The Ultimate Guide to Insulation for Businesses: Everything You Need to Know

Running a business means you’re always on the lookout for ways to save money and make your premises more efficient. Insulation might not seem like the most exciting topic, but for SME owners, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make.

Whether you’re looking to reduce your business energy costs, improve the comfort in your office, or boost your building’s energy efficiency, proper insulation is a real game-changer.

What is insulation?

In simple terms, insulation is a material placed inside walls, roofs, floors, and windows to stop heat from escaping or entering your business premises.

The more effectively your business is insulated, the less energy you’ll need to keep it at a comfortable temperature, which can help lower your energy bills and your business's carbon footprint.

The type of insulation you choose depends on the layout of your building and what you’re hoping to achieve — whether that’s saving energy, reducing noise, or both!

What does insulation do?

Insulation isn’t just about keeping the heat in; it has a whole lot more benefits that make it an absolute must for any business.

• Retain heat — First things first, insulation is mainly used to retain heat. During the colder months, insulation prevents heat from escaping through walls, floors, and ceilings. This means you can keep your premises warm without having to crank up the heating, which saves you money and reduces your overall energy consumption.
• Reduces energy loss — Heat naturally wants to escape from your building, and without insulation, this happens through cracks, gaps, and poorly sealed areas. Insulation fills in those gaps, so your heating or cooling systems don’t have to work as hard.
• Improves temperature regulation — Insulation helps maintain a stable temperature inside your building, making it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A steady indoor temperature not only makes your workspace more comfortable but also means you won’t have to rely as heavily on air conditioning or heating, saving money in the process.

Why does my business need insulation?

You might be wondering: “Is insulation really necessary for my business?” The answer is a resounding yes.

• Cost savings — With proper insulation, your heating and cooling systems don’t have to run as often, which cuts your energy usage. And with energy costs on the rise, this can mean savings on your monthly utility bills.
• Energy efficiency — By using less energy to keep your space comfortable, you’re improving your business’s overall energy efficiency. Not only does that save money, but it also helps your business become more environmentally friendly — a win-win!
• Comfort — Insulation creates a more comfortable environment for both your employees and customers. You won’t have to worry about cold draughts in the winter or stuffy heat in the summer. Instead, your business will feel just right, no matter the season.
• Future-proofing — As energy prices continue to climb, insulating your business is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your bottom line. Plus, it’s a smart way to prepare for any future regulations around energy use and sustainability.

What insulation types are suitable for businesses?

When it comes to the right type of insulation, there’s a wide range of options to choose from depending on the business you run and the size of your premises.

Spray foam insulation

This is one of the most popular choices for businesses because it’s quick to install and incredibly effective.

Spray foam expands when applied, filling all the nooks and crannies and creating a solid barrier that stops heat from escaping. It’s perfect for more hard-to-reach areas, like wall cavities and attics.

Fibreglass insulation

This is the most cost-effective and widely used option, especially for wall cavities, floors and ceilings.

Fibreglass is made up of tiny glass fibres and provides excellent thermal performance, keeping your building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Mineral wool insulation

Often used in commercial buildings for both heat and sound insulation, mineral wool is fire-resistant, making it an excellent option for more industrial spaces.

Foam board insulation

Ideal for flat roofs or walls, foam board is lightweight and easy to install. It offers high thermal resistance and is perfect for larger buildings, warehouses, and other commercial properties that need high-performance insulation.

Reflective or radiant barrier insulation

This type of insulation is usually used in buildings with attics or roofs that heat up quickly, like warehouses or factories.

It works by reflecting heat away from the building, keeping the interior cooler and reducing air conditioning costs.

How to get insulation installed for your business

Getting insulation installed for your business is easier than you might think.

Start by getting in touch with a professional insulation provider who can assess your premises and recommend the right type of insulation for your needs. Most companies will provide a free quote and guide you through the installation process, but it’s best to double-check before you get in touch.

Professional installation is usually the best option because it means your insulation is fitted correctly.

Can you install insulation yourself?

If you’re handy with DIY, you may be able to install some types of insulation, like fibreglass, yourself.

However, more complex systems like spray foam should always be left to professionals. They can make sure everything is properly sealed and that the insulation is applied where it’s most needed, meaning you’ll get the best results.

Do all businesses need insulation?

Yes, all businesses should have some form of insulation, regardless of the type of building or industry.

Whether you’re running an office, a bustling coffee shop on a high street, or moving stock in a warehouse, insulation helps save on energy bills and keeps temperatures just right.

It’s a simple way to reduce overhead costs and make your business more sustainable.

How to maintain your business insulation

Keeping your insulation in good shape means it continues to save energy and money for years to come. While it doesn’t need much attention once installed, a few simple checks every now and then can help spot any issues early and prevent costly problems down the road.

• Low upkeep — Once installed properly, insulation usually doesn’t require much maintenance, meaning you can focus on running your business without extra hassle.
• Scheduled inspections — Aim to check your insulation every 2-3 years to make sure it’s still in good condition and performing well.
• Key spots to check — Pay extra attention to areas prone to wear or damage, like attics, basements, around windows and doors, or any places where moisture might get in.
• Signs of trouble — Look for gaps, cracks, compressed sections, or damp and mouldy patches, as these can reduce the insulation’s effectiveness and lead to higher energy bills.
• Prompt repairs — If you find any damage or wear, arrange repairs as soon as possible to keep your premises comfortable and efficient.

How much does insulation for business premises cost?

The cost of insulation will vary depending on the size of the property you're insulating and the type of insulation you're fitting (for instance, loft insulation is generally cheaper than solid wall insulation). To give you an idea of how much you could pay, here are some estimates from The Renewable Energy Hub website:

• Loft insulation - £500 for an average-sized loft space
• Floor insulation - £1,000 for a house-sized floor space
• Cavity wall insulation - between £500 and £3,000
• Solid wall insulation - internal wall insulation is about £5,000. External wall insulation is between £9,000 and £13,000

If you need to insulate your premises, it's worth checking to see if you're eligible for any business grants. The Ofgem website has a good breakdown of what's on offer.

Does having insulation reduce your business energy bills?

Insulation can help to cut your business energy bills by minimising heat loss and reducing the amount of energy needed to keep your premises at a comfortable temperature. Insulation helps keep heat in during colder months and cool air in during warmer months, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling. 

The amount you save will depend upon your premises and the size of your business energy bills, but research from the Federation of Small Businesses suggests that "a well-insulated building can help to cut the cost of heating and cooling by up to 40%, whilst also reducing your carbon dioxide".

Can insulating your business premises impact your insurance?

Did you know that properly insulated buildings might even help lower your business insurance premiums?

Insulation reduces the risk of issues like damp, mould, and condensation, which can lead to damage over time. This can make your building less risky for insurers, potentially leading to lower premiums. 

It’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if insulation can help cut your costs.

Is insulation a legal requirement for businesses in the UK?

Yes, but this depends. In the UK, all commercial properties must meet certain energy efficiency standards, and this is where your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) comes into play.

If your property has a low EPC rating (below an E), insulation could be one of the easiest ways to boost that score.

How long does business insulation last?

Insulation is built to last, and in most cases, it can last for several decades without needing to be replaced.

However, the effectiveness of your insulation can be impacted by a whole range of factors like moisture, pests, or physical damage, so it’s a good idea to check your insulation every 2-3 years to make sure it’s still performing to a high standard.

Save on your energy bills with Bionic

Insulating your business is one of the smartest ways to save money, improve your EPC rating, and make your operations more energy efficient. Whether you choose spray foam insulation, fibreglass, or any other type, the benefits are clear.

Ready to start making your business more energy-efficient? Take a look at our business energy page to learn more, or head over to our energy guides to find everything from eco-friendly energy-saving solutions to information on the price cap and more.