Installing loft insulation can help improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. But should you take on this project as a DIY job or hire a professional?
There are pros and cons to each approach. Here is an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding between DIY and professional loft insulation installation.
Cost Savings from DIY
One of the main allures of installing loft insulation yourself is the potential to save on labor costs. DIY insulation materials like mineral wool rolls or fiberglass batts are relatively inexpensive, often costing £10-£30 per roll. So, if you have the time and ability to install them properly yourself, you can reap significant cost savings compared to hiring an insulation company. Professional installation can run £200 or more for an average loft.
However, the potential cost savings of DIY insulation depend on your particular situation. If your loft has easy access, a simple layout and no obstacles, a DIY job may be feasible. But if your loft has limited access, awkward spaces and pipework to work around, professional installation may not end up costing much more than a DIY attempt once you factor in material waste and the extra time involved.
Time Commitment for DIY
Installing loft insulation properly is a time-consuming process. For a typical loft, it often takes at least 1-2 full days to install insulation rolls between and over joists, secure them in place, and lay insulation across access paths. This time commitment may not suit your schedule if you have a busy job or other major commitments.
Professionals can usually install loft insulation in 1 day or less. So, while DIY seems cheaper from a cost perspective, it requires significantly more time invested. Consider how much your time is worth before assuming DIY will save you money in the end.
Quality of DIY vs. Professional Installation
A key downside of DIY loft insulation is the risk of poor-quality installation. Common DIY mistakes include:
- Uneven coverage with gaps – This reduces effectiveness and allows heat loss.
- Inadequate insulation depth – Recommended depth is 270mm. DIYers often do less.
- Poor joist coverage – Insulation compressed under joists has reduced performance.
- Lack of vapor control layers – Important for minimizing condensation risks.
Unless you are highly competent at DIY projects, it is challenging to achieve the same quality installation as an experienced professional insulation installer. Thermal imaging surveys consistently show that professional loft insulation achieves better coverage and performance.
Professional installers also offer guarantees of up to 25 years on their work. With DIY, any mistakes are yours to deal with.
Safety Risks of Loft Work
Working in loft spaces involves some inherent safety risks. Hazards include:
- Restricted movement in cramped spaces
- Risk of falling through plasterboard ceilings
- Exposure to dust, molds and fiberglass particles
- Risk of injuries from slips, trips or sharp objects
Professionals are trained to work safely in lofts and have appropriate protective gear. They can also bring equipment like long boards to avoid stepping between joists. Attempting DIY insulation in an unsafe loft space can result in injuries or expensive damage to your home.
Disruption and Mess from DIY
Taking on an insulation project yourself will likely involve moving a lot of equipment and materials through your home up into the loft. This can mean significant disruption to your household. LOFT insulation also produces considerable dust and debris during installation. Unless contained carefully, this can spread mess throughout the home during a DIY project.
InsulationPoint noted that professionals will typically contain dust and debris to the loft using dust sheets and barriers. They often have access to vacuum equipment as well to minimize mess in living spaces. Professional installation involves less disruption and cleaning than DIY.
Easier Access to Top-Up Funding
Various government grants and energy company obligations provide top-up funding for loft insulation, typically covering 30-50% of costs. To claim this, official documentation is required showing the type, area and depth of insulation installed. DIY insulation lacks this formal documentation, making it difficult to claim top-up funding.
Using a professional installer provides proper documentation for funding applications. So, the out-of-pocket cost difference between DIY and professional insulation can be much smaller once top-up funding is factored in.
Evaluating Your Needs and Abilities
When deciding between DIY or professional loft insulation, the key is honestly evaluating your situation in terms of:
- Loft accessibility and complexity
- Your competence with DIY projects
- Time availability for a DIY project
- Funds available for a professional installer
- Eligibility for top-up funding
If your loft is straightforward to work in, you are highly competent at DIY, have ample free time, limited funds and do not qualify for top-up funding, doing it yourself may be a suitable option.
However, for most homeowners, the quality, safety and funding benefits of professional installation outweigh the higher upfront costs. Unless your circumstances are ideal for DIY, hiring a trained insulation company is generally the better choice. Do your research to find a reputable local firm offering competitive pricing.
The decision between DIY and professional help does not have to be all-or-nothing. A hybrid approach is to use a professional for tricky parts like working around obstacles or installing vapor barriers, and then doing straightforward areas yourself to save costs. But check first – many companies do not carry liability for work they have not done themselves.
Final Words
In summary, installing loft insulation gives homeowners a great opportunity to increase comfort and reduce heating bills through improved energy efficiency. While DIY installation may seem initially appealing for the cost savings, the quality, safety and access to funding provided by professionals make them the better choice in most situations. Carefully consider your own needs and abilities when deciding on the right approach for your loft insulation project.
