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myRoof Insulation Cost
At a Glance
- The average cost of roof insulation is about £450 (supply and labour).
- It typically takes around 1 to 2 days to complete this type of job.
- How much different types of roof insulation cost in 2026, with a breakdown of what you can expect to pay per square metre for different materials.
- How long insulating a roof takes, and an overview of what's involved.
- How to find a local roof insulation installer using MyJobQuote.
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Looking into how much roof insulation costs?
In 2026, the average cost of roof insulation is between £400 and £600.
However, the prices you're quoted by an installer will depend on various factors — including the type of roof you have, the material you want to use, and how much is required.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know so that you can calculate how much roof insulation costs to get professionally fitted in 2026.
This includes costs for all the different types of roof insulation, such as spray foam insulation, warm roof insulation, fibreglass roof insulation, and pitched roof insulation.
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For all roof insulation cost details, check out the article below!
£450
Table of Contents
How Much Is Roof Insulation?
In 2026, the average cost of professional roof insulation in the UK is between £400 and £600. However, the exact price you're quoted will depends on several factors:
- Type of Roof. Are you looking to install roof insulation on a pitched or flat roof?
- Material. There are a number of options here, including fibreglass, mineral wool, PIR boards, or spray foam. Material costs and how long the job takes will vary depending on what's the best material option in your circumstances.
- Size and Shape. Larger areas and awkward spaces mean that more materials are required and the job takes longer, which means you'll get charged more for labour.
- Location. Labour costs tend to be lower in North England, Wales, and Scotland.
In the UK, most homes have a pitched roof, which is where two sloped sides meet at a central ridge. A roof is usually classed as pitched if the slope exceeds about 10 degrees or it has more than two sides over the ridge.
For pitched roofs, insulation can either be installed above the joists or directly under the slope, as with loft insulation. The method you choose will affect the overall cost.
There are also many kinds of different materials that can be used to insulate the roof of a property sufficiently. Some of the most common types of roof insulation include Fibreglass Insulation, Insulation Boards or Panels, and Expanding Insulating Foam.
Both the quality and kind of insulation material you use will determine how much the job will cost. When hiring a professional tradesperson to carry out the task of insulating your roof, you will likely need to consider that they will charge either an hourly or daily charge, thus affecting the total cost of your project.
What's the best type of roof insulation boards to use? Is thicker always better?
"The thicker the insulation, the better it works to reduce heat flow from the inside of a home to the outside during winter, and from outside to inside during summer."
Roof Insulation Prices
As we previously mentioned, many cost-affecting factors will determine how much installing roof insulation is going to cost. To make things easier for you, we have included a few examples below to see how the varying factors will alter the charge.
Please note that all of the prices included in the table below are estimates and should be used as a guide for demonstrative purposes only. Gaining a quote from a professional tradesperson will give you the most accurate price for your project.
| Type of Insulation | Type of Roof | Area Covered | Installation Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20m² | 1 Day or Less | £380 – £420 |
| Mineral Wool Rolls | Pitched Roof | 20m² | 1 – 2 Days | £400 – £480 |
| Spray Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20m² | 1 Day or Less | £700 – £900 |
| Warm Deck Insulation Boards | Flat Roof | 20m² | 1 – 2 Days | £600 – £700 |
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What is your main reason for installing roof insulation?
Reducing energy bills
13 votes - 57%57% of votes
Improving home comfort
8 votes - 35%35% of votes
Increasing property value
2 votes - 9%9% of votes
Eco-friendliness
0 votes - 0%0% of votes
23 votes
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Cost of Installing Roof Insulation (Labour Only)
Labour will usually cost £150 to £200 per day, per tradesperson, and typically accounts for around 40% to 50% of the total cost of roof insulation.
The installation costs of roof insulation typically cover the labour, setup, and basic waste removal, though it is always worth confirming this when requesting quotes. In most cases, materials are supplied and fitted by the installer as part of the overall cost.
The total labour cost will depend on how long the job takes, based on the type of roof insulation you choose and the size of your roof.
For example:
- Fibreglass or spray foam on a pitched roof can often be completed in a day or less, putting your labour costs at around £150 to £200.
- Mineral wool rolls or warm deck board installation may take up to two days, bringing labour costs to around £300 to £400.
The duration of a job will be between 1-2 days; this can change if your loft is larger.
| Type of Insulation | Type of Roof | Area Covered | Installation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibreglass Insulation | Pitched Roof | 20m² | 1 Day or Less |
| Mineral Wool Rolls | Pitched Room | 20m² | 1 – 2 Days |
| Spray Foam | Pitched Roof | 20m² | 1 Day or Less |
| Warm Deck Insulation Boards (PIR) | Flat Roof | 20m² | 1 – 2 Days |
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What's the difference between cold and warm loft insulation?
"A warm loft is where you insulate immediately under the roof, which means your loft space is warm as well. A cold loft is where you insulate immediately above the ceiling of the top storey, so no heat from your home gets into your loft."
What's Involved with Installing Roof Insulation?
Installing roof insulation might sound simple, but it’s not usually a DIY-friendly job. Working in confined spaces, handling bulky materials, and ensuring the correct fit all require experience.
For best results, most homeowners hire a qualified insulation installer rather than attempting it themselves.
It’s also recommended to get multiple quotes before going ahead. With MyJobQuote, you can get quotes from roof insulation specialists near you. It's fast, free, and there's no obligation to go ahead.
Here’s what to expect from the process:
Before the Job Starts
- Initial Assessment — The installer will measure your roof and check for any failed insulation. They’ll also look for signs of damp or condensation that need to be resolved before work begins.
- Discussing Options — You’ll go through different materials such as fibreglass rolls, PIR boards, or spray foam. The installer will explain how each affects cost and performance.
- Preparation — The roof space must be clear and accessible. Old insulation may need to be removed, and in some cases a removals team will prepare the space before installation.
During the Job
- Fitting the Insulation — The new insulation is installed according to your chosen method. Smaller jobs can take a few hours, while more complex roofs may take 1–2 days.
- Warm Roof Method — Insulation is placed between the weatherproof layer and the rafters, keeping the entire roof space warm.
- Cold Roof Method — Insulation is installed above the joists, which keeps the rooms below warm but leaves the attic cooler.
After the Job
- Final Checks — The installer will ensure everything is fitted correctly and that there are no gaps or issues that could reduce performance.
Warm Roof vs Cold Roof Insulation
The most common method of roof insulation is warm roof insulation. This method consists of the insulation being installed between the roof rafters, keeping the entire roof space warm. This means that any attic or room space above the insulation will maintain heat.
The opposite method, cold roof insulation, is not as cold as the name might suggest! However, this method consists of the insulation being installed above the roof joists, retaining the heat only within the rooms below. This means that any ceiling, attic or room space above the insulation will not maintain as much heat.
If you’re planning major structural work at the same time, see our roof installation guide for methods and costs.
Should I insulate my loft between the ceiling joists or the roof rafters? Or both?
"The choice between insulating between ceiling joists or roof rafters depends on a few factors, including the type of roof you have, how the space will be used, and the condition of the roof.
Insulating between the ceiling joists is the most common method and is generally the easiest and least expensive option. It involves laying insulation between the joists, typically using rolls or batts of insulation.
Insulating between the roof rafters, on the other hand, involves placing insulation in the space between the roof rafters. This can be a good option if you plan to use your loft space as a living area or if you want to create a warm roof space to prevent issues like ice damming.
In some cases, it may be possible or advisable to do both, depending on your goals for the space and the condition of the roof."
Insulating between the ceiling joists is the most common method and is generally the easiest and least expensive option. It involves laying insulation between the joists, typically using rolls or batts of insulation.
Insulating between the roof rafters, on the other hand, involves placing insulation in the space between the roof rafters. This can be a good option if you plan to use your loft space as a living area or if you want to create a warm roof space to prevent issues like ice damming.
In some cases, it may be possible or advisable to do both, depending on your goals for the space and the condition of the roof."
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Roof Insulation Options
As we briefly covered earlier, there are many different methods of roof insulation and materials that can be used to achieve effective results. Insulating the roof of your property is proven to be one of the most efficient ways of saving energy and reducing household running costs.
A well-insulated home is estimated to save the homeowner a whopping £250 per year on energy bills alone.
Roughly 25% of heat is emitted through the roofs of un-insulated properties, so choosing the right method of insulation is essential.
If you wish to know what the supply only costs per square metre are, have a look at the table below for prices of the insulation without the cost of labour:
| Type of Insulation | Cost Per Square Metre |
|---|---|
| Fibreglass Insulation | £4 – £6 |
| Mineral Wool Rolls | £5 – £9 |
| Spray Foam | £20 – £30 |
| Warm Deck Insulation Boards (PIR) | £15 – £40 |
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How much does increasing insulation thickness raise a room’s temperature? Does it work like that, or is it more complex?
"There is a little bit more involved. There are a few different materials on the market, and it also depends on the location of the room and the construction type, as well as the heating/cooling system and windows/doors. As we all know, heat rises and will escape from any place it can."
Fibreglass Wool Insulation Cost
The most popular choice amongst homeowners for roof insulation is Fibreglass Wool. Thin strands of glass are heated and spun to create a thick fibre that, as the name suggests, resembles wool.
This excellent insulator is a great budget choice and can be purchased in long rolls, making it a cost-effective solution. On average, Fibreglass Wool insulation costs around £25 per square metre.
Here is what you can expect to pay for materials depending on your house size:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £160–£240 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £220–£330 |
| Detached | 90m² | £360–£540 |
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Mineral Wool Insulation Cost
Similar to Fibreglass wool is Mineral wool Insulation. In this case, rocks such as dolomite are heated and spun repeatedly to create a dense, wool-like fibre.
Like Fibreglass, Rock or Mineral wool insulation can be purchased in large mats or rolls and is another budget-friendly option, costing around £20 to £25 per square metre.
Material costs will vary depending on the size of your roof:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £200–£360 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £275–£495 |
| Detached | 90m² | £450–£810 |
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PIR Boards (Warm Deck) Cost
PIR insulation boards are widely used in warm deck systems, especially for flat roof replacement projects. They offer strong thermal performance with less thickness compared to rolls, but are generally more expensive. Expect to pay around £15–£40 per m² (supply only), or higher once fitted.
Here is how material costs break down across different house sizes:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £600–£1,600 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £825–£2,200 |
| Detached | 90m² | £1,350–£3,600 |
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Sheep Wool Insulation Cost
If you are looking to source an eco-friendly option, you may like to consider using Sheep wool insulation. Similar to Rock and Fibreglass Wool, the Sheep wool is available in large rolls.
However, this natural alternative is much more expensive to buy and may set you back around £50 to £60 per square metre. Sheep wool is much more pleasing to work with and is less of an irritant when compared to other types of insulation.
Material costs for sheep wool insulation vary considerably by property size:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £2,000–£2,400 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £2,750–£3,300 |
| Detached | 90m² | £4,500–£5,400 |
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Plastic or Polyester Insulation Cost
Plastic or Polyester fibre rolls are similar to Sheep wool insulation, being less of a health hazard to work with. They are also an eco-friendly alternative as they are usually made with recycled materials.
Plastic and polyester insulation is generally cheaper than Sheep wool insulation, but not as affordable as fibreglass. On average, Polyester insulation will cost around £35 per square metre.
Here is a rough guide to material costs based on the size of your home:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £1,400 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £1,925 |
| Detached | 90m² | £3,150 |
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Spray Foam Insulation Cost
Expanding foam insulation is a common choice amongst many homeowners for roof insulation. Thanks to the material's fantastic resistance to heat flow, spray expanding foam is a very effective insulator.
Due to the spray application, the expanding foam will achieve a better air-tight seal in smaller cavities, reducing heat loss.
While the initial cost may be higher compared to alternative insulation materials, it is expected that you will save more money in the long run on energy expenses. Spray foam insulation costs, on average, around £35 to £40 per square metre.
Material costs for spray foam will depend on the size of your roof:
| House Type | Area | Materials Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Terraced | 40m² | £800–£1,200 |
| Semi-Detached | 55m² | £1,100–£1,650 |
| Detached | 90m² | £1,800–£2,700 |
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Be aware that some lenders and valuers may be cautious about spray foam on roof structures without a professional assessment of ventilation and timber condition. You should get advice from a qualified installer and check with your lender before proceeding.
Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Roof Insulation
Building Regulations
Roof insulation work must comply with Building Regulations Part L, which covers thermal performance, and Part C, which covers condensation and ventilation.
Your roof insulation installer should ensure that the work meets both, but if you have any concerns, you can ask your local authority building control department for advice.
Planning Permission
In most cases, roof insulation does not require planning permission as it does not alter the appearance or structure of your property. However, if you live in a listed building or a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local authority before work begins.
If you are unsure about either, a qualified installer can advise you based on your specific circumstances.
Checklist: Hiring a Roof Insulation Installer
Here are some of the things you should consider when hiring a specialist to install your roof insulation:
- Are they a member of the National Insulation Association? The NIA is the main trade body for insulation installers in the UK. Membership shows they meet industry standards and follow a professional code of conduct.
- Are they TrustMark registered? Roof insulation installers that are registered with this government-endorsed scheme are vetted for quality work, trading practices, and customer service.
- Do they hold PAS 2030 certification? This is required for installers carrying out insulation work under government-funded schemes such as ECO4.
- Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during the installation.
- Will they provide an itemised quote? Ask for a full breakdown of costs so you know exactly what's included and whether there are any additional fees.
- Is waste removal included? Confirm that the disposal of any old insulation material or packaging is included in the total cost quoted.
- Are they experienced with your type of roof insulation? There are several methods and materials used for roof insulation. Make sure the installer has specific experience with the type of insulation you're having fitted.
- Do they have examples of similar work? Ask to see photos of previous roof insulation jobs or check their MyJobQuote profile for examples of completed installations.
- Do they have positive reviews? Check their MyJobQuote profile to read feedback from previous customers.
FAQs
What does roof insulation do?
Roof or loft insulation works by limiting and reducing the amount of heat loss through the roof of your property. This will ultimately result in a warmer home and lower energy use.
Does roof insulation affect ventilation?
Yes. Insulation reduces air movement, so correct ventilation and vapour control are essential to prevent condensation and damp. Professional installers ensure ventilation is maintained.
What is the best insulation for a roof?
Fibreglass Wool or Mineral Wool rolls are the most cost-effective solution for insulating a roof. They can be easily installed and offer excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing qualities.
Can I get funding or free loft insulation?
Government schemes like ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme can help cover the cost of roof insulation for some homeowners in the UK. Eligibility is not guaranteed and varies based on your income, the benefits you claim, and how energy efficient your home is. If you think you might qualify, your energy supplier is the best place to start.
How do I know if my roof insulation needs replacing?
Two of the most recognisable signs that your roof insulation may need replacing are high energy bills and irregular property temperatures. If you are concerned that your insulation needs replacing, consider seeking the advice of an experienced roof insulation installer.
How long does roof insulation last?
High-quality roof insulation can last 25–40 years if installed correctly. Performance may decline if the insulation gets damp, compressed, or damaged.
How thick should roof insulation be?
Thickness varies by material and target U-value. PIR boards need less thickness than mineral wool to achieve similar performance. Your installer will specify thickness for your roof type.
Can I install roof insulation myself?
Providing your attic space is clear and free of obstructions, it is possible to install roof insulation yourself. However, many important steps must be taken beforehand, and if ignored, could result in costly damage to your property. Some insulation materials can also cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if not handled correctly. For the best results, we always advise hiring a professional.
