If you’re struggling with high energy bills, poor thermal efficiency, and a high carbon footprint, insulation can be the silver bullet you need to enjoy a more energy-efficient property.
But if you’re insulating your property for the first time, there are a few factors to consider.
- Which part(s) of my home should I insulate
- Which type of insulation should I use?
- How do I install this insulation, and how much does it cost?
Loose-fill is a popular choice of insulation thanks to its effectiveness in making a home more thermally efficient. But what exactly is loose-fill insulation, where is it used in the home, and what are the pros and cons of this choice of home insulation?
What is Loose-Fill Insulation?
Loose-fill insulation – also known as blown-in insulation because of the method of installation – is an insulating material that’s compacted or loosely poured. It’s available in multiple materials and colours. This type of insulation is usually professionally blown into tight spaces by a professional and can be used in retrofit as well as new construction projects.
Sometimes, loose-fill comprises recycled materials, making it the preferred choice of homeowners looking for an eco-friendly option. Here are the three main types of loose-fill insulation you can get your hands on:
- Fibreglass loose-fill: created from glass that’s been spun into fibres.
- Cellulose loose-fill: created from a blend of chemicals and various recycled materials such as wood and paper.
- Rock wool insulation: created by spinning molten rock.
Where is Loose-Fill Insulation Used?
Loose-fill insulation can be used in residential and commercial buildings alike. This type of insulation tends to be used between cavity walls as wall insulation, under floor joists as floor insulation, and in lofts as a type of loft insulation.
How Much Does Loose-Fill Insulation Cost?
The cost of loose-fill insulation will depend on a number of factors including which parts of your property you plan on insulating as well as which part of the country you live in. The latter can determine how high your labour costs will be.
In general, for the insulation materials alone you’re looking at spending approximately £7.50-£12 per square metre. This is more expensive than blanket insulation, but much cheaper than some other options.
Is Loose-Fill Insulation Right for You?
Loose-fill insulation isn’t the cheapest type of insulation material, but if you’re insulating an area, such as a small loft, that’s particularly hard to reach, the loose-fill installation method means it can reach all corners, nooks, and crannies and reduce air leakage and heat loss.
Loose-fill cellulose insulation is a particularly eco-friendly form of insulation,too, since it’s often made using recycled materials. If you’re looking for a type of insulation that successfully makes your home more cost-efficient and thermally efficient, while also boasting planet-friendly benefits, look no further than this type of loose-fill.
Remember, this type of thermal insulation must be installed by a professional, so look to experienced insulation installers that cover your area. They’ll be able to help you consider all the insulation alternatives and whether an option like cellulose insulation is more preferable than an alternative insulation material, such as spray foam insulation or mineral wool, for your particular situation.
