Home insulation – the guide to insulating your home

What is home insulation and why is it important?

Home insulation is where material is used in order to reduce heat escape and keep a house warm. In some circumstances, it is used to prevent heat gain in summer. Home insulation is also used to reduce noise pollution.

Home insulation is important as it helps to keep your home at a desired temperature all year round. It also helps to reduce your energy bills by ensuring your home retains heat as efficiently as possible. Well insulated homes are incredibly 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 of home insulation depend on the type of insulation you choose. Each solution comes with a cost - some more so than others - and all offer a relatively similar level of thermal protection. However, foam insulation, for example, is the only type of insulation that can block the transfer of heat through structural parts of the home (e.g. supporting beams). It’s also incredibly easy to install and is 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 to ensure 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 means the movement of air molecules trapped within this barrier is severely limited, and the transfer of heat is significantly reduced.

What are the different types of home insulation?

Different types of home insulation materials 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 is typically the most popular in the UK.

4 steps to insulating your home

Home insulation installation should be done by a qualified professional. However, if you are interested in the order in which you should insulate your home, the most common place to begin is the roof and attic space. This is followed by wall insulation, appropriate window and door insulation, and then 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. To completely insulate a detached house, it is likely to cost in the region of £15-20,000, a semi-detached home in the region of £8-10,000, and a mid-terrace between £6-8,000.

What are the most common myths about home insulation?

Common misconceptions about home insulation include affordability. A range of solutions are available and can be tailored to various price points. Likewise, some believe that certain types of insulation can damage a property, and that insulation only works during cold weather - both are incorrect! When installed by a professional, insulation will be effective in keeping you warm during winter and cold in summer.

Home insulation tips to reduce your energy bill

In addition to physical heat insulation, consider using DIY home insulation methods such as door draught blockers wherever possible, install a smart thermostat, and look to invest in double or triple glazing if your property is only single-glazed.