With rising energy costs, proper insulation is more important than ever. Good insulation keeps your home warm in winter, cool in summer, and significantly reduces energy bills.
Why Insulation Matters
Benefits of proper insulation:
- Reduce heating bills by up to 25%
- Improve comfort and eliminate cold spots
- Reduce carbon footprint
- Increase property value
- Reduce condensation and damp
- Improve soundproofing
Types of Insulation
Loft Insulation
The most cost-effective insulation. Heat rises, so an uninsulated loft loses significant heat.
- Material: Mineral wool, sheep's wool, or blown cellulose
- Recommended depth: 270mm
- Cost: £300-£500 for average home
- Payback period: 2-3 years
- DIY friendly: Yes, for cold lofts
Cavity Wall Insulation
Most homes built after 1920 have cavity walls - two layers of brick with a gap between.
- Material: Mineral wool, polystyrene beads, or foam
- Cost: £500-£1,500 for average home
- Payback period: 3-5 years
- DIY friendly: No, requires specialist equipment
- Note: Not suitable for all properties (exposed locations, existing damp issues)
Solid Wall Insulation
For older properties without cavity walls. More expensive but very effective.
- Internal insulation: Insulated plasterboard on internal walls
- External insulation: Insulation boards fixed to outside walls, then rendered
- Cost: £4,000-£14,000 depending on property size and method
- Payback period: 10-15 years
- DIY friendly: No, requires professional installation
Floor Insulation
Often overlooked but can make a significant difference.
- Suspended floors: Insulation between joists
- Solid floors: Rigid insulation boards
- Cost: £800-£1,200 for average room
- Payback period: 8-12 years
- Best done during: Major renovations or floor replacement
Window and Door Upgrades
- Double glazing: £3,000-£8,000 for average home
- Secondary glazing: £300-£800 per window (good for listed buildings)
- Draught-proofing: £200-£300 for whole house
Choosing the Right Insulation
For Modern Homes (post-1980):
- Top up loft insulation if less than 270mm
- Check cavity wall insulation is installed
- Draught-proof doors and windows
For Older Homes (pre-1980):
- Loft insulation (if not already done)
- Consider solid wall insulation
- Upgrade single glazing
- Comprehensive draught-proofing
For Listed Buildings:
- Internal wall insulation (if permitted)
- Secondary glazing
- Breathable insulation materials
- Specialist advice required
Grants and Funding
Check eligibility for:
- ECO4 scheme (for low-income households)
- Local authority grants
- Green Homes Grant (if available)
- Interest-free loans for energy improvements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Blocking ventilation (causes condensation and damp)
- Compressing insulation (reduces effectiveness)
- Ignoring thermal bridges (cold spots where insulation is interrupted)
- Using wrong insulation type for the application
- Not addressing air leaks before insulating
Professional vs DIY
DIY suitable: Loft insulation (cold lofts), draught-proofing
Professional required: Cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, floor insulation, room-in-roof insulation
Want to improve your home's energy efficiency? Peak Projects can assess your property and recommend the most cost-effective insulation solutions. We handle everything from loft insulation to complete external wall insulation systems. Contact us for a free energy efficiency assessment.
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