Banbury Firm Urges MP to Back Loft Insulation to Slash Energy Bills

A Banbury business is calling for greater investment into loft boarding and insulation to help homeowners cut down on their bills this winter amid rising costs to energy prices.

Amazing Lofts estimate more than eight million UK homes exist without any form of loft insulation, with most other properties leaking warm air through the roof due to compressed rolls of mineral wool.

Its team says ineffective insulation can cost homeowners an extra £370 each year on their energy bills.

Educate and Insulate

Efforts to educate and insulate the nation are now being stepped up after it was announced Ofgem’s energy price cap would increase to its highest level for three years next month, costing a typical household £60 a year on top of what they currently pay.

It prompted Banbury MP Sean Woodcock to visit the Amazing Lofts team and learn more about the effectiveness of professionally fitted insulation and boarding by installing his first store floor.

Kevin Baker, CEO of Amazing Lofts, said: “Energy bills have increased by a third in the last decade.

“Despite significant cost of living challenges, millions of us continue to live in properties which only meet basic insulation standards dating back to the 1970s.

“Insulated loft spaces are the woolly hats to our homes. They keep rising warm air in our living spaces when temperatures drop and block external heat from entering our homes during the summer heatwaves.

“We know 25% of heat in our homes escapes through the roof, and that a third of people have never entered their loft. It’s why every homeowner should prioritise checking if their loft insulation is sufficient before the winter starts to bite and our finances are affected by rising energy costs.

“We were pleased to welcome Sean to our Banbury headquarters to explain this and how such investment can help the Government deliver its Warm Homes Plan.”

Reduced Energy Bills

Kevin also warned homeowners living in properties fitted with protection to check their insulation is not compressed.

The warning comes after the National Physical Laboratory found compressed loft insulation can reduce its thermal performance by more than half.

He said almost all cases of loft insulation being flattened are caused by households storing seasonal items such as Christmas trees, camping equipment and luggage on top of rolls of mineral wool.

Dave Raval, Director of the National Warm Homes Council, developed a raised loft system crafted from recycled plastic so homeowners can continue to store their goods without risking damage to their insulation.

Dave added: “Having professionally fitted loft insulation and boarding in your loft space will reduce your energy bills.

“Although the Government’s £15 billion Warm Homes Plan has been rubberstamped with good intention, it will only be effective if the proposed solutions perform in the long-term.

“Raised loft boarding protects insulation from compression, which is why it is critical the Government appreciates a genuine requirement to install boarding above the top line of insulation.

“Otherwise, we are exposing ourselves to installing widespread sticking-plaster solutions.

“We are grateful to Sean for his time and hope his visit and new understanding can drive new knowledge to the Government and help reduce bills across the UK.”

Sean Woodcock MP added: “It was great to visit Amazing Lofts in Banbury and get hands-on experience installing raised boarding.

“Seeing the straightforward difference that proper, uncompressed insulation makes highlights how targeted local solutions can help residents manage energy costs.

“Practical steps like these can be crucial for improving energy efficiency in our homes, and I thank the team at Amazing Lofts for having me along to see this first-hand.”

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