How to Pick the Right Insulation for Your Home?

Insulation is a crucial part of any home retrofit project—think of it as wrapping your home in a cozy blanket.

When starting your retrofit, it’s best to adopt a ‘fabric first’ approach, which focuses on improving the building envelope before moving on to other upgrades. This means addressing repairs and enhancing your home's insulation to maximise energy efficiency. Choosing the right insulation not only cuts heating costs but also boosts comfort. On the flip side, picking the wrong material can cause more harm than good.

Insulation materials generally fall into two categories: vapour permeable (breathable) and vapour impermeable (non-breathable).

·       Vapour permeable materials: wood fibre, mineral wool, sheep’s wool, cellulose, hemp

·       Vapour impermeable materials: PIR, EPS, XPS

Your choice should align with the existing building fabric of your home. For instance, traditional homes built with vapour permeable materials need breathable insulation. Otherwise, water vapour moving through the permeable fabric can get trapped at the insulation layer, leading to condensation. This can damage your home’s structure, make the insulation less effective, and even promote mold growth—issues no homeowner wants to deal with.

Vapour permeability is just one factor to consider. Material cost, environmental impact, and installation methods also play important roles. To avoid costly mistakes, it’s always best to consult a specialist who can guide you through the decision-making process.

Getting it right the first time ensures your home stays warm, energy-efficient, and problem-free for years to come.