Roof Insulation · Ireland · Residential roofing

Roof Insulation in Ireland: Attic, Rafter and Flat Roof

Free, no-obligation quotes for roof insulation. Attic insulation, insulation at rafter level during re-roofing, and warm roof insulation on flat roofs.

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Roof Insulation Work Covered

Heat rises, so the roof is one of the first places to insulate in an Irish home. Insulation goes either at ceiling level in the attic, at rafter level when the roof is stripped or the attic is converted, or above the deck on a flat roof.

Attic insulation

Insulation laid between and over the ceiling joists, with walkways and raised storage where needed.

Rafter-level insulation

Rigid or quilt insulation fitted between and under the rafters, usually during a re-roof or attic conversion.

Warm flat roofs

Insulation boards laid above the deck of a flat roof, under the new membrane.

Ventilation

Eaves and ridge ventilation keeps the cold roof space dry once insulation is added.

Pipes and tanks

Water pipes and tanks in a cold attic are lagged once the ceiling is insulated.

Draught sealing

Attic hatches and gaps around downlights and pipes are sealed and insulated.

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What to look for

Signs Your Roof Needs More Insulation

Thin attic insulation

Insulation that sits level with or below the top of the ceiling joists.

Cold upstairs rooms

Bedrooms that lose heat quickly once the heating goes off.

Condensation

Damp or mould on upstairs ceilings or on the underside of the roof.

Roof being replaced

A re-roof or flat roof replacement is planned, which is the best time to insulate.

Options

Cold Roof or Warm Roof

Cold roof

Insulation at ceiling level with a ventilated roof space above. The usual approach in Irish attics.

Warm roof (pitched)

Insulation at rafter level, keeping the roof space inside the insulated envelope. Suits attic conversions.

Warm roof (flat)

Insulation above the deck of a flat roof, so the structure stays on the warm side.

Before work starts

Rules and Standards to Know

Part L

Building Regulations Part L apply when a roof is renovated. Replacing a roof is the most practical time to bring insulation up to current standards.

Major renovation

Under TGD L 2019, when more than 25% of a home’s envelope is renovated, the whole home should be upgraded to a cost optimal level where technically, functionally and economically feasible.

Bats

All Irish bat species are protected. If bats roost in your roof space, works that disturb them need a derogation licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Asbestos

The Health and Safety Authority requires asbestos to be identified before maintenance or renovation starts on buildings from before 2005. Many older Irish roofs used asbestos cement slates.

Schemes

Grants That Can Help

These SEAI schemes can cover roof insulation on Irish homes.

SEAI Attic Insulation Grant

Fixed grants from SEAI for attic insulation on homes built and occupied before 2011: €2,000 detached, €1,500 semi-detached or end of terrace, €1,400 mid-terrace, €1,100 apartment.

Higher SEAI grant for first-time buyers

First-time buyers who bought on or after 1 January 2025, and homeowners on qualifying welfare payments, can get up to €2,500 for attic insulation from SEAI.

Warmer Homes Scheme

SEAI provides free energy upgrades, including attic insulation, to homeowners who get certain social welfare payments.

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Roof Insulation: Questions, Answered

How much is the SEAI attic insulation grant?

SEAI pays fixed grants of €2,000 for a detached house, €1,500 for a semi-detached or end of terrace, €1,400 for a mid-terrace and €1,100 for an apartment. Higher amounts apply to eligible first-time buyers and homeowners on qualifying welfare payments.

Who qualifies for the SEAI attic grant?

The home must have been built and occupied before 2011, have an MPRN, and not have had an attic insulation grant before at that MPRN. Work must be done by an SEAI registered contractor, grant approval is needed before work starts, and a post-works BER is required.

Is it worth insulating when I replace my roof?

Yes. With the roof open, insulation can be added at rafter level and ventilation corrected at the same time. Building Regulations Part L apply when a roof is renovated.

Does insulating the attic cause condensation?

It can if ventilation is not addressed. A cold roof space above new insulation needs airflow at the eaves and ridge, and gaps around hatches and downlights should be sealed.

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