Loft insulation
The cheapest measure on almost every plan, and usually the first we recommend. Topping a loft up to 270mm adds real EPC points and noticeably lowers your tenant's heating bills.
What it is
Mineral-wool or equivalent insulation laid between and over the ceiling joists in an accessible loft, brought up to the current recommended depth of around 270mm. If your loft has some old, thin insulation we top it up rather than start again. Where the loft is boarded for storage we raise the boarding on battens so the insulation is not crushed, keeping its performance.
Why it earns its place first
Around a quarter of the heat in an uninsulated home escapes through the roof, so loft insulation is one of the highest points-per-pound measures for reaching EPC C. It is quick to fit, needs no disruption to the tenant beyond loft access, and it is the classic "fabric-first" step the 2030 standard requires before you spend on heating or generation. For most Greater Manchester terraces and semis it is a same-day job.
Which homes suit it
Any property with an accessible pitched loft and less than about 200mm of existing insulation. Homes with a converted loft or room-in-roof need a different approach — see room-in-roof insulation. Damp or condensation issues are dealt with first, and we make sure ventilation and any downlights are handled correctly so you never trade a warmer loft for a moisture problem.
Grants that apply
Loft insulation is covered by the Warm Homes: Local Grant for eligible Greater Manchester tenants, and by ECO4 while it runs (to 31 December 2026). Where it is grant-funded your contribution can be nil on a first property. It is also zero-rated for VAT until 31 March 2027. We check every route on the grants page before you spend.
How we do it
Surveyed and coordinated to PAS 2035, installed by our accredited partner LAMTANS Engineering to PAS 2030 standards, and lodged with TrustMark so it counts on your evidence file and towards the £10,000 cost cap. You get a fixed price from our own book — no contractor mark-up — and it forms part of the plan your free assessment produces.
Common questions
How much does loft insulation add to my EPC?
On a home with little or no existing loft insulation it is one of the biggest point-gains for the money, which is why it is almost always the first measure on the plan.
Do tenants need to move out?
No. It is fitted through the loft hatch, usually in a few hours, with no disruption to the rooms below.
Is it grant-funded?
Often yes — it is covered by the Warm Homes: Local Grant and by ECO4 while it runs, so on a first property your contribution can be nil.
What depth do you install?
We top up to the current recommended 270mm, raising any storage boarding on battens so the insulation is not crushed.
Will it cause damp?
Not when ventilation is maintained; we make sure eaves ventilation and any downlights are handled correctly.
Related: room-in-roof insulation · draught-proofing · cavity wall insulation