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

StrataShield Self Adhered Aluminium Faced AVCL 40m x 1.1m (44m2) (26 P/Pal)

SuperFOIL SF40 Multi-Layer Foil Insulation 1.5m x 10m Roll (15m2)

Kingspan Thermawall TW50 Cavity Wall Insulation - 1200mm x 450mm x 75mm - Pack of 6 Sheets

SuperFOIL General Purpose Multifoil Insulation Roll - 1m x 7m Roll

K-Roc Rainscreen Slab (1.2m x 0.6m) 30mm (11.52m2)

YBS Superquilt Multifoil Insulation Roll 40mm x 1.2m x 10m (12m2 Roll)

SupaPerm SP100 Housewrap Breather Membrane 1.6m x 100m (160m2)

Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Board - 2.4m x 1.2m 120mm (2 Boards)

Kingspan Kooltherm K112 Framing Board - 2.4m x 1.2m 100mm (3 Boards)

Polythene Vapour Control Layer 1000 Gauge (4m x 25m)

Karma Acoustic Barrier WB 10 - 2000mm x 1200mm x 5mm

Xtratherm Thin-r XT/TL Thermal Liner 2400x1200x62.5mm

Knauf Insulation Dritherm 37 Cavity Slab 85mm

Thermal PIR Board Tapered Edge 2400x1200x50.5mm

Knauf Insulation Dritherm 34 Cavity Slab 125mm

Knauf Insulation Dritherm 37 Cavity Slab 125mm

Knauf Insulation Dritherm 37 Cavity Slab 65mm

Knauf Insulation Omnifit Roll 200mm

GTEC Fire Board S/E 1800x900x12.5mm

Geocel Dupont Great Stuff Pro Acoustic Fire Rated Straw Foam 750ml

Geocel Dow Great Stuff Pro Fire Rated Gun Foam 750ml

Kingspan Kooltherm K107 Pitched Roof Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 50mm

100mm Kingspan Kooltherm K107 Pitched Roof Board 2400mm X 1200mm (8' X 4')

4mm Antinox Protection Board Green 2000mm X 1000mm

Everbuild Tecnic Fire Sealant 400 Silicone Sealant White 380ml

Isover APR 1200 2/600mm X 12.2m Acoustic Partition Roll 75mm 14.64m2

Isover Spacesaver 1160mm X 5200mm (6.032m2)

Rockwool Firestop Compound 22kg

15mm Cellecta Deckfon Ultramat 15 1200mm X 1200mm (4' X 4')

Celotex CW4000 Partial Fill Cavity Wall Insulation Board 1200mm X 450mm X 50mm

Cellecta Deckfon 17T Acoustic Overlay Floorboard 2400mm X 600mm X 17mm T&G (1.44m2)

Cellecta Deckfon 37T Acoustic Overlay Floorboard 2400mm X 600mm X 37mm T&G (1.44m2)

Cellecta Deckfon Quattro 39 Acoustic Overlay Floorboard 2400m X 600mm X 39mm T&G (1.44m2)

Cellecta Yelofon HD10+ System (50m2)

Ikoustic Tecsound SY50 6.05m X 1.22m X 2.5mm

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 25mm

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 70mm

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 50mm

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 75mm

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2400mm x 1200mm x 120mm