Older homes across the UK are admired for their charm and character—from exposed beams and original features to high ceilings and quirky layouts. But alongside their appeal, these properties often come with a common issue: poor insulation, particularly in the loft.
At Loftfoil, we specialise in multifoil loft insulation, offering high-performance solutions designed to improve comfort, energy efficiency, and value—without compromising your home’s breathable structure.
The Hidden Problem: Heat Loss in Older Homes
If your home was built before the 1940s, there’s a strong chance it lacks modern insulation. Traditional construction methods did not account for energy efficiency, and as a result, up to 25% of your home’s heat could be escaping through an uninsulated loft.
This not only leads to cold rooms and draughts during winter but also contributes to higher heating bills and carbon emissions.
Experience the Difference: How Multifoil Insulation Will Massively Benefit Your Home
Multifoil insulation has become increasingly popular in the UK, and for good reason. Products like SuperFOIL SF19+ and YBS SuperQuilt offer high thermal performance in a slim, easy-to-install format—ideal for retrofitting older homes where space and breathability matter.
Key Benefits of Multifoil Insulation:
- Space-saving: Delivers strong thermal performance without the bulky depth of mineral wool or rigid boards
- Quick installation: Lightweight and flexible—perfect for irregular rafters and tight loft spaces
- All-year comfort: Reflects radiant heat to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer
- Moisture control: Many multifoil products are vapour-permeable, helping older, breathable structures avoid condensation
Why Insulation Matters for Older Properties
Adding or upgrading insulation in an older property is more than just a quick fix—it’s a transformative step. Here’s what the right loft insulation can do:
Cut your heating bills—proper insulation can reduce energy usage by up to 45%
Make your home more comfortable—fewer draughts, more stable indoor temperatures
Boost your home’s EPC rating—important for both resale value and legal compliance
Preserve breathable building materials—vapour-permeable insulation prevents moisture build-up that can damage original timber and plaster
Types of Loft Insulation: Which One Is Right for You?
| Type | Typical Material | Where Used | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blanket (Batt) | Mineral wool, glass wool, sheep wool | Loft floor, between joists | Cost-effective, easy to fit, reliable thermal performance |
| Loose-fill | Cellulose, mineral wool, cork | Top-up or awkward spaces | Eco-friendly and flexible, though can be messy to install |
| Sheet (Board) | PIR, phenolic foam, wood fibre | Rafters, loft conversions | High thermal performance, rigid and compact, more expensive |
| Blown-fibre | Fibreglass, mineral wool, cellulose | Hard-to-reach areas | Installed professionally, great coverage, higher installation cost |
| Multifoil | Layers of reflective foil and wadding | Rafters, floors, walls | Slim profile, reflective performance, breathable options |
Avoiding Confusion: U-values and Thickness Explained
When comparing insulation products, you’ll often see figures like U-values (W/m²K) and thickness quoted. These technical details can feel overwhelming, but here’s a simplified takeaway:
Lower U-values = better thermal performance
Traditional insulation (like mineral wool) may need up to 270mm thickness to meet regulations
Multifoil insulation can provide similar thermal results with just a few centimetres of thickness
Always consult manufacturer specifications or speak to a professional to ensure the correct combination and compliance for your home.
Popular Insulation Products for Older Homes
SuperFOIL SF19+
A multifoil insulation that performs across roofs, walls, and floors. Compact, flexible, and ideal for tight loft spaces.YBS SuperQuilt
A leading multifoil product with LABC certification, suitable for roofs, walls, and floors—often combined with other materials to meet building standards.Mineral Wool Rolls
Budget-friendly and effective but may not be suitable for lofts with restricted space.PIR Boards
High performance in a rigid form—often used in loft conversions or tight ceiling cavities.Sheep’s Wool
A natural, breathable material popular in eco-friendly renovations, though thicker and often more costly.
FInal thoughts
Insulating the loft of an older home isn’t just a modern upgrade—it’s an essential improvement. Without proper insulation, character-filled properties risk losing heat, increasing bills, and damaging their original structure through moisture and temperature swings.
At Loftfoil, we help homeowners across the UK make the smart switch to multifoil insulation—combining comfort, efficiency, and space-saving design in one simple solution.Ready to future-proof your period home?
Get in touch with Loftfoil today to explore multifoil insulation tailored to your home’s needs.
