You can access this information as a downloadable Fact Sheet, here: Loft and Wall Insulation

CAVITY WALL INSULATION
From the 1930s to the 1990s most new houses were built with an empty cavity in between two layers of bricks. Insulating this cavity can really help you to lock in the heat.

How is it installed?
By drilling holes in the outer layer of your external walls and blowing insulation into the cavity. The installers shouldn’t need access to your property, so long as they can move their equipment freely outside.

Can it cause damp?
Not if installed correctly. Your surveyor will check your property for damp. Should you have a pre-existing
damp issue you must rectify the situation before proceeding with the insulation otherwise it is possible
for damp in the external wall to bridge across the insulation to the internal wall.
Installers now need to submit their planned works for approval by the National Insulation Association in order to ensure property suitability before they can start the work.

What does it cost?
Many people are eligible for assistance with cavity wall insulation (call us to find out). If not, a typical installation for a semi-detached house is roughly £1,200 and can save £285 per year, meaning it can pay for itself in about 4 years.

LOFT INSULATION
Many houses to have insulation installed in their lofts only had a layer approximately 2 inches (50cm) deep. This is now far below the current recommendation of 12 inches (30cm).

How is it installed?
The installers will need access to your home, and will take rolls of insulation into your loft. Once there the rolls will be laid out flat and put into position. The installers should always leave adequate space at the eaves to ensure the property continues to receive adequate ventilation.

Can I store belongings on top of it?
Anything that compresses the insulation reduces its effectiveness, so shouldn’t be stored on top. The
installers can usually leave a small area uninsulated for storage purposes. If this isn’t possible, you may wish to consider installing shelving.

I have a room in my loft space
You can still insulate your loft, but need different materials that can be installed beneath your roof tiles.

What does it cost?
Many people are eligible for assistance with loft insulation (call us to find out). If not, a typical installation
for a semi-detached house is roughly £530 and can save £255 per year, meaning it can pay for itself within 3 years.

Solid Wall Insulation

Prior to the 1930s most properties in Britain were built without cavities in the outside
walls. These properties can still be insulated, but the insulation has to be applied
externally or internally, or a mixture of both.

INTERNAL WALL INSULATION
Should you be unable or unwilling to cover the outside of your property with insulation, you can have it installed internally.

How is it installed?
By fixing an insulating board to the rear of the external walls of your property. The installers will first remove any skirting boards, plug sockets, curtain rails etc, and reattach these once the insulating boards are in place

What does it cost?
Internal insulation work can cost from £4,000 to £13,000, depending on the area of walls requiring
work. While you may find an installer will provide you a discount for having all of your property treated in one go, several people opt for internal insulation work as and when they come to redecorate each room of their house, thereby spreading out the costs.

EXTERNAL WALL INSULATION
Often likened to fitting a tea cosy over your property, external wall insulation provides a barrier to the cold in winter and the sun in summer.

How is it installed?
By fixing insulating material (usually polystyrene slabs) to the front of the external walls of your property. The installers will first remove any drainpipes and guttering, and reattach these once the insulation is in place.

Will it look good?
There are many colours and textures available for external wall insulation, meaning you can choose what
your property will look like once the insulation has been installed.

What does it cost?
External insulation work can cost from £8,000 to £22,000, depending on the area of walls requiring work.

ARE THERE ANY GRANTS AVAILABLE?

Solid Wall Insulation is included in the “Sustainable Warmth Fund” which is delivered by Local Authorities. Speak to your Local Authority to find out more.

If you still have questions about this topic, or anything to do with how to reduce your energy bills, you can call our Save Energy Advice Line free on 0800 043 0151, email advice@epplus.org or complete a “Contact Form” by clicking here.