10 Questions to Ask Your Loft Insulation Contractors Before Hiring

Loft insulation is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to boost your home's energy efficiency. Especially with the number of UK government-backed grants available currently, house insulation is often completely free of charge, making installation a no-brainer.

When it comes to loft insulation, choosing the right company matters. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of questions we recommend asking loft insulation contractors before going ahead with installation to check whether they are the right choice for the job.

1. Are You A Licensed House Insulation Installer?

Depending on the insulation product being installed, loft insulation contractors may require a specific licence. For example, products like batt insulation and loose-fill fibreglass cellulose insulation do not have any licensing requirements. 

However, spray foam insulation, which involves a more complex installation process, does require a special licence. This licence ensures that contractors have undergone proper training to handle and install the insulation product according to safety requirements. 

If a contractor recommends spray foam or another product with specific licensing requirements, it's important to ask for proof of their qualifications and certifications.

2. How Long Have You Been Installing Insulation?

This question seeks to determine how long an insulation company has been in the business of installing house insulation. As a general rule of thumb, it takes around 10,000 hours to master a trade, which equates to approximately five years. 

Based on this principle, any insulation contractor with less than five years of experience may lack the expertise of seasoned insulation experts. Although this might not be a reason to rule out an insulation company altogether, more thorough research should be conducted to ensure they are up to the job.

3. Is House Insulation Covered By A Warranty or Guarantee?

House installation should be covered by two warranties. One covers the insulation product itself, which is provided by the manufacturer, and the other covers the labour involved in the installation process, which is provided by the installation company.

Typically, loft insulation companies will provide a 10-year warranty on their work. Manufacturer warranties, however, can vary based on the quality of the materials used and their predicted lifespan. In general, cheaper insulation products have a shorter lifespan, so their warranty is also shorter.

4. Do You Hold Liability Insurance Insurance?

When enquiring about house insulation in the UK, it's essential to ask loft insulation contractors whether they hold the appropriate insurance, such as Employer’s Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance. 

Employer’s Liability Insurance ensures that contractors are covered if an employee is injured while working on your property, protecting both parties. Public Liability Insurance, on the other hand, covers possible damage to your property or injury to others during the project. 

By checking that your contractor holds these policies, you ensure a safer process and reduce the risk of unexpected costs or legal complications if something goes wrong.

5. How Much Will The Job Cost And How Long Will It Take?

Loft insulation contractors should provide you with a detailed quote for the work they propose to conduct. Quotes given over the phone may be inaccurate. However, after a site survey, which is usually free of charge, they should get back to you with an accurate price estimate, including a clear breakdown of each cost, such as the cost of the product, labour, PPE, etc.

Loft insulation companies should also provide you with a timeline for installation, highlighting when they are available to start the installation and how long the process will take. Of course, unexpected delays may occur if unforeseen problems arise, which could affect the timeline. However, the price should remain accurate as per the initial estimate.

6. How Long Should The Insulation Last?

How long insulation should last varies depending on the type of insulation chosen and the installation method used. The condition of your home may also play a role in the lifespan of your insulation. For example, water damage from a leaky roof can accelerate wear and tear, requiring loft insulation to be replaced sooner than normal.

Loft insulation companies should be able to tell you with confidence how long they expect your insulation to last, as well as give you valuable information about how to keep your insulation in good condition to maximise its lifespan.

7. Do You Have References?

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a loft insulation contractor’s work is through references. Reliable insulation companies will have completed many similar jobs in your area and can provide you with references or even photographs of their previous work. 

Hearing from other homeowners is a great way to understand the quality of the work, the efficiency of the team, and overall customer satisfaction. This peace of mind ensures you're hiring insulation experts who deliver a reliable, high-quality service.

8. What Type of House Insulation Do You Offer?

There are several types of loft insulation available, each suited to different needs depending on your home’s requirements and the type of attic you have. The two most common types of loft insulation are standard blanket insulation and blown-in insulation.

• Blanket insulation (often fibreglass or mineral wool) comes in rolls or batts and is ideal for lofts with standard joist spacing.

• Blown-in insulation (typically cellulose or fibreglass) is loose-fill and is blown into the loft space, making it ideal for hard-to-reach areas or irregularly shaped attics.

Both types of insulation offer excellent thermal efficiency, but your loft insulation contractor will recommend the best choice based on your individual requirements.

9. Which Type of Insulation Do You Recommend and Why?

Reliable insulation contractors should have a thorough understanding of all the loft insulation types on the market and be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of each type. 

Since not all insulation products are created equal, the right choice for your home can depend on various factors, including the location and age of your home, as well as your budget. Your loft insulation contractors should be able to recommend the best type of insulation for your specific home, justifying their choices and ensuring you feel confident that you're making the right investment.

10. Will You Be Making Any Improvements?

In some cases, achieving optimal energy efficiency with loft insulation may require minor home improvements, such as air sealing. This involves sealing gaps and cracks that could allow heat to escape, ensuring that your insulation performs at its best. 

If these additional tasks are necessary, your loft insulation contractor should be capable of handling the job themselves. If they are unable to carry out these tasks, it’s a good idea to look for another company that can. This ensures that all aspects of the insulation process are properly addressed.

NEIS - Your Trusted Loft Insulation Contractors

At North East Insulation Services, we’re trusted loft insulation contractors who are dedicated to enhancing home efficiency with professional insulation services. As insulation experts, we specialise in loft insulation, helping homeowners across the UK reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

We’re part of government-backed schemes like ECO4, which allows eligible households to access free house insulation upgrades. Whether you're looking to insulate your attic or improve overall energy efficiency, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with our loft insulation contractors today to find out whether you could be eligible for an energy-efficiency home upgrade.