By Damphub News Team | June 26, 2025
More UK homeowners are facing a job most would rather avoid: getting rid of old, failing loft insulation. It might seem straightforward, but experts are cautioning that the work can be messy, risky, and—if done wrong—downright dangerous.
Ben Mansfield, a property specialist with over a decade in loft and insulation work, says many people underestimate what they’re dealing with.
So why are more people tackling it now? Rising energy bills, home upgrades, and loft conversions are driving a wave of inspections. And often, what’s found up there is insulation that’s way past its prime.
Why Are People Removing Loft Insulation?
Old insulation can lose its shape, trap moisture, or harbour mould and pests. In older homes, materials like vermiculite could even contain asbestos.
Joshua Weston says
In many lofts, insulation was installed poorly to begin with. It may be packed too tightly, blocking vents, or dangerously close to wiring. And if you’re converting your loft into a usable room, chances are you’ll need to rip it out and start fresh anyway.
DIY or Call in the Experts?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Plenty of homeowners want to do the work themselves—and technically, they can. But that doesn’t always mean they should.
says Farook Member, director at QS Supplies.
And even then, some materials just aren’t safe to handle on your own.
Warns Weston.
Disposal also matters. Old insulation can’t be dumped with household rubbish. It needs to be bagged and taken to a proper facility—another reason to consider leaving it to those who do this every day.
How Can You Tell If It Needs Replacing?
There are a few signs that your loft insulation is overdue for an upgrade:
- Cold or uneven temperatures inside the house
- Mould, damp spots, or signs of pests in the loft
- Insulation that looks dirty, patchy or squashed flat
- Rising energy bills without an obvious cause
And here’s a tip that doesn’t require going up there: in winter, look at your roof. If the snow melts off your tiles faster than your neighbours’, that could be heat escaping from poor insulation.
What to Use Instead
Once the old insulation’s out, it’s time to replace it with something better. Your choice depends on your home and your plans.
- Mineral Wool: A budget-friendly all-rounder that offers fire resistance
- Rigid Foam Boards: Great for loft conversions where space is tight
- Natural Materials: Like sheep wool or hemp—ideal for older, breathable buildings
Mansfield adds,
Thinking About a Loft Conversion?
If you’re planning to turn the loft into a living space, insulation becomes more complex. You’ll need to install materials in the roof slope rather than just the floor, and meet current building regulations.
Experts recommend rigid PIR boards or multifoil layers that keep things slim while delivering high thermal performance.
says Member.
Selling Soon? Insulation Could Cost You
Poor insulation can hurt your home’s EPC rating, which affects property value and appeal to buyers. Surveyors may flag unsafe or outdated insulation during inspections, especially if it’s damp, covering wires, or clearly underperforming.
Kelvin Elliot, founder of Property Sales Watchdog, says it plainly:
Bottom Line
Loft insulation removal isn’t glamorous—but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether your aim is lower bills, a warmer home, or a full loft conversion, getting it done properly matters.
DIY is fine in some cases, but if there’s any sign of damage or hazardous material, play it safe and hire a pro.
Because when it comes to your health and your home, cutting corners isn’t worth the risk.
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