Between & Under Rafter · ECO4 Support

Pitched Roof Insulation UK — Improve Roof Energy Efficiency

Pitched roof insulation helps reduce heat loss through your roof by insulating between or under the rafters. It improves indoor comfort, supports better energy efficiency and can help lower heating bills for Manchester homes.

Why It Works

Why Insulate Your Pitched Roof in Manchester?

Pitched roofs lose significant heat through poorly insulated loft spaces. Pitched roof insulation — installed between or under rafters — keeps your home warmer and reduces energy bills.

Lower Energy Bills

Reduce heat loss through the roof — typically saving around £200–£400 per year on heating, depending on your property and usage.

Improved Comfort

Consistent temperatures throughout your home — no more cold rooms or draughts from upstairs rooms.

ECO4 Grants Available

Eligible homeowners may receive fully funded pitched roof insulation — the ECO4 scheme runs until 31 December 2026, and eligibility is income- and benefits-linked.

Condensation Control

Properly installed insulation with the right ventilation prevents roof space condensation, protecting timbers from rot.

Insulation Types

What Types of Pitched Roof Insulation Do We Offer?

Between Rafter Insulation

Insulation installed between roof rafters, leaving rafter depth visible. Suitable for lofts used for storage or occasional access. Requires 100–150mm rafter depth.

Under Rafter Insulation

A continuous insulation layer installed across (below) the rafters, eliminating thermal bridging. Best for loft conversions or habitable spaces — reduces room height by around 50–100mm.

Combination (Between + Under)

Maximum thermal performance — both between and under rafters, typically achieving U-values as low as around 0.15 W/m²K. Best for the highest energy efficiency.

Materials

What Insulation Materials Do We Use?

Choosing the right insulation material for pitched roofs is essential for thermal performance, moisture control, and long-term durability. The choice depends on whether insulation is installed between rafters, under rafters, or in combination.

PIR Board (e.g. Celotex, Kingspan)

Best for: between and under rafters · Typical U-value: 0.18–0.22 · Typical thickness: 50–150mm

Excellent thermal efficiency in a slim profile — ideal for modern pitched roof upgrades where space is limited and high performance is required.

Mineral Wool

Best for: between rafters (cost-effective) · Typical U-value: 0.22–0.30 · Typical thickness: 100–200mm

Widely used for its affordability, fire resistance, and acoustic benefits — most suitable for standard loft upgrades.

Phenolic Foam

Best for: under-rafter high-performance systems · Typical U-value: 0.15–0.18 · Typical thickness: 50–100mm

One of the best thermal performances available, achieving high efficiency with minimal thickness — ideal for space-restricted roof designs.

Spray Foam Insulation

Best for: complex roof shapes and hard-to-access areas · Typical U-value: 0.18–0.25

Expands to fill gaps and irregular spaces, creating an airtight seal — useful for older or uneven roof structures. A note of caution: some mortgage lenders and surveyors scrutinise spray foam in roof spaces, so we only recommend it where genuinely appropriate, with full specification and documentation provided.

Typical performance shown. The exact material, thickness and achieved U-value are confirmed at your free survey and specified to meet UK Building Regulations for your roof construction.
Ventilation Matters

Why Is Ventilation Critical for Pitched Roof Insulation?

Without proper ventilation, condensation causes damp and rot in roof timbers. We assess and design appropriate ventilation for your roof type.

Ventilation Requirements by Roof Type

  • Cold roof (insulation between joists at ceiling level): ventilation at eaves and ridge — 10–25mm continuous gap
  • Warm roof (insulation between/under rafters): ventilation above the insulation — 50mm void between insulation and roof deck
  • Loft conversion: ventilation to the roof void behind insulation — 50mm void with airflow from eaves to ridge

Ventilation Options We Design With

  • Eaves vents (soffit or over-fascia)
  • Ridge vents (continuous ridge ventilation)
  • Tile vents or slate vents
  • In-line ventilation fans for loft conversions
  • MVHR (mechanical ventilation with heat recovery) for airtight conversions
The Process

How Is Pitched Roof Insulation Installed in UK Homes?

1

Free Consultation

  • We assess your roof construction, rafter depth, ventilation, and access
2

Design

  • We specify insulation type, thickness, and ventilation requirements
3

Preparation

  • Install eaves vents (if missing)
  • Install ridge vents (if required)
  • Clear existing insulation (for between-rafter work)
4

Installation

  • Between rafters: PIR board cut to fit, mechanically fixed or bonded, joints sealed with foil tape, 50mm ventilation gap maintained above
  • Under rafters: counter battens fitted, PIR board fixed across rafters, joints sealed, plasterboard installed over the insulation
5

Completion

  • Certification provided
  • Advice on future use of your loft space
Indicative Costs

How Much Does Pitched Roof Insulation Cost in the UK?

The cost depends on the property type, roof size, insulation method, and whether insulation is installed between or under rafters. Many households may qualify for ECO4 funding — eligibility is income- and benefits-linked — which can significantly reduce or fully cover installation costs.

Property typeIndicative costECO4 fundingYour cost if fully fundedBest for
Terraced house£800–£1,500Up to 100% if eligibleFrom £0Victorian & Edwardian terraces
Semi-detached house£1,000–£2,000Up to 100% if eligibleFrom £0Medium-sized family homes
Detached house£1,500–£3,000Up to 100% if eligibleFrom £0Larger homes with higher heat loss
ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026. Funding depends on household income, benefits status, EPC rating and a technical survey — where it does not cover the full cost, a contribution may be required. We confirm a fixed-price quote after your free survey, before you commit.
Why Choose Us

Why Choose Compliant Retrofits for Pitched Roof Insulation?

Choosing the right installer for pitched roof insulation is essential to ensure proper ventilation, energy efficiency, and long-term roof performance. We deliver fully compliant, high-quality insulation systems designed specifically for UK housing stock.

Ventilation Experts

We carefully assess roof ventilation to prevent condensation, damp buildup, and timber decay — proper airflow design ensures your insulation works efficiently without trapping moisture.

ECO4 Grant Specialists

We manage the full ECO4 process — eligibility checks, documentation, and application support — helping eligible homeowners access fully funded or subsidised insulation upgrades.

BBA-Approved Quality Materials

We only use certified, BBA-approved insulation materials that meet UK Building Regulations — for long-term durability, thermal efficiency, and compliance.

Professional Installation

All work is carried out by trained professionals with a focus on accuracy, safety, and compliance — insulation correctly fitted between or under rafters for maximum performance.

Free Consultation

A no-obligation property assessment to evaluate your roof structure and recommend the most suitable insulation system for your home.

Pitched Roof FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Pitched Roof Insulation in the UK

What is the difference between between-rafter and under-rafter insulation?

Between-rafter insulation fits between the existing rafters, leaving the rafters themselves as small thermal bridges. Under-rafter insulation is a continuous layer across the rafters, eliminating thermal bridging and providing better overall performance.

Do I need ventilation with pitched roof insulation?

Yes. Proper ventilation prevents condensation and rot — we assess and design the right ventilation for your roof type as part of every installation.

Can I use my loft for storage after pitched roof insulation?

With between-rafter insulation, yes — storage remains possible on the ceiling joists. With under-rafter insulation, room height is slightly reduced, but the whole space becomes usable as a habitable area.

Is pitched roof insulation eligible for ECO4 grants?

You may qualify if you receive qualifying benefits or meet ECO4 Flex criteria through your local authority — ECO4 runs until 31 December 2026. Contact us for a free eligibility check.

Get Started

Ready to Insulate Your Pitched Roof in the UK?

Book your free consultation today — or simply contact us to discuss your pitched roof insulation project.

Unit 26, Longsight Business Park, 69 Hamilton Road, Manchester, M13 0PD·compliantretrofits.co.uk·Serving customers across the UK