What Is Insulation – And Which Type Do I Need?

Your go-to guide from Wood Green Timber

Insulation is one of the most important materials in any build — it keeps homes warmer, reduces noise, and improves energy efficiency. But there’s more than one kind, and choosing the right type for your project depends on where you’re using it and what you need it to do.

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of insulation, what they’re made for, and which ones we stock (or can order) at Wood Green Timber.

What Does Insulation Actually Do?

Insulation helps slow the transfer of heat and sound through walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs. Some insulation is designed for thermal performance (keeping heat in or out), while others are built for acoustic control (reducing noise between rooms or properties).

Good insulation can help:

• Lower energy bills

• Improve comfort all year round

• Meet building regulations

• Reduce noise between rooms or homes

Types of Insulation – Which One Should I Use?

1. Loft Roll (Quilt Insulation)

• Best for: Laying between loft joists in ceilings or cold roof spaces

• Format: Pre-cut mineral wool or glass fibre rolls

• Brands: We stock Isover

• In stock? Yes – common thicknesses available

Quick, easy and affordable — ideal for topping up lofts to meet insulation regs.

2. Insulation Board (PIR Foam)

• Best for: Floors, walls, flat roofs, behind plasterboard

• Format: Rigid foam sheets, usually foil-faced

• Brands: Celotex, Ecotherm, Recticel

• In stock? Some stock held – most options available to order

High performance, low thickness. Great for tight voids or when space is limited.

3. Acoustic Insulation (Soundproofing)

• Best for: Party walls, media rooms, home offices, stud walls

• Options:

  • RWA45 acoustic slabs (high density, rigid)

  • APR (Acoustic Partition Roll) – softer, flexible roll

• In stock? RWA45 often in stock – APR available to order

Blocks airborne noise and improves sound privacy between rooms or properties.

4. Hybrid / Multifoil Insulation (Roof-Specific)

• Best for: Pitched roofs, loft conversions, tight rafter spaces

• Format: Foil-faced honeycomb or layered insulation

• Brand: We stock Actis Hybris

• In stock? Yes – or can order to spec

Lightweight and great for hard-to-reach roof areas without adding bulk.

5. Insulated Plasterboard

• Best for: Drylining cold walls while insulating in one go

• Format: Rigid PIR board bonded to plasterboard

• In stock? Available to order

Popular for refurb jobs and improving thermal performance in older homes.

Not Sure What You Need?

Whether you’re insulating a loft, building a stud wall, or tackling a roof, we’ll help you choose the right insulation — and tell you exactly what else you need to go with it.

We stock:

• Loft roll, acoustic insulation, hybrid roof insulation

• Insulation boards (PIR) – in stock or quick to order

• Plasterboard, stud timber, foil tape, fixings and more

Wood Green Timber — all the right materials, and honest advice to match.