Loft insulation top-up in Exeter
Professional loft insulation top-up services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
4-8 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Top up thin loft insulation to modern standards for better heat retention and lower energy bills. We add extra layers of mineral wool to bring your loft up to 270mm depth, lay it properly between and across joists, and ensure even coverage throughout the space.
Many homes have inadequate loft insulation - often just 100mm from the 1980s when standards were lower. Modern recommendations are 270mm depth. Adding more insulation reduces heat loss, improves comfort, and cuts heating bills. It pays for itself within a few years through energy savings.
What's Included
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Insulation assessment | Measure existing depth and coverage |
| Material calculation | Work out how many rolls needed for your loft |
| Material supply | Source appropriate insulation type and quantity |
| Professional installation | Lay insulation properly between and across joists |
| Even coverage | Ensure consistent depth throughout loft space |
| Ventilation check | Maintain eaves ventilation for airflow |
Typical Costs
| Loft Size | Existing Depth | Top-Up Depth | Material Cost | Labour | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (30m²) | 100mm | +170mm (2 layers) | £120-180 | £210 (half day) | £330-390 |
| Medium (50m²) | 100mm | +170mm (2 layers) | £200-280 | £210-410 | £410-690 |
| Large (70m²) | 50mm | +220mm (3 layers) | £350-450 | £410 (full day) | £760-850 |
Costs vary based on loft access, existing insulation condition, and whether loft is boarded or clear.
Insulation Types
| Type | Properties | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass wool rolls | Affordable, effective, easy to cut | £ | Standard loft top-up |
| Rock wool rolls | Slightly better performance, fire resistant | ££ | Better thermal performance |
| Blown insulation | Fills awkward spaces, professional install only | £££ | Complex loft layouts |
| Rigid PIR boards | High performance, thin depth | ££££ | Limited headroom situations |
We usually use glass or rock wool rolls for straightforward top-up work - best value and performance.
Why Choose Us for Loft insulation top-up in Exeter?
Reduced heat loss and energy bills
Improved home energy rating (EPC)
Proper depth to building regs standard
Better temperature regulation
What to Expect
1. Assessment & Quote We measure your loft size and existing insulation depth, check for any issues (damp, condensation, inadequate ventilation), calculate material quantities needed, and provide a detailed quote for materials and labour.
2. Material Supply & Preparation We source appropriate insulation rolls, deliver to your property, protect the areas below the loft hatch from dust, and set up safe access (scaffold tower or secure ladder).
3. Professional Installation We lay first layer between joists filling any gaps, lay second layer across joists at 90 degrees (reduces cold bridging), ensure even coverage throughout the space, maintain ventilation gaps at eaves, and avoid covering recessed lights (fire hazard).
🔧 DIY Tips
Thinking of doing loft insulation yourself? It's one of the better DIY jobs if you're prepared:
- Calculate accurately: Measure loft area, decide on depth, buy enough rolls - running out halfway is annoying
- Wear full PPE: Coveralls, gloves, dust mask/respirator, goggles - fibreglass is itchy and dusty
- Cut with knife: Long blade or old bread knife works - compress insulation to cut, expands when laid
- Two layers crossed: First layer between joists, second layer across joists at 90 degrees - eliminates cold bridges
- Don't compress: Compressed insulation loses effectiveness - it needs to stay fluffy
- Avoid electrics: Don't cover recessed lights or electrical junctions - fire and overheating risk
- Eaves ventilation: Leave 50mm gap at eaves for airflow - stops condensation buildup
Loft insulation is manageable DIY if you're reasonably fit and don't mind working in awkward spaces for a day. Materials cost £150-400 depending on loft size. We charge £210-410 labour because we're faster, have the right equipment, and you don't itch for a week.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Current standards: Building regulations recommend 270mm depth for energy efficiency. Older homes often have 100mm or less from when standards were lower.
Energy savings: Proper loft insulation can save £200-350/year on heating bills for an average home. Payback period is typically 2-4 years.
EPC rating: Adding loft insulation improves your Energy Performance Certificate rating, which helps if selling or renting the property.
Grants available: Sometimes government schemes offer grants for loft insulation, especially for low-income households or certain property types. Worth checking current schemes.
Ventilation crucial: Lofts need airflow to prevent condensation. We maintain eaves ventilation and never block it with insulation.
Recessed lights: Downlights poking into loft spaces can't be covered with insulation - they overheat. Need special hoods or replacement with insulation-safe models.
Pipes and tanks: Insulate under water tanks (not over - you want warmth from below to prevent freezing). Lag pipes separately with pipe insulation.
Boarding over insulation: Compressing insulation reduces effectiveness. Use loft legs (stilts) to raise boarding above insulation depth if you need storage space.
Itchy fibreglass: Mineral wool insulation makes you itch during installation. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and don't touch your face. Shower immediately after to remove fibres.
Access requirements: Loft hatch needs to be big enough to get insulation rolls through (they compress). Very small hatches are difficult to work through.
Roof condition: If you have roof leaks or damp issues, sort those first. Adding insulation to a leaking roof traps moisture and causes problems.
Types to avoid: Don't use expanded polystyrene beads (they shift and are a fire risk) or loose-fill without professional equipment (uneven coverage).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does loft insulation top-up cost?
Loft insulation top-up varies by loft size and depth needed. A typical 3-bed semi costs £300-600 for materials and labour to bring insulation up to 270mm depth. We quote after measuring your loft and checking what's already there.
How much insulation depth do I need?
Current building regulations recommend 270mm depth for energy efficiency. Older homes often have 100mm or less. We measure your existing insulation and calculate what additional depth you need to meet modern standards.
What type of insulation do you use?
We typically use mineral wool rolls (glass or rock wool) which are affordable, effective, and easy to lay between joists. Other options include blown insulation or rigid boards depending on your loft layout and requirements.
Can I still use my loft for storage after insulation?
Yes, but you need proper raised boarding above the insulation depth. We can install loft legs (stilts) and boarding to create storage space while maintaining full insulation depth. Compressing insulation reduces its effectiveness.
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