Insulation myth busters

This is untrue. Proper wall insulation will benefit your home and is more likely to prevent damp, as it will make your walls warmer. If you’re aware of any damage or cracks in your outer wall, then it’s best to get these sorted out first, as this is what is likely to cause damp.

Ventilation is also important for maintaining good indoor air quality, reducing the risk of damp and mould, and removing moisture and pollutants from your home. This can be done through controlled ventilation systems such as trickle vents in your windows and extractor fans in your kitchen and bathrooms. It is important that these ventilation systems are not blocked up or sealed when the insulation is installed.

Not true. If you don’t have cavity walls, you can still insulate your home. This can be done by internal or external solid wall insulation.

Not true. Installing insulation is beneficial in all homes. Retrofitting an existing building with insulation can save on heating and cooling costs and improve your energy efficiency.

No, there are various types of insulation materials with their own properties and performance characteristics. The most common insulation materials are fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam and mineral wool. Mineral wool for example is fireproof, whilst fiberglass is widely used as it’s the most affordable.

Sadly, no. Insulation is an important energy efficiency measure and is a great first step into retrofitting your home. However, it does not address other factors contributing to energy inefficiency such as air leakage, how you heat your home, and draughts. These issues need to be targeted in conjunction with insulation.

By insulating your home, the heat you produce will remain in your house for longer. Not only can this help save on your heating costs, but it means that your heating system (be that a boiler or heat pump) won’t need to work as hard to maintain a constant temperature, which will save on the energy used and reduce your home’s carbon emissions. With good insulation, an average mid-terrace house could save up to 580kgs of carbon a year.

Whilst it is true that these are key areas, it’s beneficial for a whole house approach to be taken. Proper insulation can be installed in walls (cavity or solid wall), floors, ceilings and even ducts or around pipes. The installation of insulation means your home will not only benefit from energy savings but can also help with soundproofing and protection from condensation or mould growth.

Not true. Correctly installed insulation does a good job of retaining heat you create inside your home during the winter and keeping warm air outside during the summer, so you stay cool. Effective insulation limits the amount of heat travelling through your walls and floors during the summer months, so your home will stay cooler for longer.

Insulation, such as loft and cavity wall insulation, can be a cost-effective way to reduce your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. While there is an upfront cost, many households find that the long-term savings on their energy bills help offset the initial investment. There may also be grants available to eligible households, such as the Warm Homes: Local Grant.

While some insulation or draught-proofing measures may seem suitable for DIY installation, it is important that insulation is installed correctly.

There are many online guides and videos available, but poorly installed insulation can lead to problems such as thermal bridging, condensation, damp, mould, and, in some cases, structural damage. Some insulation materials can also irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, so appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn.

Using a professional, accredited installer can help ensure the insulation is suitable for your property and installed to the required standard. They may also provide warranties and Insurance Backed Guarantees, giving you additional peace of mind. In some cases, installers who are members of the Competent Person Scheme can self-certify that the work complies with Building Regulations, which is important when selling your home in the future.

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