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Last updated: 27 September 2024

Removing & Replacing Loft Insulation in the UK (2024)

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  • Replacing older loft insulation can boost your property's thermal efficiency, leading to significant energy bill savings, reduced carbon footprint, and a temperature-regulated indoor environment. 
  • The cost of removing loft insulation hinges on factors such as how complex the job is, or how much insulation there is to remove. Loft insulation removal costs around £300, plus the costs of a skip and a waste removal company.
  • With replaced loft insulation, a standard detached UK home can save up to £340 annually on energy bills, and reduce their carbon footprint by up to 1 ton a year.

Like any insulation measure, materials lose their thermal efficiency as time passes. That's why houses with decades-old loft insulation might not enjoy the same perks as those with newer and healthier insulation material. 

But just how much might you need to invest to remove and replace outdated loft insulation material? Does old loft insulation need replacing in the first place? This GreenMatch UK guide is just for that and more. Covering everything you need to know, from loft insulation replacement costs to benefits and even DIY tips, you can get the best idea of what to expect when going forward with this upgrade.

Ready to insulate your loft? Let GreenMatch UK help you. By filling out our 30-second online form, we can send you up to 3 free home-tailored quotes directly from our nationwide network of pre-vetter installers. No charges or obligations apply. Just click the button below to begin!

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Does loft insulation need replacing?

Have you ever wondered to yourself; should I remove old loft insulation? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Loft insulation, like any material, will eventually need replacing. The average lifespan of properly installed loft insulation is typically around 40 years at most, so older homes with outdated insulation may no longer be enjoying peak thermal performance.

By removing and replacing outdated and ineffective loft insulation, you can revive your home’s comfort, increase your energy bill savings, slash your carbon footprint, and even boost the value of your property, making it an all-around worthwhile investment.

Cost to replace loft insulation

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The cost to replace loft insulation hinges on several key factors such as the complexity of your loft insulation removal procedure, loft accessibility, any needed repairs, and much more. 

Here’s a breakdown of the general cost of removing old loft insulation:

Type of jobAverage cost (£)
Loft insulation removal (standard)£425
Loft insulation removal (spray foam)£3,200 +-
Brand new loft insulation £900 - £1,200
These costs are market averages. For more accurate prices, get a local installer to QUOTE now!

The cost of loft insulation will vary depending on some factors. If you have issues that need repairing in your loft, or you are completely changing your chosen insulation material, your costs for new loft insulation may be higher.

Cost of removing old loft insulation

The cost of removing old loft insulation in the UK can vary drastically depending on the type of insulation material you have in place and the job's complexity. 

If you’re wondering how to dispose of old loft insulation in the UK, certain costs are associated with this process. You’ll be expected to hire a skip to store debris and/or a waste disposal company to remove the material.

Generally, there are two scenarios you can expect:

  • Standard loft insulation removal costs around £300 for the labour job itself. In addition, there is the cost of hiring a skip, which can vary depending on your location. In the UK, you could expect to pay around £125 on average for a week.
  • Spray foam insulation removal tends to cost much more than standard loft insulation removal, at around £40 per m² of material to remove. This can add up to a staggering £3,200 to remove spray foam from a standard 3-bed home. The process can also take up to a week or more to complete. 

Spray foam is a very difficult material to remove, requiring labour workers to cut larger chunks first, and then handle the remainder by meticulously removing bits of spray foam by hand. This is why it is more often recommended to work with blanket style and rigid board insulation materials, as they are far easier to carry out old loft insulation removal with these materials.

All in all, the cost of how much to replace loft insulation hinges on a variety of factors, but it's safe to say that the only real spike in costs occurs if you have spray foam insulation in place. If you meet qualifying factors, you can apply for a loft insulation grant which may cover the costs of old insulation removal as well.

Benefits of replacing your loft insulation

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Ever wondered; should I replace old loft insulation? The answer is a resounding yes. Replacing outdated and ineffective loft insulation is a very worthwhile investment that brings with it a whole host of benefits. 

From your savings to the environment, let’s have a look at some of the perks you can enjoy with brand-new loft insulation:

  • Energy bill savings: By insulating your loft with brand-new insulation, you can save up to £340 a year on energy bills. This is because efficient insulation will make it far easier to maintain indoor temperatures, meaning your heating system works far less.  
  • More space: By revamping your loft space into a liveable area, you can expand your home’s size without expanding its footprint. Loft insulation between rafters is a great way to do just that, by creating a thermally comfortable area to use for living.
  • Healthier home: In addition to temperature regulation, effective loft insulation will help reduce condensation issues. This will eliminate mould, rot and mildew growth, bettering the air quality of your home and reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
  • Improved soundproofing: While thermal insulation is not designed to provide soundproofing, it certainly helps absorb some sound. With new loft insulation, you can reduce outside noise pollution while enhancing the privacy of your home by keeping sound in. 
  • Better property value: Homes with brand-new effective insulation are more desired in the housing market. Should you ever decide to sell or rent out your home, having effective insulation measures will help boost your property's value. 

In addition to these perks, there are some very impressive contenders for the best loft insulation material, with qualities such as exceptional thermal efficiency, long-term durability, moisture resistance, and even fireproof loft insulation.

Ready to enjoy these benefits of replaced loft insulation? The next step would be to find the right professional installer at the right price. This can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, taking endless hours of your time to research and vet potential options. Luckily, GreenMatch UK can free you from this burden.

Just spend 30 seconds filling out our online form and receive up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from reputable installers in our network. No costs or obligations. Simply click the button below to begin! 

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Can you DIY loft insulation replacement?

Curious about how to replace loft insulation? We recommend leaving it to the professionals. 

It’s possible to DIY replace insulation loft, providing that you are very handy and well-versed in loft insulation replacement. The process would require you to remove existing insulation, address any loft repairs, and then re-install new insulation.

It’s also worth noting that a DIY insulation job runs risks that far outweigh working with a professional. Shabby workmanship can quickly turn a money-saving operation into a financial nightmare through repair costs and ineffective insulation. 

By working with a professional accredited loft insulation installer, you can enjoy the benefits of brand-new loft insulation without the risks created by the poor workmanship of a DIY job.

Should I replace my loft insulation?

With all things considered, replacing your loft insulation is a great step to take if you are certain your existing insulation is already outdated and ineffective. When to replace loft insulation? How often should you replace your loft insulation? It’s best to work with a professional who can assess the condition of your existing insulation first and determine whether it’s worth it to go ahead with brand-new loft insulation.

The best approach to land a favourable bargain is to get quotes from multiple loft insulation installers. That way, you have a price range that informs you on what to expect. However, the process of researching and vetting installers can take countless hours out of your day.

That's where GreenMatch UK comes in. By just spending 30 seconds filling out our simple online form, we can connect you with up to 3 free home-tailored quotes from our network of pre-vetted installers, saving you time and money. Click the button below to begin!

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