GBIS–Great British Insulation Scheme
What is the Great British Insulation Scheme?
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government-led initiative aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in eligible homes across the UK. The program focuses exclusively on adding or upgrading home insulation, offering free or discounted installation. It complements the existing ECO4 Scheme, which provides additional energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying low-income households.
Through GBIS, a range of insulation options are available, including:
- cavity wall insulation.
- internal or external solid wall insulation.
- loft insulation.
- flat or pitched roof insulation.
- underfloor insulation.
- solid floor insulation.
- park home insulation.
- room-in-roof insulation.
How does insulation help me save?
The Energy Saving Trust reports that the average household spends over half of their energy bill on heating and hot water. However, a significant portion of that heat is lost through windows, walls, roofs, and other areas of the home.
Insulating your home is like wrapping it in a warm, cosy blanket. It helps to retain the heat you generate, reducing the strain on your boiler and making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature. This not only saves energy but also cuts down on heating costs, making your home more efficient and cost-effective.
Loft and roof insulation.
There are multiple areas in your home where insulation can be added, but the roof and loft are particularly important. According to the Energy Saving Trust, approximately 25% of heat is lost through the roof, making loft insulation an excellent starting point.
For homes without loft conversions, it’s recommended to install mineral wool insulation to a depth of 270mm across the loft space. This insulation should be placed between the joists, with any board flooring laid on top—ensuring it doesn’t compress the insulation
Mineral wool insulation is widely available at DIY stores and is relatively straightforward to install yourself if your loft is easily accessible.
If your loft is converted into a living space, the walls and ceiling will need to be insulated. Flat ceilings can use standard loft insulation, while sloping ceilings and vertical walls require solid board roof insulation. Unlike mineral wool loft insulation, roof insulation typically requires professional installation and tends to be more costly.
Wall insulation
Walls are another major source of heat loss in homes. According to the Energy Saving Trust, approximately one-third of all heat escapes through the walls—even more than through the roof. However, unlike loft insulation, wall insulation is not a DIY job and is typically more expensive to install.
When it comes to wall insulation, the type of insulation is more critical than the amount. There are two main types of wall insulation, and it’s essential to determine which is suitable for your home.
Most homes built after the 1920s have cavity walls, which require cavity wall insulation. Older homes, typically built before the 1920s, usually have solid walls and need solid wall insulation. Solid wall insulation can be installed internally or externally, depending on the property, but it is often more disruptive and costly to install. Combining it with other renovation or redecorating work can help minimise inconvenience.
For unconventional properties, such as timber-framed houses, specialist advice is recommended, as these homes may not be suitable for standard cavity or solid wall insulation.
Floor insulation
In most homes, insulating the ground floor is sufficient, as heat naturally rises to warm the upper floors. However, if you have rooms above unheated spaces like garages, workshops, or basements, it’s a good idea to insulate those areas as well.
Modern homes typically have solid concrete ground floors, while older properties may have suspended timber floors.
To determine your floor type, check if you have access to a basement or crawl space. If you can see joists and the underside of floorboards, you likely have a suspended timber floor. For homes without access below the ground floor, lift a corner of the flooring (including underlay) to inspect. Another indicator is the presence of ventilation bricks in the walls below ground level, visible from outside the house—this usually suggests suspended timber floors.
For homes without access below the ground floor, you will need to lift up a corner of the flooring (including underlay) to check. Another clue is if there are ventilation bricks in the walls below the ground floor level that are visible from outside the house. This means you probably have suspended timber floors.
Insulating a suspended timber floor is generally more affordable, as mineral wool can be placed between the joists and secured with netting. This is a relatively simple DIY project, and materials are readily available at DIY stores.
For solid floors, rigid insulation must be professionally installed. The insulation can be placed beneath the floor if the concrete is being replaced or above it, though the latter option may raise the floor height. Be aware that this could result in uneven floor levels between rooms or misalignment with existing skirting boards and doors.
Green Energy Sense are committed to helping you reduce your energy bills. Working directly with the UK’s leading energy companies; we can offer free insulation, heating grants, heat pumps and solar panels via the ECO4 and ECO4 Flex schemes.