Re-Insulating After Spray Foam Removal
The best materials and methods for UK homes
After Removal: What Next?
Once spray foam is removed, your property needs proper insulation that won't cause mortgage, insurance, or ventilation problems. This guide covers the best options for UK homes.
Do You Need to Re-Insulate?
It depends on your situation:
✓ Yes, re-insulate if:
- • You're living in the property long-term
- • Energy bills are noticeably high
- • Rooms are cold in winter
- • Previous insulation was removed along with foam
- • You want to improve EPC rating
✗ May not need to if:
- • Selling immediately after removal
- • Original loft insulation (pre-foam) was left in place
- • Property already has adequate wall/floor insulation
- • Tight budget and property is adequately warm
Best Insulation Options for UK Homes
Option 1: Mineral Wool (Rockwool/Glass Wool)
The most popular and recommended option for UK lofts. Available in rolls or batts.
Advantages:
- ✓ Lender & insurer approved
- ✓ Allows roof ventilation
- ✓ Easy to install (DIY possible)
- ✓ Good thermal performance
- ✓ Fire resistant
- ✓ Cost-effective
- ✓ Doesn't trap moisture
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Can cause skin irritation during installation
- ✗ Compresses over time (may need topping up)
- ✗ Less effective if gets wet
Recommended depth: 270mm (current UK standard)
Cost: £400-£1,200 (materials + fitting)
Installation: 1 day (professional) or DIY weekend
Best for: Most UK homes, cold roof spaces, budget-conscious
Option 2: Rigid Insulation Boards (PIR/PUR)
Polyisocyanurate or polyurethane boards. Better thermal performance per inch than mineral wool.
Advantages:
- ✓ Excellent thermal performance
- ✓ Thin profile (good for low head height)
- ✓ Doesn't compress
- ✓ Moisture resistant
- ✓ Rigid and easy to handle
Disadvantages:
- ✗ More expensive than mineral wool
- ✗ Requires careful cutting and fitting
- ✗ Gaps reduce effectiveness
- ✗ Less DIY-friendly
Recommended depth: 150-180mm (equivalent to 270mm wool)
Cost: £800-£2,000 (materials + fitting)
Installation: 1-2 days (professional recommended)
Best for: Limited loft height, maximum performance needed
Option 3: Natural Insulation (Sheep's Wool, Hemp, Wood Fiber)
Eco-friendly options gaining popularity in UK. Good thermal and acoustic properties.
Advantages:
- ✓ Sustainable & renewable
- ✓ Good moisture regulation
- ✓ Excellent acoustic insulation
- ✓ Non-irritating to skin
- ✓ Breathable
Disadvantages:
- ✗ More expensive (50-100% premium)
- ✗ Limited availability
- ✗ May attract pests if not treated
Recommended depth: 270mm+
Cost: £1,200-£2,500 (materials + fitting)
Installation: 1-2 days (professional recommended)
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners, sensitive skin, acoustic needs
Option 4: Blown-In Insulation (Cellulose or Mineral)
Loose-fill insulation blown into loft spaces. Fills gaps and awkward spaces well.
Advantages:
- ✓ Fills gaps and irregular spaces
- ✓ Quick installation
- ✓ Good coverage
- ✓ Less labor intensive
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Requires specialist equipment
- ✗ Can settle over time
- ✗ Difficult to achieve precise depth
- ✗ Can blow around if loft accessed
Recommended depth: 270mm
Cost: £600-£1,500 (materials + fitting)
Installation: 3-6 hours (professional only)
Best for: Awkward loft spaces, quick installation needed
What NOT to Use
Spray Foam (Obviously!)
Will recreate all the same problems you just paid to fix
Loose Polystyrene Beads
Fire risk, poor performance, can migrate through gaps
Reflective Foil Alone
Insufficient thermal mass, doesn't meet building regs
Installation Considerations
Critical Points:
- •Maintain ventilation: Don't block eaves vents—use eaves vents protectors
- •Leave 50mm air gap: Between insulation and roof covering for ventilation
- •Loft hatch insulation: Don't forget to insulate the access hatch
- •Seal gaps first: Fill any gaps in ceiling before insulating
- •Board storage areas: If you use loft for storage, board over insulation
- •Lighting/cables: Ensure cables are above insulation, not buried in it
- •Water tanks: Insulate sides and lid, NOT underneath (prevent freezing)
Our Recommendation for Most UK Homes
270mm mineral wool in two layers (100mm + 170mm cross-laid)
This provides excellent thermal performance, is lender/insurer approved, allows proper ventilation, and is cost-effective.
Total cost: £500-£1,000 including materials and professional fitting
DIY cost: £300-£500 (materials only, one weekend)
Energy savings: £200-£400/year on heating bills
Payback period: 1-3 years
Start With Spray Foam Removal
Get quotes for removal—many specialists can quote re-insulation too
Request Free Quotes