available government grants.
Why invest in home insulation?
Adequately insulated loft spaces can help reduce heat escaping and stop your energy bills from going through the roof.
But there’s plenty of other great benefits, too:
- Noise reduction – Insulation acts as a sound barrier, reducing external noise
- Condensation control – Quality insulation helps prevent condensation build-up, which can lead to mould and mildew issues
- Increased property value – Recently insulated homes score higher in energy performance certificates, which increases the value of your home
- Government grants – You may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce your home’s energy bills
What’s the best way to insulate a loft?
An insulation installer will advise you on the best insulation method for your loft. It all depends on the accessibility of the loft space and your budget. However, let’s run through the most common type of loft insulation and its benefits:
Blanket insulation
Made from fibreglass, mineral fibre and sheep’s wool, it’s sold in rolls. It’s easy to install and suitable for covering large areas. It is one of the most used insulation materials.
Loose-fill loft insulation
This greener alternative is made from cellulose, mineral wool, and cork granules. It can be topped up easily and is ideal for hard-to-reach spaces. It must be installed with safety equipment to avoid breathing in harmful fibres.
Sheet loft insulation
Manufactured in sheets, this rigid and durable material is ideal for use on sloping roofs. It’s highly insulating and moisture-resistant, but it’s a pricier option.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that expands into a foam. It’s quick to install, ideal for irregularly shaped areas and creates an airtight seal.
Please note – Some mortgage lenders may refuse to lend on a house with spray foam insulation. This is because spray foam insulation can restrict air circulation in the loft, which could lead to condensation and weakening of the roof supports. If in doubt, we recommend speaking to a mortgage broker for advice.
Questions to ask insulation installers
Make the hiring process simpler by asking these key questions (in no particular order):
How much do you charge?
To give you a general steer, the average cost for blanket insulation (270mm) in a detached house is £1,206. Meanwhile, the average roof insulation labour cost is £250 per day.
However, the following factors could impact the cost of your loft insulation:
- Removing existing insulation
- Pipe lagging (insulation fitted around water pipes)
- Relocating electrical wires or installing loft boarding
- Limited accessibility (it may cost more due to the complexity of the installation or scaffolding might be required)
Therefore, it’s important your local tradesperson clearly outlines what is included in the insulation quote from the start.
We recommend getting three quotes to compare.
Are you a government approved loft insulation installer?
Government schemes like the Great British Insulation Scheme offer free or cheaper insulation to some homeowners to reduce their home’s energy bills.
If your home is eligible, your energy supplier will match you with a government-approved insulation contractor. All installers under the Great British Insulation Scheme must be TrustMark-accredited and will have a registration number.
Not sure if your home is eligible? You might get support if your home has an EPC of D-G or is in a council tax band of A-D in England or A-E in Scotland or Wales. The simplest way to check if you’re eligible is through the government’s website.
What is the recommended depth of loft insulation for my home?
Any experienced installer will be up to speed on the depths needed. But as a general guide, the initial insulation layer should be 10cm thick, and no gaps should be left between the insulation and the joists. The second layer should be roughly 17cm thick, giving a total thickness of 27cm.
Our comprehensive guide lets you learn more about the steps involved in insulating a loft.
Will my loft insulation have a guarantee?
Installed correctly, loft insulation typically lasts around 40 years or longer, depending on the type of insulation used.
For added peace of mind, most reputable insulation contractors provide workmanship guarantees (typically one to two years) and manufacturer’s warranties, which vary from two to ten years.
Better still, if you hire an insulation specialist through Checkatrade, we guarantee their work up to £1,000. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
Can you provide references?
There’s no better testament to a tradesperson’s professionalism than a previous customer’s review, and any reputable installer should be happy to provide references.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
How to find insulation contractors
Feeling more clued up about the hiring process and ready to find an insulation specialist? Checkatrade offers two quick, free and easy ways to find the best insulation companies near you.
Just tell us what you need doing, and we’ll contact local insulation specialists. They’ll then contact you directly.
Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a list of top certified insulation companies in your area.
FAQs
What are the rules for loft installation?
Building regulations recommend a loft insulation depth of at least 270mm (mineral or glass wool). If you’re planning an extension and loft conversion, insulation is a required building regulation.
What is the responsibility of an insulation installer?
Your installer will conduct a pre-installation survey to calculate the volume of space to be filled and the materials. Once the insulation is complete, the tradesperson will do a final check to make sure all the materials and installation meet the above building regulations.
How do I know if my loft insulation is ok?
A few simple ways to check if your insulation needs upgrading include feeling for drafts in your loft space or looking for any signs of mould or mildew. But it’s always best to contact a professional to help conduct a proper assessment if in doubt.
How long does it take to install loft insulation?
The time it takes to insulate a loft depends on several factors, including the size and method of insulation. But as a general guide, installing loft insulation takes less than a day.
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