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Buildings wrapped with top insulation material are warmer and more comfortable. Insulation helps make your house warm in winter and cool in summer. It’s an easy but effective way to keep a steady temperature. Good insulation can also improve your home’s energy performance rating and lower energy bills.
The UK Government launched the Great British Insulation Scheme in 2023 and will run until 2026. It aims to improve the warmth and comfort levels of low-income households in the UK.
The UK government has promised £1 billion in funding for the GBIS, which is designed to decrease heat and energy loss from leaky homes.
As every building varies, many top material insulation choices are offered under the free insulation plan. Ensure you get the best possible results for your house. Creating a temperature better between your property and the outside world takes skill and planning. You can get top material insulation installed for free with free insulation grants. Find out more about insulation choices and whether you could be qualified for financial help.
Understanding the GBIS, Free Insulation Grant Scheme
In the UK, free insulation grants are available under the GBIS, a government-backed project. This project primarily aims to accomplish the government’s goal of being net carbon neutral by 2050. However, it also aims to fight fuel poverty across the UK.
The Great British Insulation Scheme was created to help low-income families in the UK. The government plans to make homes more energy efficient and lower heating bills.
Only some people can apply. The GBIS has specific qualifying requirements.
Generally, it splits into two groups of people:
Group 1: General Group
Home-Owners
- Live in a home in Council Tax band A to D (England), and EPC grade is D to G.
- Live in a home in Council Tax band A to E (Scotland & Wales) and have an EPC grade of D to G.
Home-Owners
- Live in a privately-rented home in Council Tax band A to D (England) AND have an EPC grade of D or E.
- Live in a privately-rented home in Council Tax band A to E (Scotland & Wales) AND have an EPC grade of D or E.
Group 1: General Group
To be qualified for the Low-Income Group, you must receive at least one of the following benefits:
- Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit Saving Credit
- Child Benefit
If you fall between the above qualifying criteria, you can get a free insulation grant under GBIS. Therefore, it does not have to be returned. And you will not be required to pay the insulation cost or anything. At Berks Insulation, we will handle the process from start to finish for you. This includes ensuring the grant and installation through our trained engineers.
Types of Insulation Covered Under The GBIS
The GBIS offers free grants for different types of insulation. The main available insulation types are outlined below:
- Loft Insulation
- Cavity Wall Insulation
- External wall Insulation
- Solid Wall Insulation
- Internal Wall Insulation
- Room In Roof Insulation
Top Insulation Materials Available Under The Free Insulation Grants
Here are some leading insulation materials specifications available through the GBIS scheme.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass is one of the most demanding and popular building insulation materials. It is recycled glass used for different reasons in properties. Fibreglass is known for reducing heat movement. Therefore, the grants for free loft insulation in the UK can be used to install it free of cost.
Benefits
- Fibreglass insulation helps control room temperatures. It saves homes money on heating and cooling bills.
- Fibreglass soundproofing can lower outside noise pollution by up to 50% and keep bad air in or out of your home.
- Fibreglass is relatively cheap compared to other insulation products. However, it is free under GBIS.
- Most types of plastic are treated with fire-resistant material.
- Fibreglass comes in different forms (batts, rolls, or loose-fill). This makes it ideal for various building parts, such as crawl areas, attics, or walls between studs.
Mineral Wool
Mineral wool is insulation like fibreglass. This is made of natural materials. There are two types of mineral wool. One is rock wool, which consists of fibres of natural stone (basalt or diabase, for example). Another is slag wool, which consists of fibres made from iron ore waste. Like fibreglass, mineral wool is sold in batts and as loose fill. For many years, mineral wool was Europe’s most widely used type of insulation.
Benefits
- Mineral wool is naturally moisture-resistant. It keeps its insulation features even when wet.
- Sound is stopped much more by mineral wool. So, the interior of a building suffers less from auditory attacks.
- Mineral wool will not ignite until heat goes over 1,800°F (1,000°C). The padding acts as a fire shield. It will slow down house fires. And it can give the fire services more time to get things under control.
Foam Board Insulation
Foam board insulation has a variety of uses and is a flexible and lasting product. Generically speaking, insulation boards should keep their heat function so that the life of the board will not sag or delaminate. Foam boards are lightweight, making them approachable and fast to place. Remember that foam boards should be placed without holes for best heat performance. In addition to their heat efficiency, foam boards provide auditory sound-damping qualities. They can keep noise levels comfortable within your home.
Benefits
- Foam board insulation has multiple benefits. Its high energy economy is the most crucial benefit. Because it can significantly lower heating and cooling costs.
- Because complex foam board insulation is self-supporting. It will not lose over time like other types of insulation. This strength helps to keep a building running as planned years into the future.
- The material is also known for its wetness protection. That helps avoid mould growth and structure damage. Moreover, foam board material has less weight and is easy to install. Its flexibility allows it to be used successfully in different building uses. From roofs to basements, it is a complete soundproofing option.
Apply for Free Insulation Grants
Keep your home warm and energy-efficient with Loft Insulation Grants and Cavity Wall Insulation Grants
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Natural Insulation
A product with natural insulation options is available to meet every project’s requirements. Natural insulation includes hemp, jute, wood fibre, sheep’s wool, and cellulose/recycled paper.
Each type of natural insulation has vital characteristics that make it suitable for different applications. Unlike synthetic alternatives, natural insulation is safer to handle and install.
Natural insulation materials are suitable for all types of properties. Their absorbent material makes them indispensable in renovating historic and traditional buildings.
Benefits
- Cotton, hemp, and wool padding materials are naturally flexible. It promotes good indoor air quality and reduces the risk of allergies or sensitivities.
- Organic insulation materials are derived from renewable resources. They generally have a lower carbon footprint than conventional options.
- Natural insulation materials possess hygroscopic properties. That means they can absorb and release moisture. It also helps regulate humidity levels. This trait stops humidity, mould growth, and health-related problems.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose is a fibre insulation that covers old walls, opens new walls, and fills empty attic floors. Several businesses make cellulose insulation, which is mainly made from recycled newspapers. These small pieces form an insulation material that fits most areas without disturbing the structure or finish. Cellulose was one of the earlier insulations, but it became famous in the 1950s when fire protection was added to the cloth.
Benefits
- Cellulose doesn’t use any carbon gases as propellants.
- When blown into stud holes, cellulose gets into most of the nooks and crannies.
- Cellulose insulation is made from boric acid, borax, or aluminium sulfate. It offers protection against mould, pests, and fire.
The Bottom Line
Hence, to become carbon neutral, the UK GBIS-free insulation grant scheme aims to help inefficient homes across the UK. This scheme funds top insulation materials to improve their energy efficiency. Fibreglass, natural, and mineral wool are some top insulation materials. The best quality insulation material can improve the energy efficiency of UK homes. The onus is on all involved to expand their view on top insulation materials needed. Installing a top material insulation will perform the best home heating and cooling job. This can be achieved by stopping heat flow with quality materials. If you qualify for this scheme, take advantage of the chance to get free home insulation upgrades.
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