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Pros and Cons of Sheep Wool Insulation
- Sheep wool is one of the most ancient approaches to insulation. Thanks to their fluffy, warm fleece, sheep naturally survive cold, harsh winters.
- Sheep wool insulation is treated to be pest repellent, then bonded together to form batts and blankets that are hypoallergenic, all-natural, and entirely sustainable.
- Sheep wool insulation costs around £17.5 - £22 per m2 and can deliver a respectable heat retention u-value of 0.22 - 0.29 W/m²K.
With the UK geared to achieve its ambitious Net Zero by 2050 target, sustainable insulation has become a forefront issue as the world seeks innovative ways to tackle modern problems. However, some solutions lie in the past, such as with sheep wool and its ancient use as a remarkable insulator.
Wool is a remarkable natural material that has kept sheep warm in harsh winters for thousands of years. Its crimped texture forms millions of tiny air pockets that trap air and slow the transfer of heat, creating natural insulation.
This ultimate guide by GreenMatch UK will walk you through all you need to know about sheep wool insulation, including pros, cons, installation tips and much more.
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What is sheep wool insulation?
Sheep wool insulation is a thermal material derived from natural sheep wool. The woolly fleece of sheep is shaved, or repurposed from existing goods, and then chemically treated to be resistant to pests and other risks of decomposition. It’s then bonded into blankets, sheets and batts for transport convenience and insulation application.
While sheep are no longer farmed for their wool in the UK, they still need to be clipped annually for health reasons. This creates a surplus of clipped wool that can be sustainably repurposed into home insulation material, creating a circular and sustainable production model.
Some sheep wool insulation manufacturers offer 100% natural wool, while others sell wool-rich insulation, which is a combination of 75% wool mixed with recycled polyester.
Disadvantages of sheep wool insulation
While sheep wool is a wonderful material for insulation that comes with a wealth of benefits, it’s just as important to address its shortcomings to make an educated decision. Here’s a breakdown of some common sheep wool insulation disadvantages:
- Expensive: Amongst materials used for insulation, sheep wool insulation stands out as one of the most expensive materials at £17.5 - £22 per m2, shoulder to shoulder with the likes of spray foam and corkboard. This makes your overall investment much higher.
- Low thermal efficiency: While providing an impressive heat retention of 0.22 - 0.29 W/m²K, newer innovative materials can provide far more effective heat retention. According to research by GreenSpec, polymer-based insulation materials are twice as effective as traditional sheep wool. Still, sheep's wool provides better heat retention than mineral wool and fibreglass.
- Risk of pests: While natural, a major con of sheep's wool is the risk of pest infestation it can carry. Sheep wool that is untreated with pesticides and borax has the risk of being nested in by pests. This is unsavoury and can create cold spots in your insulation material as they burrow through it.
- Chemically treated: To ensure that your sheep's wool insulation is free from pest danger, it needs to undergo an extensive treatment of pesticides and, more commonly, borax. These chemicals are inherently toxic and may create some degree of pollution in their application.
The best way to avoid these risks is to work with a professional and accredited installer. That way, your property can be assessed, and a plan can be tailored to suit your needs best.
Advantages of sheep wool insulation
Despite the drawbacks, sheep wool still stands out as one of the best insulation materials in terms of sustainability. With a wealth of benefits to consider, let’s have a look at what makes sheep wool insulation so great:
- All natural: Sheep wool is an entirely natural and biodegradable material, making it safe for both your home and the planet. Sheep are sheared once or twice a year, creating a cycle of surplus wool which can be re-used until the end of its life and just composted.
- Sustainably produced: Sheep wool has low embodied carbon emissions, meaning that producing sheep wool insulation takes just a fraction of the energy and emissions it may take to produce other synthetic insulation materials.
- Non-toxic: Sheep wool is hypoallergenic, meaning it does not hold a high risk of creating allergic reactions or respiratory issues. 100% sheep wool also contains no synthetics, toxins, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe to be around.
- Naturally breathable: A naturally ingenious design of sheep's wool is its high breathability, helping regulate moisture. Sheep wool does not allow vapour to get trapped and condense within a home, making sure that moisture can evaporate.
- Easy installation: Similar to mineral wool or fibreglass, but with no risk of hand, eye or breathing irritation, sheep's wool comes as convenient batts and sheets, making for a very easy installation that can sometimes even be carried out as a DIY project.
Ultimately, sheep wool is one of the safest, most eco-friendly insulation materials available on the market today. When installed correctly, sheep wool insulation can last for up to 60 years, making it a great choice for homes that prioritise sustainability when insulating.
How to install sheep wool insulation for best results
One of the biggest advantages of sheep wool insulation is its ability to absorb moisture. Unlike other insulation materials, it doesn't require a vapour barrier. This makes it a great choice for insulating a loft, walls or floors, as it can help prevent mould and mildew growth with ease.
To begin with, you need to determine your insulation needs:
- Storage loft: Insulating the loft floor joists is sufficient to prevent heat loss.
- Living loft: The roof rafters, floor joists and inner stud walls need insulating. Windows need double/triple glazing and frames require draught proofing.
- Floors: Suspended timber floors can be fitted with insulation in the floor joists.
- Walls: Internal stud walls can be fitted with insulation or as external wall insulation with proper weatherproofing.
Once you know where you need sheep wool insulation installed, the process can begin. To reduce the risks of pests in your insulation, it is recommended to identify any existing infestations you may have. Consult with pest control ahead of time to reduce such risks.
Let’s have a look at the process for installing sheep's wool insulation in a home:
- Preparation: Before starting your insulation project, ensure your space is clean and free from debris. Vacuum between the joists and rafters to remove dust, and inspect the structure for any damage, such as woodworm or dry rot. Consult a professional for any issues.
- Measure and cut: Measure the distance between joists or rafters, and cut the sheep wool insulation accordingly. Leave a 50mm gap for ventilation.
- Place insulation: Gently press the insulation between the joists, ensuring a snug fit without compressing the material. Avoid placing insulation directly over electrical wiring.
- Seal the gaps: Join insulation rolls tightly to minimise any gaps. This will help ensure that there are no cold spots from which heat can escape. Any panel gaps and cracks within your loft structure should also be sealed.
- Ventilate: Maintain proper ventilation by leaving gaps at the eaves and avoiding covering ventilation vents.
Working with a professional installer is highly recommended to get the best your money is worth. A DIY installation may seem tempting at first, but a faulty job can lead to massive repair costs. An accredited installer who can tailor the best approach for your needs.
Is sheep's wool insulation worth it?
When weighing sheep wool insulation advantages and disadvantages, it stands out as a great option for those that prioritise sustainability. Although less effective in delivering heat retention and a higher insulation cost per m2 when compared to synthetic alternatives, it outweighs the competition by being safe to handle, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and entirely biodegradable.
In some cases, a house insulation grant can help balance the cost of investment and justify the use of sustainable sheep wool insulation.
Just as important as your insulation material, it’s vital to work with an accredited professional installer to get the best value for your money. However, finding the right fit can take endless hours of researching and vetting. That was until GreenMatch UK.
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