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Last updated: 27 September 2024

Internal Wall Insulation Cost: A Complete UK Price Guide

  • The average cost of internal wall insulation for a semi-detached home is around £7,500.
  • Internal insulation can be up to 50% cheaper than external insulation, making it the most cost-effective method for insulating your walls.
  • There are various grants available to offset the costs of internal wall insulation. However, to qualify for these grants, certified professionals must complete the internal insulation.

Internal wall insulation is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your home's energy efficiency, cutting heating costs by up to £700 a year and reducing your carbon footprint by as much as 2,100 kg of CO2 annually. Internal wall insulation can be up to 50% cheaper than external insulation, making it an inexpensive way to insulate your walls.

It's a smart way to reduce up to 35% heat loss, but understanding costs is important first. Prices vary depending on your home's size, insulation material type, and installation complexity.

This complete UK price guide will cover everything you need about internal wall insulation costs. From per square metre pricing to the additional expenses of wall repairs and damp treatment, plus how grants like the Great British Insulation Scheme can make this upgrade more affordable, you'll leave with a solid understanding of the investment needed to improve your home's efficiency and comfort.

To make the best decision for your budget, comparing quotes from multiple insulation specialists is vital. But that can be time-consuming and often frustrating. Thankfully, GreenMatch simplifies the process. By filling out our quick 30-second form, you'll receive up to four free quotes from top-rated insulation specialists—no wasted hours, just expert options tailored to your needs. Click below to get started!

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How much does internal wall insulation cost?

The cost of internal wall insulation in the UK typically ranges from £40 to £50 per m2, while more complex methods, such as stud wall insulation, can rise to £100 per m2. Fortunately, grants are available to help reduce these expenses. Several factors influence the overall cost, including wall condition, the installation method, room size, and the type of materials used.

On average, 40% of the total cost for internal wall insulation is attributed to the materials. To budget effectively, it's important to understand the various materials available and their associated costs. Below are the average material costs per m2, which will help you estimate your total expenses for internal wall insulation.

MaterialAverage costs per m2
EPS boards£10
Fibreglass£10
Cellulose£11
PIR boards£12.50
Mineral wool£18.20
Cork board£19.50
Sheep wool£19.75
XPS boards£21.50
These costs are averages based on the market. Get a local installer to QUOTE now!

While wall insulation can be costly, using high-quality materials with high R-value can significantly save energy bills. Here are the estimated annual savings on energy bills with wall insulation:

Property typeAnnual energy savings
Apartment£140 to £190
Terrace house£170 to £240
Semi-detached house£290 to £405
Detached house£500 to £700
These costs are averages based on the market. Get a local installer to QUOTE now!

Cheapest way to insulate internal walls

The most affordable way to insulate internal walls depends on factors like the type of home, wall condition, and budget. While premium options exist, there are also budget-friendly solutions that strike a good balance between cost and efficiency. Here are some ways to reduce internal wall insulation cost:

Thermal lining paper: This insulating wallpaper is applied directly to the walls and costs about £10 per square metre. It’s a simple DIY option requiring only basic tools, adhesive, and the lining paper itself.

Insulated plasterboard: A practical solution that combines insulation with a finished surface, insulated plasterboard can be attached directly to the walls using adhesive or screws. It's a straightforward DIY task, perfect for those looking to save on labour costs.

Loose-fill insulation for stud walls: If your home already has stud walls, filling the gaps with fibreglass or cellulose is a cost-effective way to boost insulation. Priced at around £10 per square metre, it can be installed yourself or with professional help for better results.

Opting for one of these budget-conscious methods allows you to improve your home’s insulation without overspending, helping to keep energy bills down while maintaining comfort. 

Factors influencing the cost of internal wall insulation

Internal wall insulation cost can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help homeowners budget more effectively and make informed decisions. Here are the key factors influencing the cost of internal wall insulation:

Labour costs 

Labour makes up to 60% of the total internal wall insulation costs. Professional installers charge daily rates, with more complex projects taking longer and leading to higher labour costs. On average, insulation specialists charge up to £250 per person daily.

Insulation materials 

The insulation material you choose significantly impacts the overall cost, with prices ranging from £10 to £21.50 per m2 for materials alone. Some options are more budget-friendly but may offer lower thermal efficiency. 

EPS boards are cheaper with an R-value of 4 to 4.5 per inch, offering less insulation. XPS boards, though more expensive, have a higher R-value of 5 to 6, providing better insulation. Premium materials provide greater efficiency but come at a higher cost.

Property size 

The size of your home directly impacts the total cost of internal wall insulation. Larger properties have more wall space to insulate, requiring more materials and labour. On average, internal wall insulation costs around £7,500 for a semi-detached three-bedroom house. Costs are typically calculated per square metre, so the more surface area, the higher the expense.

Installation method

The cost of insulation installation is influenced by the method used. Simple techniques like direct wall application or thermal lining paper are generally less expensive and quicker to install. Building stud walls can cost around £100 per m² due to higher labour and material costs, raising project expenses.

Additional repairs

Before insulation can be installed, any existing damage, such as cracks, dampness, or structural issues, must be repaired. These necessary repairs can significantly increase the overall cost. Addressing wet or moisture problems is crucial before insulating to prevent future issues, and these repairs often drive up the total project price. On average, minor repairs can increase internal wall insulation costs by £120.

Available grants to reduce your internal wall insulation costs

If you're considering internal wall insulation, it's important to know that you may be eligible for grants for internal wall insulation that can significantly reduce the overall cost. However, to qualify for these grants, the insulation work must be carried out by certified professionals. 

Hiring a professional installer not only ensures high-quality installation but also makes you eligible for financial assistance through various UK government schemes, such as:

  • Great British Insulation Scheme: Available in England, Wales, and Scotland, this grant offers free or low-cost insulation to homeowners, landlords, and tenants. Eligibility is based on factors like EPC ratings or specific Council Tax bands.
  • Energy Obligation Grant (ECO): This scheme requires energy suppliers to assist low-income, fuel-poor, and vulnerable households by installing insulation to reduce energy bills.
  • Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme: Covers costs for energy improvements for eligible households in Scotland, targeting specific criteria like age, income, and benefits.
  • Affordable Warmth Scheme (Northern Ireland): Assists low-income individuals with energy efficiency improvements in private accommodations.

These grants are designed to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes while making insulation more affordable. By hiring qualified professionals, you can take full advantage of these schemes, which could cover a large portion of the installation costs.

For a hassle-free experience, it's best to get quotes from professional installers. Simply searching for insulation specialists near me can help you find the right fit for your project. To simplify the process, GreenMatch offers a quick solution—just fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with up to four top insulation installers for free quotes. This way, you can easily compare offers, maximise your savings, and ensure a high-quality insulation job that enhances your home’s energy efficiency. No hidden or obligations—click below to get started!

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