National Insulation Association

The NIA represents the insulation industry in the UK and our members include manufacturers, system designers and installers of insulation solutions for your home or business. Both the NIA and its members are fully committed to maintaining and raising standards within the insulation industry. National Insulation Association welcomes the Sixth Carbon Budget - the world's first roadmap for a fully decarbonised economy. The Committee on Climate Change has today called for a reduction in buildings through a fabric first approach; by 2030, just over a third of emissions abatement should come through the installation of energy efficiency improvements.

As much as a third of the heat you pay for could be escaping through your roof. Most loft insulation materials work by preventing the movement of heated air through the material. The Government say that you cut your energy bill by up to 20% through effectively insulating your loft. Once the loft has been insulated to a minimum 270mm thickness the ceiling joists will no longer be visible making the roof space hazardous to anyone attempting to enter. However it is possible to arrange for additional joists and floor boarding to be fixed via a local joiner to help maintain your storage area.

Spray applied or injected PU foam (commonly known as spray foam) has a K-value in the range of 0.025 to 0.028w/mK and as such provides extremely high insulation values. Spray foam is produced on site using specialist machinery by fully trained, approved installers to ensure quality control and performance. Spray foam insulation products can be closed cell or open cell. Closed cell has a lower thermal conductivity, can be used for stabilisation, has less air leakage and stops the passage of water.

Uncontrolled leakage of air through gaps in dwellings, in general results in unnecessary heat loss and discomfort to the occupants from draughts. One of these routes is through gaps around windows and doors, and draught proofing can greatly reduce this leakage. On cold windy days, which are very common in this country, draughts can be easily identified, by holding the back of your hand close to the perimeter of the door or window you will soon locate where the cold air is coming from. However, it's not just cold windy days when you will be losing your valuable heat, as the warm air you build up inside your property is leaking through gaps all of the time.

Cavity Wall Insulation stores the heat within the inner walls, bouncing it back into the room and holding it for longer. This gives you a more even temperature and gets rid of the draughts that come down from the walls. The cavity wall is injected with insulating material by drilling holes in the external wall, through the mortar joint. Holes are generally of 22-25mm diameter and are 'made good' after injection. Each hole is injected in turn, starting at the bottom. Before the installation, the installing firm will undertake an assessment of your property to confirm that it is suitable for insulation.