Loft Insulation Grants

If your loft is not properly insulated, you could be losing up to 25% of the heat created in your home. Loft insulation grants are available that can cover the entire cost of having insulation fitted. Even if you do not qualify for a free grant, you can still receive a partial grant that can pay for up to 70% of the installation cost.

Loft insulation grant funding comes from the six main utility companies and is backed by the UK Government. It is the occupier of the property who qualifies for the grant and they do not have to be paid back. Please see our Loft Insulation page for more details.

What Type Of Loft Insulation Is Provided?

The grant schemes allow for mineral wool or glass fibre blankets to be rolled out on the floor of the loft. If the loft is empty, a layer of 100mm is laid between the joists and then a further 170mm is laid on top at right angles. This is known as cross-laying. The insulation is fitted by trained, professional installers who also lag any pipes and cold water tanks in addition to draught proofing and insulating the hatch.

Is Your Property Suitable For Loft Insulation?

In order to qualify for an insulation grant, you should have 4" (100mm) or less of existing insulation installed. To qualify for free Loft Insulation, the limit is 2.5" (60mm). The loft hatch must be fairly easy to get to and it must be big enough for someone to fit through with a roll of insulation. For Health & Safety reasons, there needs to be a minimum of four feet from the joists to the peak of the roof so that installers do not have to crawl to fit the insulation.

If there are too many stored items, you will have to remove them prior to any work being carried out. Any fixed or loose floor boarding will also have to be removed if it covers more than 20% of the total loft area. There should also be no signs of damp caused by poor ventilation, a leaking roof, leaking pipes, etc.

Checklist For Loft Insulation

4 inches (100mm) or less of existing insulation.
Loft hatch is accessible i.e. not inside a cupboard etc.
Hatch is big enough to fit through, typically 16" square.
At least 4 feet of headroom from the joists to the peak.
Few stored items or you are prepared to clear them.
Prepared to lift boards if more than 20% boarded.
No signs of damp inside the loft or on ceilings.

Loft Insulation Savings

Having Loft insulation fitted can prevent up to 25% of the heat being lost from your home. Your heating can be turned on less often and for shorter periods of time which means that less fuel is being burned. Even if your home is heated by electricity, it reduces the demand on power stations. This can save you up to £150 per. year on your fuel bills and reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) by up to 800kg.