Types of Loft Insulation: Sustainable & Breathable Solutions for Energy-Efficient Homes

At Unity Lime, we offer a range of sustainable loft insulation materials designed to improve your home’s energy efficiency while being environmentally friendly. Our breathable insulation systems are trusted across the UK for combining high thermal performance with eco-friendly properties.

With so many insulation types available, choosing the right one for your loft can be confusing. This guide breaks down the best eco friendly loft insulation materials we supply, helping you make an informed decision for your home.

1. Wood Fibre Insulation

Best for: Between rafters (flexible insulation like Pavaflex), loft sarking boards (rigid boards like Isolair Multi)

Wood fibre insulation is manufactured from timber industry by-products and compressed into breathable, dense panels. These boards provide excellent thermal mass, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Key benefits:

Superior heat storage capacity ideal for roof insulation
Breathable, vapour-open, and moisture-buffering
Environmentally friendly with low embodied carbon
Perfect for solid walls and roof constructions

2. Recycled Textile Insulation

Best for: Loft floors, underfloor insulation, and cavities

Pavatextil-P is made entirely from recycled textiles, offering a sustainable, breathable alternative for loft insulation. It delivers outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation.

Key benefits:

Made from 100% recycled textiles
Excellent thermal and sound insulation
Vapour-permeable and easy to install
Low embodied carbon.

3. Sheep’s Wool Insulation

Best for: Loft floors, between rafters, and general loft applications

Sheep’s wool is a natural, breathable insulator that regulates humidity, absorbs indoor pollutants, and is safe to handle.

Key benefits:

High thermal and acoustic performance
Moisture regulating and biodegradable
Renewable, safe to handle, and easy to install
Low embodied carbon.

4. Hemp Insulation

Best for: Between joists and rafters in loft spaces

Hemp insulation uses fibres from a fast-growing, low-impact crop. It offers natural resistance to pests and mould, is breathable, and fits perfectly within vapour-open building designs.

Key benefits:

Lightweight and easy to cut
Durable, mould-resistant, and pest-resistant
Breathable with excellent thermal qualities
Low embodied carbon due to sustainable farming

5. Cellulose Insulation (Recycled Paper)

Best for: Loose-fill insulation in loft floors or cavities

Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspapers treated with non-toxic fire retardants. It’s ideal for filling hard-to-reach spaces or topping up existing loft insulation.

Key benefits:

High recycled content and carbon-sequestering
Excellent air-tightness when densely packed
Provides good thermal and sound insulation
Low embodied carbon due to recycled materials

Unity Lime’s Breathable Loft Insulation System

At Unity Lime, we provide a complete breathable loft insulation system that combines premium sustainable materials like wood fibre boards and breathable membranes. Our system ensures optimal thermal performance, effective moisture management, and long-lasting durability. This system will help prevent common issues such as condensation, mould growth, and heat loss, making it suitable for both traditional heritage properties and modern homes.

Why Choose Sustainable Loft Insulation from Unity Lime?

Choosing natural loft insulation materials over conventional synthetic products helps:

Promote breathability to protect building fabric and indoor air quality
Reduce your home’s carbon footprint with low embodied carbon materials
Avoid moisture problems such as condensation and mould
Provide safer, chemical-free installation

Find the Best Loft Insulation Material for Your Home

Whether you’re upgrading a heritage property or building a new home, Unity Lime offers expert advice and a wide range of sustainable loft insulation options. Our dedicated technical team is here to help you select the perfect breathable insulation for your loft. The cost of loft insulation can be variable depending on the materials used and the size of the area, so get in touch if you’d like a no obligation quote today.