Up to 25% of a home’s heat can escape through poorly insulated lofts. Because of this, energy bills might be higher than they should be. Moreover, the living environment might not be as warm as one would want. Loft insulation remains among the best-performing solutions to these costs by reducing carbon footprints and helping to make your home more comfortable.
More households are now considering insulation, and one of the questions they most ask themselves is whether this installation should be done personally or by an expert. While DIY projects can save money, they come with risks. Improper installation may lead to costly repairs and reduced efficiency.
This blog compares the pros and cons of carrying out DIY insulation against getting a professional to install it for you and helps choose the best choice for you.
What is Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation consists of a barrier of insulating material installed in your loft to prevent heat loss and regulate the temperature internally. Material is usually laid between joists or rafters, leaving an air pocket that traps the heat.
Most houses in the UK have some insulation in the loft, but the minimum, according to the regulations, is 270mm. Proper insulation will not only keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer but also can save up to 1000 kg of CO2 emissions annually. This makes insulation very cost-effective and ‘green.’
Why Would You Want to Insulate Your Loft?
There are many benefits of loft insulation. Loft insulation can cut your heating bills all the way up to 30% and make the loft a much more energy-efficient and comfortable place. This is because a well-insulated loft traps heat from escaping. This means it will keep the warmth of your home even during the coldest months of the year.
It does not only save money, but loft insulation also contributes to reducing your carbon footprint. Since UK houses are among the biggest contributors towards carbon emissions, insulation can reduce carbon emissions from your home by 0.6 tonnes every year. In fact, a well-insulated home may increase its property value due to an improved rating in the Energy Performance Certificate.
DIY vs. Professional Loft Insulation
There are, basically, two ways to insulate your loft: either you do it yourself or you hire a professional. Both options have both advantages and disadvantages. Neither is always better than the other because the best depends on your budget, time, and confidence when it comes to carrying out DIY projects.
Pros of DIY Home Insulation
The pros of DIY home insulation are:
- Cost Savings
One of the major advantages associated with DIY insulation is that the costs can be radically minimal. Costs for professional installation vary from £250 to £500 per day, depending on the size and complication of the job. You avoid these by doing it yourself and will only have to cover the cost of materials, making it a lot more economical.
For example, materials like glass wool insulation, which are inexpensive to work with, are preferable for those having low budgets.
- Flexibility
The other advantage is the flexibility in your schedule that such a project will permit. You can do it on your own schedule, working on it weekends or weeknights over weeks if necessary. Such flexibility is ideal for those homeowners who enjoy working on home improvement projects.
- Personal Satisfaction
This brings a good feeling of accomplishment and enhances one’s self-reliance skills in do-it-yourself projects. You would master more about the insulation needs of your home or structure, which would be useful sometime later when performing maintenance or other projects.
- Control of Project
Doing it yourself means you are in complete control of the project. You get to decide which materials to use, how thick you would want the insulation, and that every inch of the loft is covered according to your preference.
- Suitable for Some Types of Insulation
Generally speaking, DIY insulation is applicable to a few insulation materials, such as fibreglass, rock wool, or natural wool batts. These materials are fairly easy to handle, and once one is equipped with proper safety gadgets, they can be installed without danger.
On the other hand, much more complex installations – such as spray foam insulation or blown-in cellulose – are really best left to professionals due to the sophistication and safety concerns involved.
Cons of DIY Home Insulation
The cons of DIY home insulation include:
- Safety Risks
DIY loft insulation can expose you to a number of dangers. Climbing into tight spaces and working with some insulation can irritate your skin, cause breathing problems, or even lead to injury. Without the right protective gear—like masks, goggles, and gloves—you risk inhaling harmful fibres or getting them in your eyes and on your skin.
- Health Issues
Improper handling of materials like fibreglass can cause scratches. Airborne particles can be coughed up and cause irritation, so people with breathing issues should avoid handling them.
- Lack of Experience
The most common mistakes in DIY insulation involve improper installation. Holes or compressions in the insulation drastically reduce its potential effectiveness. These mistakes may lead to high energy bills. It can also cause moisture build-up and even structural damage.
- Time-Consuming
For beginners, insulation can take much longer than it is estimated to be on its own. What professionals might accomplish in a day may drag on for several weekends when one goes at it alone.
- Poor Installation Risk
Mistakes such as blocking ventilation or leaving gaps result in the build-up of moisture, mould, and sometimes structural issues. This will not only reduce the efficiency of insulation but could also result in very costly repairs.
- Specialised Materials
Other more sensitive materials, like spray foam or blow-in cellulose, require special equipment. Most people who want to install themselves will not have access to it. So, poor handling could lead to poor insulation or further damage.
- Disposal of Old Insulation
This will involve additional time, complexity, and cost in the service if it is a project involving the removal of old insulation. There is also an environmental concern of not properly disposing of hazardous materials.
Pros of Professional Insulation
Professional insulation services do bring peace of mind. The following are some pros:
- Experience and Expertise
Hiring a professional installer gives you broader insights into the more significant benefits of your project. Expert installers know how to go about different types of insulation – from fibreglass to spray foam and even to blown-in insulation.
- Time-Saving
In contrast, professionals can carry out the insulation process much faster than a DIY project. Efficiency is an important aspect of larger projects or when homeowners have busy schedules.
- Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations
Professional installers are knowledgeable about building codes and regulations. They ensure your insulation project meets or exceeds all the required standards so the job is done safely, legally, and without fines.
- Quality Assurance
Reputable insulation companies most often guarantee both materials and workmanship. That means if anything were to go wrong shortly after installation, it’s covered.
- Specialist Equipment Access
Specialised equipment is required for some insulation types, like spray foam or blown-in cellulose; it is very expensive and practically unavailable for rent. A professional installer will have such tools and apply the material evenly and effectively.
- Disposal of Old Insulation
If you have old or damaged insulation in your loft, the professionals can remove it and take it away for you. They will ensure hazardous materials are disposed of safely and in an environmentally friendly manner. It spares you the stress of dealing with the insulation waste.
- Energy Efficiency Improvement
Skilled installation means it can maintain its best energy efficiency, enabling you to save a lot on your energy bills.
- Value Addition to Your House
Properly installed insulation can help in raising the value of your home by saving on energy and abiding by building restrictions.
Cons of Professional Installation
There are not many cons to a professional installation. Some are:
- Higher Upfront Costs
Professional installation is way more expensive than DIY routes due to the cost of skilled professionals and specialised equipment. However, this can be a peace-of-mind investment in long-term energy savings or comfort for a home.
- Scheduling Constraints
Given the installer’s availability, this can sometimes be challenging since there is a peak demand period for contractors’ services. This may cause delays or inconvenience if you want this job done at a certain time.
- Very Little Control Over the Process
You may have less control over the installation process when you hire professionals, as compared to if you were doing it yourself.
Which is Right for You?
Whether to DIY or hire a professional for loft insulation is largely a matter of your specific circumstance, namely budget, time, and skill level. Following are some situations where the use of a professional is strongly advised:
- Loft access is difficult or unsafe.
- You suspect a problem with dampness or condensation in your loft.
- You have a flat roof or plan to convert your loft area into a living space.
- Your loft is broadly electrically wired, or it has ceiling downlights.
This helps reduce these hazards by using suitably qualified professionals who ensure the job is conducted safely and efficiently.
However, if you can’t afford professional installation, you may take advantage of the free insulation scheme. The Great British Insulation Scheme provides it.
Deciding the Best Way for You
Eventually, the choice will boil down to your priorities: whether you want to save money, save time, or comfortably carry out a project whose outcome impressively influences the energy efficiency of your home.
The major benefits of DIY loft insulation are the upfront savings it can offer and the flexibility to work at one’s own pace. However, it comes with the risk of improper installation. Over time, energy efficiency is lowered, and it may lead to expensive repairs.
While hiring a professional might cost more, at least it reassures that the job will be well done. A job well done pays for itself, with added security in terms of insurance and guarantees.
