Question 1

1. Do I need to pay VAT on insulation materials?

Accepted Answer

There’s currently 0% VAT on the installation of insulation and other qualifying energy-saving materials in UK residential properties. This zero rate applies from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2027, and includes installation in roofs, walls, ceilings, pipes, water tanks, and more. After that date, the VAT rate is set to revert to the reduced rate of 5%. This zero-rate covers both the supply and fitting of the materials when carried out by a contractor.

Materials bought separately without professional installation remain subject to the standard 20% VAT rate. The relief applies to residential and qualifying charity buildings, and includes related work carried out as part of the insulation installation.

You can find more details in this article on GreenMatch.

Question 2

2. What building regs apply to insulation material?

Accepted Answer

Different parts of the UK have different regulations for building insulation. If your project is in England, you’ll need ‘Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power’. Wales has its own separate set of standards which are described in Document L1A & B (Wales). Scotland’s standards are set out in their Section 6 (Energy) document. You can find more details in this handy guide to building regulations and insulation from YBS.

Question 3

3. What material is best for insulation

Accepted Answer

The best insulation material for your project will depend on the job at hand, as well as own your personal preference. Mineral wool is common for walls; PIR boards suit flat roofs and floors; spray foam is used for hard-to-reach areas. Materials traditionally used for insulation in the UK include Fiberglass, Polyurethane (PUR), Polystyrene and PIR Board (Polyisocyanurate).

Question 4

4. What’s the best insulation to use for a metal building?

Accepted Answer

Rigid foam panels or spray foam are commonly used for metal building insulation. They offer high thermal resistance and help control condensation.

Question 5

5. What are R values in building insulation?

Accepted Answer

R values measure a material’s resistance to heat flow. Higher R values mean better insulation performance. Product data sheets include R values for easy comparison.

Question 6

6. Do insulating materials need to be breathable?

Accepted Answer

Some do. Breathability helps prevent trapped moisture. Use breathable insulation in solid walls or roof constructions without ventilation gaps.

Insulation materials

You might be interested in...