Choosing the right roof insulation for your home depends on a lot of factors, so it’s important to get some expert advice. One of the main considerations is the roof insulation cost which we dive deep into in this article.
At the end of this article, you will be aware of what factors go into determining the roof insulation prices and how you can reduce them.
You should also consider how long it will be before you’ll need to replace it, as well as its energy efficiency and lifespan. The price and installation cost of roof insulation varies depending on what type you choose and how big your house is – so we’re here to help!
Installation prices of roof insulation
The majority of houses in the UK have what is referred to as a pitched roof. A pitched roof has two slanted sides that flow away from the roof’s centre ridge and downward. Some regulations mandate that a roof’s slope must be greater than 10 degrees or have more than two sides over the central ridge in order for it to be classified as a pitched roof.
Additionally, a property’s roof can be well insulated using a wide variety of materials. Fibreglass insulation, insulation boards or panels, and expanding insulating foam are a few of the most popular types of roof insulation.
The cost of the project will depend on the type and quality of insulation you employ. You should probably take into account that a professional tradesperson you hire to insulate your roof will likely bill on an hourly or daily basis, which will affect the overall cost of the project.
The roof insulation cost will depend on a number of things, as we already explained. We have provided a few examples below to help you understand how the various variables will affect the fee.
Please be aware that the prices listed in the table below are just estimates and should only be used as a general guide or example. The most exact cost for your project can be determined by getting a quote from a qualified tradesperson.
| TYPE OF INSULATION | TYPE OF ROOF | AREA COVERED | INSTALLATION TIME | COST |
| Fibreglass Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1 Day or Less | £380-£450 |
| Mineral Wool Rolls | Pitched Room | 20 Square Metres | 1-2 Days | £400-£550 |
| Spray Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1 Day or Less | £700-£950 |
| Warm Deck Insulation Boards | Flat Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1-2 Days | £600-£850 |
Roof Insulation Cost for Labour
Typically, labour costs range from £150 to £250 per hour per day. Therefore, labour expenses are greatly influenced by how long the project will take. The job will take between one and two days, though this may change if your loft is larger.
The cost of installing roof insulation will vary depending on the type of material you choose, how much you need and where you live. The more insulation that is required, the more costly it will be to install.
The time scales involved in installing roof insulation are dependent on a number of factors:
- How much space do you have available? If there is not enough space to remove all existing materials from the attic floor without having to take up skirting boards or wallboards then this will increase labour costs as well as time scales due to additional work involved.
- What kind of access does your home have? Is there easy access through an attic hatch or do external stairs need removing before entry can be gained via an opening in an outside wall? Again this can affect labour costs and time scales considerably – especially if scaffolding needs erecting too!
| TYPE OF INSULATION | TYPE OF ROOF | AREA COVERED | INSTALLATION TIME |
| Fibreglass Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1 Day or Less |
| Mineral Wool Rolls | Pitched Room | 20 Square Metres | 1-2 Days |
| Spray Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1 Day or Less |
| Warm Deck Insulation Boards | Flat Roof | 20 Square Metres | 1-2 Days |
Process of installing roof insulation
You should first be aware of the steps involved in the procedure before choosing a certified contractor to put insulation on your property’s roof. The type and size of the roof that has to be insulated will be determined by a roof installation professional before you hire a tradesperson to complete the installation for your property. When choosing the level of quality and materials you want to use, they will go over all of your alternatives with you.
Installing roof insulation is a straightforward process. The first step is to have an expert evaluate your home’s roof and determine the type and size of the insulation required.
A skilled roof insulation crew can start installing your new insulation once the area is tidy and clear of any obstacles. In most cases, the procedure lasts just a few hours and is finished in a day or less. It may take longer, though, depending on your roof’s complexity and the scope of the project.
Thereafter, they will look at the ease of access to your roof, ensuring that there are no obstructions or dampness in the attic space.
There are two main methods for installing insulation: Warm Roof Insulation and Cold Roof Insulation (also known as Blanket Insulation). Warm Roof Insulation consists of installing an additional layer on top of existing wood joists using screws or staples while Cold Roof Insulation involves placing battens across the joists before spraying them with foam insulation material.
Finally, they will clean up after themselves so you don’t come home from work one day to find yourself covered in dust!
Roof Insulation Options
When it comes to choosing the right type of insulation for your roof, there are many options available. Here are some of the most popular choices amongst homeowners:
- Fibreglass Wool: this is a popular choice amongst homeowners because it’s less expensive than other types of insulation and easy to install. It also lasts longer and provides excellent thermal performance. This top-notch insulator is an affordable option that can be bought in lengthy rolls, making it a sensible choice. Fibreglass wool insulation typically costs about £25 per square metre.
- Mineral wool Insulation: this material is made from rock minerals and can be installed in either roll form or as batts with tapered edges that fit snugly into place between rafters. This type of insulation is eco friendly and has excellent thermal performance but may have higher installation costs due to its heavier weight compared with other types.
- Sheep Wool Insulation: You might want to think about using sheep wool insulation if you’re seeking a more environmentally friendly choice. Sheep wool is offered in huge rolls, just like rock and fibreglass wool. However, purchasing this natural alternative will cost you significantly more, possibly between £50-£60 per square metre. When compared to other forms of insulation, sheep wool is significantly more pleasant to deal with and less irritating.
- Plastic of polyester fibre: These types of insulation are less hazardous to handle than sheep wool insulation and are comparable to that material. They are also a more environmentally responsible option because they are frequently produced from recycled materials. Sheep wool insulation is typically more expensive than plastic and polyester insulation, which is why fibreglass is more economical. Polyester insulation will typically cost about £35 per square metre.
Benefits of roof insulation
1. Retains heat
Making your home cosy and warm should be one of your top objectives if you live in a region of the country where seasonal lows are particularly severe. The majority of individuals use heaters or even fireplaces to heat their houses.
However, a home without an insulated roof would eventually lose heat through the roof, increasing residents’ long-term costs. This heat won’t escape thanks to an insulated roof, keeping your home warm and your money safe.
2. Prevents heat
Roof insulation will also help keep your house from overheating during the summer, saving you money by preventing the loss of energy. This is especially true for regions of the nation that have substantially higher summertime temperatures.
3. Saves energy
You don’t need to use your air conditioner and heater as often as you would have otherwise because insulation helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. You will significantly save money as a result of these energy savings.
4. Added layer of protection
Having an additional layer of protection is a benefit of having insulation on your roof. Roof insulation may be able to shield your roof from the harm that the elements do to it over time, depending on the kind of insulating material you choose. The cost of replacing or repairing your roof might be high, so any money you save by extending the life of your roof would not be trivial.
Types of roof insulation
There are many different types of roof insulation. The two most common forms include loose-fill and spray foam insulation. Other less common options include closed cell, open cell and asbestos-free polyurethane and polystyrene.
- Loose-fill: This type of insulation is made from a fluffy material that has been compressed into sheets or pellets. It can be blown through a hose onto the top of the roof to fill in gaps between rafters and other surfaces. This method works best for flat roofs, as it does not require any sort of special equipment to apply it.
- Spray foam: Spray foam consists of highly flexible polyurethane resins that expand upon contact with air and wood shingles (if applied directly). It will coat every surface with which it comes into contact while insulating your entire home at once—no gaps needed! However, spray foam costs significantly more than loose-fill alternatives because its application requires specialised tools and training before you can use them yourself without damaging your home’s structure or injuring yourself in the process.
- Closed Cell Foam Insulation: Closed Cell Foam Insulation provides effective thermal performance but requires ventilation when used indoors due to its chemical composition.
- Open Cell Foam Insulation: Open Cell Foam Insulation provides similar benefits as closed cells but with lower R-values due to larger voids within each cell—making them less dense than their counterparts.
Choosing the right roofer to install roof insulation
- Do some research on local professionals in different trades.
- Make sure to confirm that your tradesperson has the training and expertise necessary to complete the work.
- To make sure you get the greatest deal, request quotations from at least three different contractors.
- Talk with your tradesperson about the different insulation techniques and materials they suggest for your project.
- Never pay the entire sum up advance, and demand a detailed cost breakdown at all times.
- If a deposit is necessary, make sure you have written documentation of all transactions, including the total cost.
Want to install roof insulation to your home?
Now that you are aware of the roof insulation cost, you’re in a better position to communicate with the roofing contractors to ask for quotations and advice. If you would like our help, then please contact the team here at LD Roofing Services Ltd for a free quote and consultation today!
