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In 2025, the UK average loft insulation cost for a detached home is around £950 and could go as high as £1,200 for a semi-detached house. Most loft insulation projects are completed within a day whereas average labour costs on most projects are around £250 a day.
It is valuable to invest in loft insulation. They can enable you to cut down energy expenses by close to £350. And it also conserves energy by limiting a majority of heat loss. As many as uninsulated lofts account for up to 25% of a home’s heat loss.
Therefore, it greatly contributes to reducing the carbon emissions from a home. In this guide, we will explore the common question of “How much does it cost to insulate a loft?” and understand the expense versus the value of self-comfort.
What is Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation refers to placing any material inside the loft with the intention of preventing heat from escaping, leading to reduced energy consumption.
It essentially works by creating a seal through which heat stays within your home, hence staying within it as it is meant to, as opposed to exiting out of it through the roof.
How Much Does It Cost to Insulate a Loft?
If one wants to insulate a loft in a 3-bedroom semi-detached house in the UK, the average cost of loft insulation would be around £950. A mid-terraced house can cost as low as £800 while a detached house may run up to £1,200.
Regardless of where one lives, the price depends upon the size of the loft, the type of insulation, and the method employed (hiring a professional or self-insulating).
However, insulation grants do exist for homes that qualify to help cover the removal costs of existing insulation.
Because the installation of new insulation often necessitates the removal of old ones. There is also a 0% VAT applied on insulation materials and labour, further reducing the price.
Loft insulation proves beneficial, yet can be expensive initially. Most homes, on average, save anywhere from £270 to £450 a year on heating bills, making the cost easily recoverable within 3 to 4 years.
Average Loft Insulation Costs by Property Type
The cost of loft insulation depends largely on the size and type of your home. Here is a quick breakdown of the average cost of loft insulation for different property types in England, Scotland, and Wales:
| Property Type | Average Cost (270mm Quilt Insulation) |
|---|---|
| Detached House | £1,200 |
| Bungalow | £1,200 |
| Semi-Detached House | £925 |
| Mid-Terraced House | £800 |
Larger homes will always be costly to insulate because of the huge loft space, but it is an upgrade that pays for itself over the long run.
Cost of Loft Insulation Materials per m²
The loft insulation cost UK homeowners incur varies on the type of material that is being utilised. For instance, you should expect to pay an average of £5 per m² for blanket insulation.
And £8 per m² for loose-fill insulation, and up to £55 per m² for blown-fibre insulation, which includes installation fees as well.
Material prices vary on the demand and the type of insulation as well. More expensive materials generally equal more savings in the long run.
Below is a list of the more common insulation materials and their average prices per m². (costs include installation)
| Material | Average Cost (per m²) |
|---|---|
| PIR Board | £5 – £15 |
| Polystyrene (EPS) Board | £10 |
| Fibreglass | £10 |
| Cellulose | £10 – £12 |
| Mineral Wool (Glass) | £13 – £18 |
| Mineral Wool (Rock) | £18 |
| Polyurethane Board | £22 |
Loft Insulation Types and Their Costs
The cost of loft insulation UK also varies based on the type of insulation. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
1. Blanket or Quilt Insulation
This is the most common and affordable type of loft insulation. It is made from glass, rock, or mineral fibres in 270mm thick rolls. It is easy to install and effective at reducing heat loss.
Cost of Quilt Insulation per m²: £10 per m²
2. Sheet Loft Insulation
Sheet insulation uses rigid boards to insulate sloping loft spaces. Such boards are generally moisture and fire-resistant. And are normally finished to enable painting or wallpapering, which means that they are expensive compared to other solutions.
Cost of Sheet Loft Insulation per m²: £35 per m²
3. Blown-Fibre Insulation
Blown-fibre insulation is similar to loose-fill insulation but is installed using specialist equipment. It is often made from cellulose, fibreglass, wool, or recycled paper. While effective, it requires professional installation.
The average cost of blown fibre insulation per m²: £50 per m²
4. Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulants involve pouring lightweight, powdery, or granular substances such as mineral wool and cellulose into an attic or loft.
Great at filling holes or gaps, these could be problematic because they can look quite messy in attics. Shifting will take place whenever an attic loft draught starts developing.
Cost of Loose-Fill Insulation per m²: £12 per m²
The various types available each have different benefits. So the choice will depend on the budget and likely need for the insulation.
Average Labour Cost for Loft Insulation
Using a professional to install loft insulation could cost you about £250 for the labour part. The labour time depends on several factors such as the size of the loft and the type of insulation.
For example, quilt insulation takes less labour time and may just take less than a day to install. On the other hand, sheet insulation could take a double amount of labor time because of the complexity of that type.
Additional Roof and Attic Insulation Costs
| Service | Average Cost (materials & labour) |
|---|---|
| Pipe lagging (water pipe insulation) | £6 – £35 per m² |
| Water cistern insulation upgrade | £150 |
| Relocating electrical wires | £300 per day (labour only) |
| Loft hatch and wooden ladder installation | £170 – £290 |
Cost of Removing Old Loft Insulation UK
The cost of removing old loft insulation in the UK can range from £300 to over £3,000. The price depends on factors like:
- The type of insulation being removed
- The degree and quality of the insulation
- Any safety hazards involved (e.g., handling asbestos or damp materials).
While this may seem costly, removing outdated or damaged insulation can improve your home’s energy efficiency and create space for fresh, effective materials.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Insulating a Loft
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Type of Insulation and Roof Space Size
The type of insulation you choose and the size of your loft are the two main cost drivers.
- Loft size: The more extensive the space, the greater the number of materials and labour involved.
- Insulation type: Blanket insulation is cheaper, while blown-fibre or sheet insulation costs more.
For example, loft insulation for a three-bedroom semi-detached home averages at £930. While it may be higher than £1,200 for a detached home.
2. Ease of Access
Lofts that are difficult to access may require professional installation with specialised equipment, especially for blown insulation. The extra effort can increase labour costs.
3. Removing Existing Insulation
If existing insulation at the loft must be removed, it will cost around £300. Or it can cost over £3,000 of costs depending on what is used and its condition.
4. Electrical Wiring and Pipework
If electrical wires run through your loft, they may need to be moved to ensure safe installation.
Exposed pipework may need added insulation to avoid freezing.
| Extra Job | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Electrical wire relocating | £250 per day |
| Pipework insulation (materials included) | £6 per metre |
5. Loft Storage
Loft reboarding cost (materials included): £55 per m².
6. Damp and Leaks
It’s very important that you check first for dampness and any leaks before installing the insulation. It would get trapped within the insulation in case of moisture, which would bring about mould and rotting.Professional draughtproofing and ventilation may be needed to keep your loft insulation in good condition.
Energy Savings with Loft Insulation
Loft insulation not only keeps your home warm but also reduces energy bills significantly:
- Insulating from 0mm to 270mm can save up to £340 per year for a detached house.
- Insulating from 120mm to 270mm offers smaller savings but improves efficiency.
Annual Savings Breakdown (0mm to 270mm Insulation):
- Detached house: £340
- Semi-detached house: £200
- Mid-terrace house: £180
- Detached bungalow: £330
How Long Does Loft Insulation Last?
A properly installed loft insulation system can last around 40 years, provided it stays in good condition. However, moisture, leaks, and pests can shorten its lifespan.
Regular checks help maintain insulation performance and prevent issues like dampness and mould. If insulation gets damaged, replacing affected areas will ensure continued energy efficiency.
Can I Get Free Loft Insulation?
Yes, you can get loft insulation free of charge in the UK if you are eligible for government grants. The main idea behind such grants is to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, especially among low-income groups or homes with poor energy ratings.
Government Grants for Free Loft Insulation in the UK
There are two primary schemes currently that offer free loft insulation support.
1. Great British Insulation Scheme
What it covers: It includes, per priority, one insulation measure for those qualified households. And targets either loft insulation or others as prescribed by an accurate survey for the greatest need.
Eligibility: Households on certain government benefits or with a low EPC rating, usually below D, are more likely to qualify.
Active until March 2026.
How to apply: Applications can be made directly through the official government portal.
2. ECO4 Scheme
What it covers: Run by energy providers. ECO4 supports low-income households by offering various energy efficiency upgrades, such as loft insulation, boiler replacements, and central heating improvements.
Eligibility: Similar to GBIS, it’s designed for households on benefits or with a low EPC rating.
Duration: Active until March 2026.
How to apply: Contact your energy provider to check your eligibility and start the process.
How to Choose the Right Loft Insulation Installer?
Here are some tips to guide you:
- Check for Accreditation: Look for installers certified by TrustMark or PAS 2035. These ensure the work meets government standards.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotations from at least three installers to know you get the best value.
- Read Reviews: Customer reviews on Trustpilot or Google will give you a good understanding of the installer’s reliability and the quality of their work.
- Ask About Guarantees: A good installer should offer warranties on their work, usually lasting 25 years or more.
- Clarify Costs: If you’re applying for a grant, confirm with the installer that they’ll handle the process and that no hidden costs will fall on you.
The Bottom Line
Loft insulation is a smart investment in your home. As it not only saves you money in heating bills but also through various government grants like GBIS and ECO4, many UK residents can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of installation upfront.
Saving money, reducing your carbon footprint, or achieving value in your home are all very possible through loft insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for loft insulation varies from £650 for a terraced house up to £1,200 for a detached property. Cost is dependent upon the type of insulation. It also depends upon the labour that is used as the labour costs £250 per day.
UK building regulations recommend a thickness of 270mm for loft insulation. Some installations opt for 300mm for extra energy efficiency.
Sure, blanket rolls and some other forms of insulation can be DIY projects like loft insulation. Further, paying a specialist gives you peace of mind in terms of the quality of the result. Experts can do all the preparatory work, the actual construction, and the post-construction cleaning. Thus, these methods guarantee the desired outcome and compliance with standards.
Definitely! Insulating the loft allows your building to retain its warmth while also keeping your energy costs down. It is one of those expenses which pays for itself over time. You will be gaining money every year for as long as you never sell the property. Additionally, there is an increased resale value of your property.
