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If your energy bills seem higher than they should be, your loft could be one of the first places worth checking. Loft insulation helps reduce heat escaping through the roof, allowing your home to stay warmer for longer and reducing the amount of energy needed for heating.
But what is the best loft insulation for your home?
There isn’t one insulation material that is automatically right for every property. The best choice depends on your loft space, roof construction, available headroom, existing insulation, ventilation, your property’s age and what you want to achieve.
At Universal Eco Homes, we install several professional loft insulation systems, including Rockwool, SuperFOIL multilayer insulation and Sheep Wool insulation, allowing us to recommend a solution based on the individual property rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
For many traditional lofts, Rockwool or other mineral wool insulation can provide an effective and established solution. For properties where space is restricted or where insulation needs to work around rafters and more complicated roof structures, SuperFOIL multilayer insulation can offer a different approach.
For homeowners looking for a natural insulation material, Sheep Wool provides a breathable alternative with excellent thermal properties.
The important thing is not simply choosing the material with the biggest marketing claim. Correct specification, installation and ventilation are just as important as the insulation itself.
The three insulation systems we install
| Insulation | Best suited to | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Rockwool | Traditional loft floors | Excellent thermal performance, sound reduction and fire resistance |
| SuperFOIL | Limited-space and complex lofts | Slim multilayer system, reflective insulation and versatile installation |
| Sheep Wool | Natural insulation projects | Breathable, renewable and excellent moisture-regulating properties |
Rockwool is a popular mineral wool insulation material used in many traditional lofts.
It can be installed between and over loft joists, creating a substantial layer of insulation across the loft floor. Current UK guidance recommends around 270mm of mineral wool loft insulation where appropriate.
Benefits of Rockwool insulation
Rockwool can be an excellent choice when you have a conventional loft with sufficient space for a deeper insulation build-up.
However, adding substantial thickness can reduce usable headroom and may not be suitable for every roof configuration.
SuperFOIL multilayer insulation takes a different approach to traditional mineral wool.
Rather than relying on a large thickness of mineral wool, SuperFOIL uses multiple layers within a compact insulation system to help reduce heat transfer.
This makes it particularly useful where loft space, headroom or roof configuration are important considerations.
Universal Eco Homes is a SuperFOIL Approved Installer, and we install SuperFOIL systems for homeowners looking to improve the thermal performance of their loft while making efficient use of the available space.
Why choose SuperFOIL?
SuperFOIL SF19+ has a nominal product thickness of around 45mm, making it considerably more compact than a conventional 270mm mineral wool build-up. However, insulation systems should not be compared simply by thickness; their thermal performance and installation requirements need to be considered as a complete system.
25-Year SuperFOIL Warranty
One of the benefits of choosing an approved SuperFOIL installation is the potential for a 25-year product warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s requirements and correct installation and registration.
Universal Eco Homes provides eligible SuperFOIL installations with the applicable warranty documentation following completion.
For homeowners who prefer a natural insulation material, Sheep Wool insulation can be an excellent option.
Sheep wool is a natural, breathable insulation material that can help regulate temperature and moisture within suitable buildings.
It can be particularly attractive for owners of older properties where breathable building materials and moisture management are important considerations.
The correct specification is important, particularly in older buildings, so a professional assessment should be carried out before installation.
Benefits of Sheep Wool insulation
The answer depends on your property.
Rockwool can be a practical choice for a conventional loft where there is plenty of space for a deeper insulation layer.
SuperFOIL can be particularly useful where space is limited, headroom matters or the roof has a more complicated configuration.
Sheep Wool can appeal to homeowners looking for a natural, breathable insulation material.
Rather than asking “Which insulation is the best?”, the better question is:
“Which insulation is best for my home?”
That is why we assess the loft before recommending an installation.
One of the most important decisions is whether insulation should be installed at loft-floor level or along the roof slope.
If your loft is primarily an unheated storage space, insulation is commonly installed at floor level between and over the joists.
This creates a thermal barrier between the heated rooms below and the unheated loft.
For conventional mineral wool, around 270mm is the current recommended thickness in relevant UK guidance.
If your loft is being converted into a living space, or you need to retain a warmer roof space, insulation may instead need to be installed at roof level.
Roof insulation can be more technically involved, particularly around rafters, ventilation and roof structures.
This is one situation where getting professional advice is particularly important.
Which is right for your property?
A professional survey can identify the most appropriate approach before any work begins.
It depends on:
Improving insulation can contribute towards improving the energy efficiency of your home, which can be reflected in an improved EPC rating depending on the property’s existing construction and other energy-efficiency measures.
A better-insulated home generally requires less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures because less heat escapes through the building fabric.
However, loft insulation alone does not guarantee a particular EPC improvement. Your EPC rating also takes into account factors such as heating systems, walls, windows, floors and other elements of the property.
The amount you can save depends heavily on the property.
A completely uninsulated loft has much greater potential for improvement than a loft that already has modern insulation installed.
The Energy Saving Trust notes that increasing existing loft insulation to around 270mm can reduce energy use, although actual savings vary according to the property and energy use.
Factors affecting your potential savings include:
This is why we don’t believe in giving every homeowner the same estimated saving.
A proper survey gives you a much better understanding of what your property actually needs.
Choosing the right insulation is only half the job. Choosing the right installer matters too.
Universal Eco Homes is a family-run home improvement specialist providing professional insulation and energy-efficiency services.
Our approach is simple: assess the property, explain the available options and recommend the insulation system that is appropriate for your home.
Why homeowners choose us
Over 1,500 TrustATrader reviews
We’ve completed thousands of projects for homeowners and have built a strong reputation for professional service and customer care. Our current TrustATrader profile shows more than 1,500 reviews.
SuperFOIL Approved Installer
Our installers are trained to work with SuperFOIL’s multilayer insulation systems and understand the requirements of professional installation.
25-Year SuperFOIL Warranty
Eligible SuperFOIL installations can benefit from a manufacturer’s 25-year product warranty when the applicable requirements are met.
Fully trained and insured installers
Our team is trained to install the insulation systems we provide, with appropriate attention to installation quality, ventilation and the individual characteristics of each property.
Quality materials
We use established insulation products and systems, including SuperFOIL, Rockwool and Sheep Wool.
Free surveys and quotations
We provide free advice, surveys and quotations so homeowners can understand their options before making a decision.
Honest recommendations
We don’t believe every property needs the same insulation system. Our recommendations are based on the property, existing insulation, available space and your requirements.
Nationwide service
Universal Eco Homes provides professional home improvement services to customers across the UK.
If your home feels difficult to heat, your loft is poorly insulated or you’re simply looking for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, upgrading your insulation could be worth considering.
Whether you’re considering Rockwool, SuperFOIL or Sheep Wool insulation, the right solution depends on your property.
At Universal Eco Homes, we’ll assess your loft, explain the available options and provide a clear recommendation and quotation.
Ready to make your home warmer and more energy efficient?
Book your free loft insulation survey and quotation today.
Get professional advice, discover which insulation system is suitable for your home and find out how much it could cost to upgrade your loft.
What is the best loft insulation?
There isn’t one insulation material that is best for every property. Rockwool, SuperFOIL and Sheep Wool all have different characteristics and applications. The most suitable option depends on your loft, roof construction, available space and requirements.
Is Rockwool better than SuperFOIL?
They are different insulation systems and shouldn’t simply be judged by thickness. Rockwool is commonly used in traditional loft-floor applications, while SuperFOIL can be particularly useful where space is restricted or around suitable roof structures.
Is SuperFOIL worth it?
SuperFOIL can be a useful option where a compact, multilayer insulation system is appropriate. It can be particularly attractive where conventional insulation would take up significant space. Eligible installations can also benefit from a 25-year product warranty when the manufacturer’s requirements are met.
How thick should loft insulation be?
For conventional mineral wool loft insulation, current UK guidance recommends around 270mm where appropriate. Other insulation products use different specifications, so thickness should not be compared between materials without considering the complete insulation system.
Can loft insulation reduce energy bills?
Yes. Loft insulation reduces heat loss, meaning your heating system may need to use less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature. The amount saved depends on the property’s existing insulation, construction, heating and energy usage.
Can loft insulation improve my EPC?
Improving loft insulation can contribute towards better energy efficiency and potentially improve an EPC rating. However, the actual EPC improvement depends on the whole property and its other energy-efficiency characteristics.
How long does loft insulation last?
Quality insulation can provide benefits for many years when correctly specified and installed. UK guidance notes that loft insulation can remain effective for decades.
Do I need roof insulation or loft-floor insulation?
If your loft is an unheated space, insulation at loft-floor level is often appropriate. If the loft is being converted into living accommodation, roof-level insulation may be required. The correct approach depends on the property’s construction and intended use.
Can you replace old loft insulation?
Yes. Existing insulation can sometimes be topped up, while badly deteriorated, contaminated or unsuitable insulation may need to be removed and replaced. A survey can establish the appropriate solution.
Do you offer free loft insulation surveys?
Yes. Universal Eco Homes provides free surveys and quotations, allowing us to assess your loft and recommend a suitable insulation system.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!! There are a number of companies impersonating our genuine business to mislead customers. Universal Eco Homes, The Roof Cleaning Experts and The Loft Insulation Experts are a part of Universal Eco Homes Group Ltd. We are not connected to any other companies in any other form, either implying to be us or our aftercare team. We care about all our customers, and if you are unsure, please call our head office for reassurance 0800 047 2404
