How to insulate your home on a budget

If you&#;re concerned about spiralling energy costs, adding insulation to your home is a great way to save energy and reduce fuel bills. But with the cost of building work increasing due to material and labour shortages, you may be wondering how to insulate your home on a budget. Or at least, how to get the most for your money in terms of offsetting insulation costs by reducing fuel bills.

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Federation of Master Builders&#; (FMB) member Alex Hunt, Managing Partner and Retrofit Coordinator at Bright Green Homes, shares his expert advice on getting the right home insulation for less.

In partnership with the Federation of Master Builders

Types of home insulation

With a mind-boggling number of insulation products available, it&#;s hard to know where to start. Here&#;s a quick run-down on the main types of home insulation available and which are the relatively cheap insulation options.

Mineral wool insulation

Mineral wool insulation is a cheap loft insulation solution. It comes in rolls, is made from glass or rock fibres and has a thermal conductivity value of about 0.044 W m2K. &#;It&#;s basically the fluffy stuff that itches,&#; says Alex.

Uses: Loft insulation between joists, partition walls, suspended floors and ceilings
Properties: Extremely fire retardant

Sheep wool insulation

Naturally fire-resistant and non-irritant, sheep wool insulation has a thermal conductivity as low as 0.035 W m2K and can be used just like mineral wool. It&#;s more expensive, but considering it can last up to 60 years, it offers good value for money. Sheep wool insulation is ideal for period or heritage properties buildings that need to regulate humidity carefully as it retains condensation, releasing it slowly as it dries.

Uses: Loft insulation between joists, partition walls, suspended floors and ceilings
Properties: Sustainable, breathable and safe to use, but more expensive than other products

PIR and PUR insulation

PIR (polyisocyanurate) and PUR (rigid polyurethane) are board insulations that can be cut to size. PUR is also a spray foam. PIR has better fire resistance. &#;PIR is an open-cell foamwith lots of air bubbles in it and a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W m2K,&#; says Alex. &#;It&#;s twice as insulating as mineral wool, so you need half as much to get the same insulating value.&#;

Uses: Wall cavities, insulated plasterboard, floors, rafters and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Properties: Long-lasting, less material needed

Phenolic foam insulation

Phenolic foam is rigid board insulation. &#;Phenolic is similar to PIR &#; it&#;s got lots of air bubbles in it,&#; says Alex. &#;But in phenolic foam, each of those bubbles is surrounded by plastic, so it&#;s much more waterproof and more resistant to air and vapor movement through it. Phenolic foam tends to be slightly more insulating than PIR insulation, with the downside that it might cause condensation in certain circumstances. It&#;s also a good 25% more expensive.&#;

Uses: Cavity board, external walls, floors, rafters and heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems
Properties: Better fire resistance than PIR, low smoke level if it burns, water resistant, more expensive than other products

DPS/XPS/EPS polystyrene insulation

DPS/XPS/EPS polystyrene insulation is used both in board form and as loose beads for blown cavity wall insulation. &#;EPS has a thermal conductivity of around 0.031 W m2K,&#; says Alex. &#;It&#;s light, so easy to transport and use. Polystyrene also retains its shape and thermal properties well over time.&#;

Uses: Cavity walls, insulation systems for external walls, floors and roofs
Properties: Light, low-cost, a good acoustic dampener, moisture-resistant and durable

Other natural insulation materials

In addition to sheep wool insulation, wood fibre panels, Jute hemp fibre and cork all offer a high-performing, eco-friendly insulation alternative to oil-based options like EPS and PIR insulation, or mineral wool, which uses a lot of energy in its manufacturing process.

How to insulate your home on a budget

If you&#;re keeping a close eye on your budget &#; perhaps living in a fixer-upper while gathering ideas and savings for your renovation project &#; there are plenty of quick and cheap insulation solutions to help reduce your energy consumption. They may be a temporary fix, but every little helps when wondering how to insulate your home on a budget and keep those fuel bills down.

First up, if your boiler is on its last legs, consider getting a new one: &#;If you can&#;t afford to go the whole hog with insulating your home and electrifying your heating, get a new gas boiler. If it isn&#;t condensing, it&#;s likely to be somewhere between 50-60% efficient, which means for every unit of gas you buy, you chuck half of it out of the house, whereas new gas condensing boilers are 90-95% efficient.&#;

You can further increase energy saving in the home with better heating controls &#; getting a smart thermostat installed with your new boiler. These learn your behaviour, switching the heating off when you don&#;t need it, saving both energy and money.

Loft insulation

When trying to how to insulate your home on a budget and looking for cheap insulation, look to the loft: &#;In terms of bang for your buck, loft insulation is the most cost-effective solution,&#; says Alex. &#;It&#;s so simple, but there are still millions of uninsulated lofts in the country. I go into properties with somewhere between 50-100mm of loft insulation when they should have between 270-300mm. This is often because the loft is being used to store Christmas decorations, luggage and old Lego sets, which squashes down whatever insulation is there, making it less effective.&#;

To solve the problem of reducing the thermal efficiency of your loft insulation by piling things on top of it, invest in a loft boarding kit to create a raised platform above the insulation, which can be used for storage.

Loft insulation typically starts from around £300 for materials, but it can save you £180 a year on bills, so it can pay for itself in less than two years. If you&#;re planning to save on installation (which can also cost upwards of £300) by doing it yourself, read up on how to avoid condensation and rot, which can be an issue if it&#;s not done correctly.

Window film insulation

&#;If you have single-pane glass, you can stick double-sided sticky tape around the frame of the window and fix on a heat responsive plastic that shrinks and stretches when you blast it with a hair dryer, forming a secondary film over the window,&#; says Alex. &#;It&#;s effectively a kind of temporary DIY double glazing.&#; You can pick these up for around £10 a sheet from Amazon. &#;There are similar reusable products that work with magnets so you can take it off in the summer to help keep your home cool.&#;

Draught excluders

Fit these around your doors to stop the wind whistling through. Draught excluders can cost as little as £10, yet could knock £30 a year off your heating bill, according to comparison service The Eco Experts. A draught excluder is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce energy use.

 

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Avoid expensive mistakes

Adding insulation to an existing building without the right advice can lead to unforeseen problems such as condensation and damp. Nik Nelberg, Managing Director of FMB member company Earl & Calam Design & Build Ltd, recommends getting a detailed retrofit survey before starting any invasive work like cavity or solid wall insulation.

&#;[Ensuring your home is well insulated] comes down to a good understanding of the existing building and what&#;s possible, how much it costs and what benefit can be achieved. Do the best you can with the money you&#;ve got, and maybe put something else off until you&#;ve saved up a bit more, rather than spreading your money too thinly or doing something badly that could cause you problems in the future.&#;

Read more about retrofit surveys and whole-house assessments here.

Find a trusted local builder

For further advice on how to insulate your home on a budget, consult a builder with insulation expertise. You can find a trusted local builder via the Federation of Master Builders&#; Find a Builder tool. All of its members are vetted and independently inspected to ensure they meet the high standards of a Master Builder company, so you can build with confidence.

The Federation of Master Builders is campaigning for a national retrofit strategy that sets out how to upgrade the country&#;s housing stock to the highest levels of energy efficiency to help the UK meet its carbon-zero commitments.

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There are many types of home insulation available that can make a huge difference in reducing your energy bills. Traditionally, the most common forms of insulation have been made from materials like fibreglass, cellulose, and foam but in recent years many new types claiming to be more environmentally friendly have been gaining popularity. But what type of insulation is best? And how much will it cost to replace the insulation in your home?

In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of insulation and their benefits. We will also look at UK government grants that can help you with the cost of insulation.

Interested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Langfang Clear Chemical.

The main home insulation types

Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation is one of the most popular types of insulation material. It is made from polystyrene or polyurethane and can be used to insulate both homes and commercial buildings. Rigid foam insulation is very effective at preventing heat loss and is often used in cavity walls, ceilings, and floors. 

There are three main types of rigid foam insulation: PIR/PUR boards, phenolic boards, and expanded polystyrene boards.

• PIR/PUR boards are made from polyurethane or polyisocyanurate and are the most common type of rigid foam insulation. 
• Phenolic boards are made from a mixture of phenol and formaldehyde and are often used in floors and roofs. 
• Expanded polystyrene boards, also known as EPS boards, are made from styrofoam and are often used in walls and ceilings.

One of the main benefits of this type of insulation is that it is very easy to install. It can be cut to size and fitted into almost any space. Rigid foam insulation is also very durable and has a long lifespan. The main downside of it is that it is made from petroleum products, which are not environmentally friendly. Rigid foam insulation is also one of the more expensive types of insulation.

Wool Type Loft Insulation

Wool type insulation is usually made from mineral fibres or fibreglass. These materials are spun into wool and then used to insulate homes. Wool type loft insulation is often used in ceilings and attics but some people have also used it for walls and floors where it is often less effective and can lead to issues such as damp penetration.

The main benefit of wool type loft insulation is that it is very effective at preventing heat loss when used correctly. It is also very easy to install and has a long lifespan. As well as allowing damp penetration, another downside of wool type loft insulation is that it can be irritable to the skin. If you are installing insulation yourself, make sure to wear protective gloves and a mask.

Aluminium Foil Backed Insulation

Aluminium foil backed insulation is made from recycled aluminium so it is also a relatively environmentally-friendly option. Like foam and wool type insulation, it can be used for walls, ceilings, and floor insulation, but it is most often used as warm roof insulation.

Aluminium foil is a very good conductor of heat so it is very effective at preventing heat loss. It is also very easy to install and can be cut to size.

One downside of aluminium foil backed insulation is that it does not have a long lifespan and will need to be replaced more often than other types of insulation. It is also one of the more expensive types of insulation.

Interested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

Multilayer Foil Insulation

Multilayer foil insulation is a less common option made from multiple layers of aluminium foil and wadding that is often used for roofs, walls, and floors. It is a very effective type of insulation because it is lightweight, reflects heat well, has built-in vapour control and can be taped into place.

The main downside of multilayer foil insulation is that it is not as durable as some other types of insulation and can be damaged easily. It is also one of the more expensive types of insulation.pensive types of insulation.

Foam Spray Insulation Kits

If you want to save money on your insulation, it is possible to buy a DIY spray foam insulation kit. These kits contain everything you need to insulate an area yourself including the foam, a sprayer, and instructions.

Foam spray insulation, when installed properly, can be very effective at preventing heat loss and also helps with noise reduction. It is sprayed onto the desired area where it expands and hardens.

The main benefit of buying a DIY kit is that it is much cheaper than hiring a professional to do it for you. However, it is important to note that these kits can be difficult to use and the results are not always as good as if you were to hire a professional. Poor installation can sometimes lead to the insulation being ineffective and causing structural damage.

Wood Fibre Insulation

Wood fibre insulation is made from recycled wood that is shredded and then treated with fire-retardant chemicals. It is often used for walls, floors, and ceilings and can be either roll-out or loose-fill.

Wood fibre insulation is a good insulator because it is dense and does not allow heat to pass through easily. It is also environmentally friendly and has a long lifespan. The main downside of wood fibre insulation is that it can be irritable to the skin and lungs so protective gloves and a mask when installing it should be worn. It is also one of the more expensive types of insulation. to wear gloves and a mask when installing it. It is also one of the more expensive types of insulation.

IInterested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

Sheep&#;s Wool Insulation

Sheep&#;s wool insulation is made from, you guessed it, sheep&#;s wool! It is an often-overlooked natural insulation material, but it is actually a very effective type of insulation. It is often used for walls, floors, and ceilings and can be either roll-out or loose-fill.

Sheep&#;s wool insulation is a good insulator because, like wood fibre, it is very dense when packed in and does not allow much heat to pass through. It is a very environmentally-friendly material as it is biodegradable and has a long lifespan. The main downside of sheep&#;s wool insulation is that, like wood fibre, it can be irritable to the skin and lungs, so make sure to wear protective gear when installing it.

Blue Jean Insulation

Blue jean insulation is one of the newer eco-friendly insulation options on the market. It is made from recycled blue jeans that are shredded and treated with fire-retardant chemicals.

Proponents of blue jean insulation say that it is just as effective as other types of insulation, but it is much cheaper and better for the environment. The main downside of blue jean insulation is that it is a relatively new type of insulation material so its longevity as an insulation type is not fully known.

Interested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

Why is insulation so important?

Insulation is so important because it helps to keep your home at a comfortable temperature by trapping heat in during the winter and keeping it out during the summer. It also helps to reduce noise levels and can save you money on your energy bills.

Insulation has become a hot topic in the UK in recent years because of the generally high cost of energy which have been putting a strain on household budgets. To protect yourself from potential future rises and reduce existing bills, insulation is an excellent option that many households in the UK are opting for.

Which areas of the home need insulation most?

The areas of a property that need insulation most are typically the ones that are most exposed to the elements. This includes the walls, floors, roof, windows, and doors. As a percentage breakdown, heat is typically lost in a property on the following scale: 

• Walls: 35%
• Floors: 25%
• Roof: 15%
• Windows and doors: 15%
• Other (e.g. gaps in the structure): 10% 

Of course, these numbers vary from property to property and depend on a number of other factors, such as the age and type of the house, the climate, the state of your windows and doors, the condition of the roof and so on. house, the climate, the state of your windows and doors, the condition of the roof and so on.

How much does insulating your home cost?

The cost of insulating your property varies according to the size of your home, the type of insulation, and whether you install it yourself or hire a professional insulation company.

Loft insulation is often the most cost-effective way of insulating a home and a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house could have the loft space insulated for around £850. Installing cavity insulation in a similar property would be expected to cost significantly more, being in the region of £2,500.

While this may appear a sizeable investment, these types of energy efficient home upgrades will save a lot of money in the long run on energy bills. Plus, there is always the possibility of having this work completed using free insulation funding grants.

Interested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

UK home insulation grants

The government recognises that insulation is expensive but wants to incentivise people to insulate their homes by offering insulation grants. These are available through several schemes, including the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme and Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS).

These schemes aim to help low-income and energy inefficient households with the cost of insulation and other energy-saving measures in order to help them reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints.

What types of insulation could be covered by free grants?

In terms of insulation, the funding scheme can help you with the following insulation types: 

Cavity Wall Insulation

This is an insulation material installed in the wall cavities between external walls. Cavity fill insulation can be expensive, but you potentially could claim a significant portion of the cost through a government grant.

Loft Insulation

Insulation material can be installed in the attic or loft of your house. This is very important as heat rises and a lot of heat is lost through the roof. A loft insulation grant could potentially cover 100% of the cost, since this type of cold roof insulation is one of the cheapest insulation options available.

External Wall Insulation

This type of insulation is installed on the outside of your property, over the brickwork or render. External wall insulation is typically applied to solid walls and can be very expensive, but you may be eligible for a government grant to help with the cost. It is worth noting that in some cases you may need planning permission for external insulation, so check with your local authority.

Internal Wall Insulation

This is where insulation is installed on the inside of your property, between the studs in walls. Through government grants, you may be entitled to free internal wall insulation.

Room in Roof Insulation

This is warm roof insulation installed in the roof space of an area that is intended to be used for something other than just storage. Room in roof insulation is usually more expensive, but can save a considerable amount on energy bills because so much heat can be lost through an uninsulated roof. 

Underfloor insulation

Insulating floors is an often overlooked part of insulating a property. Older properties will typically have suspended timber floors which can be insulated with mineral wool insulation between the floor joists. Concrete floors can have rigid insulation panels laid on top.

Interested in insulating your home? See if you are eligible for UK government grant assistance.

Final thoughts on which insulation is best

There is no easy answer when it comes to what type of insulation is best as each type will be more suited to a particular situation. For example, retrofitting cavity wall insulation is often more suited to a loose fill insulation material, as this can be blown in through small holes created in the walls. Internal solid wall insulation would usually be installed using rigid insulation boards, while underfloor insulation requires different insulating material depending on whether it is a concrete floor or a suspended timber floor.

For some people, the choice of thermal insulation material depends on personal preference. Natural or traditional insulation materials may be preferred for environmental reasons, even if they are often more costly.

The most important consideration is ensuring that your property is well insulated to keep your home comfortable, save money on your energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. You can find more top tips on keeping your home warm in the winter here.

If you are thinking of insulating your property, you should also check whether you are eligible for a grant as this can help to offset the cost, and you may even be able to have insulation companies install insulation without any cost to you. To find out whether you are home eligible for ECO4 Scheme or other insulation funding, enter your postcode here.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Phenolic Insulation Board. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.