Types of loft insulation

Use our expert advice to help you choose the right type of loft insulation for your home and budget.

Installing loft insulation can cut your energy bills and help keep your home warm, as it prevents heat escaping through the loft.

Find out how much you should expect to pay for loft insulation, and how long it takes to pay for itself, in our guide to loft insulation costs and savings.

How thick should loft insulation be?

Building regulations recommend an optimum depth of 270mm for insulation, and all new build houses since 2003 should be insulated to this level. 

However, even if your property was built after 2003 it's worth checking the thickness of your loft insulation as shortcuts may have been made during the building process.

Insulation thicker than 270mm won't cause any problems, but will only provide very minor improvements. 

How to insulate your home: read your EPC correctly and get tips on where to start insulating the rest of your property, such as floors and walls. 

Loft insulation types

There are several different types of loft insulation to choose from, and a variety of loft insulation materials available:

Batt or blanket loft insulation

This is probably the most common type of insulation. It's available in rolls of foil-backed felt, rock, glass or mineral fibre.

Pros

• Straightforward to install yourself.
• Some brands use recycled glass or sheep’s wool (which is non-irritant).
• Good for insulating accessible spaces such as exposed wall cavities.

Cons

• Some materials can irritate the skin, so you'll need to wear proper protection.
• Sheep’s wool is a more expensive insulation option.
• Rolls of blanket can be too bulky to fit in small spaces or around obstructions.

How to draught proof your home: make quick changes to make your home cosier

Loose-fill loft insulation

This is made from a variety of granular or lightweight materials such as cork granules, mineral wool or cellulose fibre. Greener types of loose-fill insulation include recycled newspaper.

Pros

• Fits easily between irregularly spaced joists or around obstructions.
• Useful for topping up existing insulation in attics.

Cons

• Can come loose in draughty lofts.
• Safety equipment and protective clothing are needed during installation.

Insulation is just one way to cut your costs, read our top tips to reduce your heating bills to find out more ways to save.

Sheet loft insulation

Sheet insulation is designed for insulating the sloping sides of the roof and comes in the form of firm boards. 

Some sheet insulation boards are available with a fire-resistant, moisture-resistant or decorative covering. It can be ordered precut to specific sizes, usually at an additional cost.

Pros

• Greener sheet loft insulation options include cork, straw and wood board.
• Excellent for insulating loft conversions.
• Can be covered with plasterboard for an attractive finish.
• High insulating value per unit thickness.
• Some boards come with their own system of attachment.

Cons

• Synthetic sheet insulation materials use large amounts of energy during production.
• Can be more expensive than other types of loft insulation.

Blown-fibre loft insulation

You’ll need a professional contractor to install blown-fibre insulation - the insulation is blown into the gaps between joists.

Pros

• Quick and easy to install when done by a professional.
• Greener insulation options include recycled paper or wool.
• Ideal for insulating areas where access is difficult.
• Light and convenient to handle and cut.

Cons

• Can be more expensive than other types of loft insulation.
• Not recommended for insulating draughty lofts.

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