What Are the Best Roof Insulation Types?
Choosing the best roof insulation doesn't need to be difficult – our list of recommended options includes the following types of roof insulation:
- Insulated panel insulation
- Blown-in insulation
- Loose-fill insulation
- Blanket insulation
Deciding on the best roof insulation material requires research as well as a good understanding of what you can afford and what you are happy to have installed. Take a look at the detailed overviews of each type of insulation on offer so that you can be certain that you will get the best roof insulation in the UK!
Insulated Panel Insulation
Next on our list of different roof insulation types is insulated panel insulation. Insulation panels are a well-known insulation material that is used by many homeowners. You can get a range of different types of panels depending on your needs and these include panels made from polyurethane, ones made from polystyrene and others made from glass or rock wool.
Each option has been designed to support the insulation needs of different roof types, meaning that you will need to complete some research or get a professional opinion on which one is best for your needs. Installation of these panels can be difficult, especially if you have small gaps that you need to fill.
The Main Benefits of Insulated Panels
- Offers energy-saving insulation
- Provides insulation layer of up to 1.5inches
- Some types can be decorated over making it great for loft conversions and storage space
- Ideal for open loft areas without any small gaps
The Cost of Insulated Panels
When it comes to choosing the best roof insulation material, the cost is one area to consider. Insulated panels will set you back around £10 - £15 per square metre, but there are more expensive options if you choose a higher quality board.
Insulated Panels – The Bottom Line
Choosing insulated panels from the different types of roof insulation available is not a bad choice, especially if you have a simple space to cover. However, it is not great for older homes that have gaps that need to be filled or more complex roof layouts that are hard to reach.
Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation is installed using a blowing machine that deposits insulation into your roof space, filling any gaps with insulation. It is a good solution if you want something that can be removed but that offers a thick layer of insulation to help keep the warmth inside.
However, blown-in insulation is an expensive option that requires expert installation and it doesn't always provide the full level of protection that you may hope to get. If you want the best roof insulation, UK homeowners may be better off choosing something more secure like spray foam.
The Main Benefits of Blown-In Insulation
Blown-in insulation does come with a number of benefits that are worth your consideration:
- Offers fire protection if you have the right materials blown-in
- Provides some level of soundproofing
- Quick installation
- Reduces condensation problems
- Energy-saving solution
The Cost of Blown-In Insulation
The price of blown-in insulation depends on the materials that are blown into your roof. To get a mid-range material solution, you can expect to pay between £20 - £26 per square metre, making it one of the most expensive options available.
Blown-In Insulation – The Bottom Line
Choosing blown-in insulation promises to offer energy saving, soundproofing and more but when you stop to consider how much you will be spending, it's clear that there are cheaper alternatives that do the same job or an even better one. If you choose that blown-in is the best roof insulation for you, make sure you shop around to get the best deal.
Loose-Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation works in a similar way to blown-in insulation but is actually a completely different type of roof insulation. This insulation is installed by hand and spread out across the roof space, making sure that every gap is filled with the material being used.
Loose-fill insulation comes in a range of different materials, but the most popular options include cork granules and even recycled newspaper – offering an environmentally friendly solution that is safe to be around.
The Main Benefits of Loose-Fill Insulation
- Loose-fill insulation can be installed even in the smallest gaps to provide a layer of insulation
- Loose-fill insulation does not need to be cut to size before installation
- You can install loose-fill insulation yourself if you want to save money (always use PPE if you choose to do this)
- Loose-fill can be removed at a later date if needed – however, it also does move around after installation so may need regular maintenance for the best results
- Loose-fill insulation provides a good layer of insulation that can reduce your energy use and improve your carbon footprint
The Cost of Loose-Fill Insulation
Choosing loose-fill insulation is cost-effective to insulate your loft and comes in at between £7.50 - £10 per square metre. However, you will need to ensure that you purchase enough loose-fill to cover all the floor and any nooks and crannies that could pose a problem. Loose-fill will also need to be topped up over time as it beds in and blows around the loft space.
Loose-Fill Insulation – The Bottom Line
Choosing loose-fill insulation is a great choice but not the best roof insulation option on the market. It is low in price and easy to install but it will require ongoing maintenance to ensure that it doesn't blow out of the gaps that you want to fill. It is also messy to work with and will cover anything that you want to store in your roof space, causing you problems when you come to use them.
Blanket Insulation
When it comes to understanding the different types of roof insulation, blanket insulation is the cheapest option on the market. It comes in rolls that are made from a range of different minerals or even materials such as sheep wool
The design of blanket insulation is made to be simpler to roll out and fit in between your roof joists, however, this may not be the case if your joists are not evenly spaced. If you choose to install blanket insulation yourself then you will need to use safety equipment and PPE to avoid coming into contact with the materials as they can be dangerous to your health and wellbeing.
The Main Benefits of Blanket Insulation
- When fitted properly, blanket insulation can keep your property warmer and reduce the amount you spend on energy
- Blanket insulation can help to hold onto heat but also stop your property from becoming too warm in the summer months
- Blanket insulation works as a sound barrier, helping you to reduce the noise that gets into your upstairs space
- If your loft does not have lots of gaps to fill then blanket insulation can provide a good layer of insulation coverage
- Some types of blanket insulation offer additional support to your property's vapour barrier, helping to avoid mould and mildew as a result of condensation
The Cost of Blanket Insulation
Blanket insulation comes in at just £5 per square metre, making it the cheapest option on the market. However, being the cheapest does not make it the best roof insulation material and many people struggle to get effective coverage that reduces their bills.
Blanket Insulation – The Bottom Line
Saving money is an important factor for any homeowner but this doesn't mean that blanket insulation is the best way forward. You will find that the money you save on insulating your roof gets eaten up by the lack of energy savings you make. However, if your property is already pretty well insulated as it is a newer build then blanket insulation may be worth considering as one of the ideal roof insulation types for your needs.
The Best Roof Insulation Types – Our Conclusion
Now you have an idea of the number of different types of roof insulation available, it's time to choose the best solution for your property. If you want the best roof insulation that you can depend on for many years without having to complete upkeep and maintenance.