Home Insulation: The Guide to Insulating Your Home
What is home insulation and why is it important?
Home insulation is material used to reduce heat escape and keep a house warm. In some circumstances it's used to prevent heat gain in summer, and it can also reduce noise pollution. It's important because it keeps your home at a comfortable temperature all year round and reduces energy bills by retaining heat as efficiently as possible – well-insulated homes are very energy efficient. One of the most popular types of home insulation is polyurethane foam.
What are the pros and cons of home insulation?
The advantages and disadvantages depend on the type you choose. Each solution has a cost – some more than others – and most offer a similar level of thermal protection. Foam insulation, for example, is the only type that can block the transfer of heat through structural parts of the home (such as supporting beams); it's also easy to install and available at a range of price points. However, foam insulation can't be applied to structural elements themselves, and it must be installed around pipes and wires before being properly sealed for maximum efficiency.
How does home insulation work?
The best home insulation works by trapping air within the insulation material itself to create a thermal barrier. This severely limits the movement of air molecules trapped within the barrier, significantly reducing the transfer of heat.
What are the different types of home insulation?
Types of home insulation include blanket and batt insulation, blown insulation (typically fibreglass or cellulose), spray foam insulation, rigid foam and reflective insulation. All are suitable for the home, but rigid foam and wool-type loft insulation are typically the most popular in the UK.
Steps to insulating your home
Home insulation should be installed by a qualified professional. If you're interested in the order in which to insulate, the most common place to begin is the roof and attic space, followed by wall insulation, then appropriate window and door insulation, and finally any insulation for the ground floor of the home.
How much does home insulation cost?
It all depends on the overall size of the property. As a rough guide – costs vary and have risen in recent years, so always get current quotes – fully insulating a detached house is likely to cost in the region of £15,000-£20,000, a semi-detached home £8,000-£10,000, and a mid-terrace £6,000-£8,000.
What are the most common myths about home insulation?
Common misconceptions include affordability, when in fact a range of solutions can be tailored to various price points. Some also believe certain types of insulation can damage a property, or that insulation only works in cold weather – both are incorrect. Installed by a professional, insulation keeps you warm in winter and cooler in summer.
Home insulation tips to reduce your energy bill
In addition to physical heat insulation, consider DIY methods such as door draught blockers, install a smart thermostat, and invest in double or triple glazing if your property is only single-glazed. For reducing unwanted noise as well as heat loss, see our guide to soundproofing a wall with foam.
