For homes in cold climates, the most effective insulation solutions combine strong thermal performance with good airtightness to minimise heat loss in cold, exposed conditions. In most Scottish builds and renovations, this typically means mineral wool loft insulation, PIR rigid insulation boards and cavity wall insulation systems. These products are widely used to help meet Scottish Building Standards and achieve the required U-values for roofs, walls and floors.
In this guide, we explore the best insulation options in more detail, including recommended product types, thickness guidance and practical advice from a leading builders merchant in Scotland.
What is the Best Insulation for Cold Weather?
In cold UK weather, the best insulation is one that combines strong thermal resistance with reliable moisture performance. In Scotland and other northern regions, insulation must reduce heat loss while standing up to damp conditions, wind-driven rain and temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Rigid PIR Insulation Boards
Rigid PIR insulation boards are widely regarded as one of the most effective solutions for cold environments. PIR boards offer excellent thermal performance for their thickness, making them ideal where space is limited, such as roof conversions, floors and solid wall upgrades. Foil-faced options such as the 150mm Foil Faced PIR Board and 140mm Foil Faced PIR Board are commonly specified to help achieve target U-values in roofs and floors. Their closed-cell structure helps limit moisture absorption, which is especially important in exposed UK climates.
Mineral Wool Insulation
For loft spaces, mineral wool insulation remains the most cost effective and widely used solution.
Products such as the Earthwool Loft Roll 44 Combi 100mm are popular choices. While mineral wool does not achieve the same thermal performance per millimetre as PIR, it performs exceptionally well in terms of breathability, fire resistance and acoustic insulation. Options such as 100mm Acoustic Wool and the Knauf Acoustic Insulation Roll are also commonly used in internal partitions.
Insulated Plasterboard
Upgrading a solid internal wall? Insulated plasterboards can provide a practical and space efficient solution. By combining insulation and plasterboard in one product, boards such as the Thermal Board 2400 x 1200mm reduce installation time while improving thermal performance in older properties where external insulation may not be suitable.
What is the Standard Insulation in Scotland?
The standard insulation used in Scotland has evolved massively over the last decade, driven by stricter building regulations and energy efficiency targets. New-build homes are now required to meet high thermal performance levels, often incorporating a combination of PIR insulation boards, mineral wool, and insulated plasterboard systems.
In lofts, we find mineral wool is the most popular choice because it's affordable, easy to install, and features strong thermal and acoustic properties.
For walls, cavity wall insulation using mineral wool is standard in many homes, while solid wall homes, especially those of older Scottish housing stock, increasingly rely on internal wall insulation systems using PIR or insulated plasterboards.
Is It Worth Having More Than 270mm Loft Insulation?
A lot of homeowners wonder if adding more than the commonly recommended 270mm of loft insulation is worthwhile. If you live in the north, the answer very well might be a yes.
Increasing loft insulation beyond 270mm can further reduce heat loss, stabilise indoor temperatures, and lower heating costs during prolonged cold spells. The benefits are most noticeable in homes that rely heavily on heating throughout winter.
Contact Us For Further Advice on Cold Climate Insulation
Insulating a property for northern UK climates is not about selecting a single product. It is about choosing the right solution for each part of the building and making sure everything works together to achieve the required thermal performance and U-values.
We hope this guide has given you a clearer understanding of the best insulation products available. If you need help selecting the right insulation, calculating quantities or meeting current Building Standards, our team is on hand to offer practical, trade-focused advice. Get in touch, and we will help you choose the right products for your project.