Independent. Unbiased. Trusted. We built this platform because UK homeowners deserved better than commission-driven salespeople and manufacturer-funded comparison sites. Here’s exactly who we are, how we work, and why our scores are different.
The market problem — and our solution
The UK insulation market has a serious trust problem. The scale of it is larger than most homeowners realise.
Every year, thousands of UK homeowners have spray foam insulation installed on their roof timbers by commission-driven salespeople — despite spray foam’s well-documented mortgage risks and the existence of better alternatives at lower cost. The salespeople earn high commissions. The homeowners discover years later that their property is unmortgageable and face £2,500–£10,000 in removal costs.
Homeowners are advised to install cavity wall insulation without proper surveys confirming suitability. Some cavities are wet or contaminated — filling them without checking can trap moisture and cause serious structural damage. Yet the “comparison” sites that should be helping them are funded by the same installers recommending the work.
We built InsulationComparisons.co.uk to fix this. Our mission is simple: give every UK homeowner access to genuinely independent insulation information, so they can make decisions based on real data, not sales pitches.
Five factors. No manufacturer influence. Completely transparent.
Every insulation type on our platform is scored across five independent factors, each weighted equally at 20% of the total score. The methodology is consistent for every type — which is why spray foam scores 4.0/10 despite being thermally effective, and why foil insulation scores 8.5/10 despite costing more than basic fibreglass.
Lower upfront and installation cost scores higher. Foil and fibreglass loft insulation score best here. External wall insulation scores lower due to its high upfront cost, despite its comprehensive thermal improvement.
Thermal performance measured by heat reduction effectiveness and U-value improvement. Foil insulation and external wall insulation score highest. Spray foam performs well on this factor alone — but is dragged down by risk.
How long the product performs without replacement or degradation. Fibreglass mineral wool (40+ years) scores highest. Spray foam scores poorly here due to moisture interaction with roof timbers over time.
Lower risk scores higher. This is where spray foam falls dramatically. Its mortgage, resale, and structural risk profile pushes it to 4.0/10 regardless of thermal performance. Foil and fibreglass carry essentially zero risk.
Easier, less invasive installs score higher. Foil insulation and loft rolls score best. External wall insulation and spray foam score lower due to complexity and on-site time.
| Type | Score | Key Strength | Why Not Higher/Lower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foil Insulation | 8.5/10 | Balanced across all 5 factors | — |
| Fibreglass | 7.5/10 | 40+ year lifespan | Slightly less effective in draughty lofts |
| External Wall | 7.0/10 | Comprehensive wall improvement | High upfront cost reduces score |
| Cavity Wall | 6.0/10 | Addresses wall heat loss well | Survey dependency limits universality |
| Spray Foam ⚠ | 4.0/10 | Good thermal performance | Risk factor dominates all other scores |
Vetted partners. No broker networks. One contact only.
When you use our comparison tool, we match you with one vetted local installer — not a list of five companies who will all call you. Not a broker network. One installer, covering your specific postcode area, who has been assessed against our quality criteria.
Your data stays private. Your details are shared with one matched installer only — never sold to broker networks, call centres, or mailing lists. One installer. One contact. No pressure.
Situation: Homeowner received a spray foam quote of £1,800. They read our spray foam risks guide before signing. They discovered their lender was on a list of those who decline mortgages on spray foam properties.
Outcome: Used our comparison tool instead. Foil insulation installed for £480. No mortgage risk. Payback under 3 years.
Saved £1,320 upfront + avoided mortgage risk. Saving £200/yr ongoing.
Situation: Homeowner on pension credit with EPC rating E. No insulation in loft. Bills £1,900/yr. Had been quoted £450 by a private installer.
Outcome: Our matched installer checked ECO4 eligibility. Full foil insulation installed at zero cost to the homeowner under ECO4 funding.
Free installation. Bills reduced by £230/yr. Immediate positive return.
Enter your postcode, answer 4 quick questions, and get a personalised recommendation with savings estimates — then get matched with one vetted local installer for a free survey.
Check My Home in 30 Seconds →Check your home in 30 seconds. Personalised recommendation. Vetted local installer. No pressure.
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