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A Home Buyer's Guide to Insulation

Jul 26, 2018
A home buyer's guide to insulation

Key Takeaways

1. Energy Efficiency:
  • New builds comply with recent building regulations, including energy efficiency standards.
  • New homes can be up to 65% more energy efficient than older properties with modern improvements.
  • Annual energy savings for a three-bedroom semi-detached home could be £890, and for a four-bedroom detached home, it could be £1,410.
2. Loft Insulation:
  • Ideally, look for a loft with insulation depth between 250 to 270mm.
  • Insufficient loft insulation can lead to up to 25% heat loss through the roof.
  • Consider insulating the loft if it lacks proper insulation.
3. Wall Insulation:
  • Newer homes have cavity wall insulation, while older properties may have solid walls.
  • Solid walls allow twice as much heat loss compared to cavity walls.
  • Insulating solid walls can significantly reduce heating costs.
4. Floor Insulation:
  • Older homes with suspended timber floors may lose heat through floorboards.
  • Fill gaps with insulating foam to prevent heat loss.
Home insulation allows you to keep your house warm by preventing heat from escaping. When looking for a new home, it’s essential to assess the property’s insulation as it can save you money and hassle in the future. 
 

Why is home insulation important?

Insulation in homes is important for the following reasons: 
• Reduces your energy bills 
• Prevents moisture problems 
• Decreases your carbon footprint, making your home more sustainable 
 

Where does your home need insulation?

Your home needs to be insulated from the roof down to the foundation. This includes the loft, walls, floor, windows, doors and even pipes or radiators. 
 

Insulation in new builds  

New build properties must comply with the most recent building regulations, including energy efficiency, so you shouldn’t have to worry about whether it’s insulated or not. A David Wilson new build can be up to 57% more energy efficient than an older home of the same size. 
 

Types of house insulation 

When it comes to insulation, there are four main types:
• Matting is the most popular way of insulating a loft, and it’s also used for floors and stud walls. It’s sold in rolls of varying depths and is usually made from glass fibre, rock fibre or sheep’s wool. 


• Loose-fill is sold in bags and then poured out. Made from cellulose fibre, mineral wool, cork granules or vermiculite, it’s ideal for corners and less accessible areas of your loft. 


• Rigid insulation boards are typically used for ceilings, walls and floors and are made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate (PIR), or polyurethane (PUR). The pieces must be cut to size before fitting.


• Blown insulation is made from fire-resistant cellulose fibre. It’s used to insulate stud walls or lofts and must be installed by a professional. 
 

Loft insulation 

Ideally, you want the loft in any prospective home to have insulation with a depth between 250 and 270mm. If it doesn’t, it could be losing up to 25% of its heat through the roof, so you’ll want to make loft insulation a priority to avoid losing money on your energy bills. 
 
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a government grant that could wholly or partly cover the cost of insulating your loft. If you live in an old home, own your home and receive some form of benefit, this will be worth investigating. 
 

Roof insulation 

A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. By insulating your roof, you’ll reduce heat loss and your heating bills. If you have a flat roof, it should be insulated from above with a layer of rigid insulation board. 
 

Floor insulation 

Older homes with suspended timber floors may lose heat through floorboards. It’s important to fill any gaps with insulating foam to prevent heat loss. 
 

Wall insulation

Most homes in the UK have cavity walls, but those built before the 1920s will likely have solid walls. Insulating solid walls could cut your heating costs considerably, as they let through twice as much heat as cavity walls do. If a home you’re interested in was built from the 1990s onwards, it should have wall insulation, but if it’s older, it might not. During a viewing, ensure you ask your estate agent or vendor if the property has wall cavity insulation. 
 

Other ways to insulate your home 

There are also other ways to insulate your home:
• Add thermal curtains
• Install double-glazed windows 
• Plug your fireplace when it’s not being used
 

What to consider before you invest in insulation 

Insulation for homes can be expensive, so ensure you understand how well-insulated your property is before investing. An energy audit can show you where you’re losing heat and help you figure out your needs. From there, you can weigh up the costs against your future energy savings, decide whether to hire a professional or insulate your home yourself, and choose the right materials for your climate and home type. 
 
Browse our collection of insulated new build homes across the UK. Call our Sales Advisers at your nearest development to find the right offer and home for you. 
 

 

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