When it comes to insulating your loft for storage, there are three main types of loft insulation to consider. Each type of insulation is suitable for slightly different environments and circumstances, here's how to choose the right one for you!
When most people hear the words loft insulation, the version they probably picture is batt or blanket insulation - rolls and rolls of thick, fluffy stuff (mineral wool) laid carefully in between the joists. However, there are actually a few different types of loft insulation with various characteristics.
Batt, blanket or quilt insulation
This is the cheapest and most common form of loft insulation, and typically comes in rolls of rock, glass, mineral fibre or encapsulated in foil. It’s the favoured option for general all-purpose insulation. Also, it’s the easiest type to fit, which means it’s commonly used by DIYers wanting to insulate their lofts correctly in the most cost-effective way possible.
Blanket insulation is also the one that’s best used in conjunction with our flagship Loft Legs to create a solid and stable surface above the government recommended depth of insulation.
Quilt Insulation Advantages:
- Easy and straightforward to install
- Greener variants use recycled glass or sheep’s wool (a non-irritant)
- Mineral wool is low cost and readily available
Quilt Insulation Disadvantages:
- Some batt insulation materials can irritate the skin
- Rolls of blanket can be too bulky for smaller spaces and can significantly reduce head height
- Sheep’s wool is more expensive
Loose-fill insulation
Loose-fill insulation is exactly what it sounds like. It’s made from granular or especially lightweight materials, including cork granules, cellulose fibre and mineral wool.
The most environmentally friendly types are made of recycled newspaper. It’s primarily used to top up existing insulation, but it’s not as secure as other types, so it’s not recommended for draughty lofts.
Loose fill blown mineral wool fibre, treated cellulose or polyurethane foam are other options but require specialist professional knowledge, skill and tools. It can be an expensive option, but it can be ideal for topping up insulation in hard-to-reach places within your loft.
Loose Fill Insulation Advantages:
- Useful for topping up existing insulation
- Easily fills irregularly spaced joists, or around obstructions in the loft
- Ideal for difficult-to-access areas
- Light and convenient to handle
Loose Fill Insulation Disadvantages:
- Not suitable for DIYers, may require professional installation
- Can be expensive
- Can be easily dislodged, so not suitable for draughty lofts
Sheet Insulation
Sometimes known as rigid insulation, these are firm loft insulation boards which are made of either synthetic or natural materials. They provide highly efficient insulation in the form of a fire-resistant and moisture-resistant covering.
This is one of the less common types of insulation, though at loft floor level, for several reasons, one of which is the cost. It’s significantly more expensive than other types of insulation, and on top of that the environmental cost of producing it is pretty steep, too. (The more environmentally friendly options include cork, straw and wood board.)
Sheet Insulation Advantages:
- Highly effective, with a high insulating value per unit thickness.
- Good for lofts with limited head space
- A solid option (pardon the pun) for insulating loft conversions
- Covered with plasterboard for a clean finish
- Sometimes packaged with their own attachment system
Sheet Insulation Disadvantages:
- High environmental cost of production
- Generally the most expensive type of loft insulation
Which loft insulation should I choose?
When you’re deciding what type of insulation to go for, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the conditions in your loft- if it’s a bit draughty up there, blown fibre or loose fill probably aren’t the best options. Cost will naturally play a big part too, and that alone might help narrow things down.
It’s also worth considering how the insulation will be installed. If you’re planning to do it yourself, you’ll likely want to stick with sheet insulation or standard batt/blanket types. Some other options really need a professional touch.
