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Best Insulation for Older Hampshire Homes: Why SuperFOIL Is Becoming the Go-To Choice (2026 Guide)

  • Writer: Olivia Harris
    Olivia Harris
  • Dec 11, 2025
  • 5 min read

Older homes are a defining part of Hampshire’s character — from Victorian terraces and Edwardian semis to cottages, farmhouses and pre-1930s solid-wall properties. However, these homes are notorious for poor energy efficiency. Heat loss through lofts, roofs, walls and floors makes them harder to heat, more expensive to run and less comfortable during the colder months.


As we move into 2026, more homeowners are searching for the best insulation for older UK homes, particularly solutions that are effective, slim, easy to install and suitable for traditional buildings. One insulation system now standing out is SuperFOIL, a high-performance multi-foil insulation designed to tackle many of the challenges older homes present.


This guide explains why SuperFOIL is becoming a leading choice for Hampshire homeowners, how it works, and why it outperforms many traditional insulation materials in older properties.


Why Older Hampshire Homes Struggle With Heat Loss

Understanding the construction of older properties helps explain why insulation upgrades are so important.


1. Solid Walls Instead of Cavity Walls

Many Hampshire homes built before the 1930s have solid brick or stone walls, which are naturally poor at retaining heat.


2. Limited or Outdated Loft Insulation

Older lofts often contain:

  • Thin layers of ageing insulation

  • Patchy or compressed material

  • Uninsulated areas around tanks, pipes or wiring


3. Draughty Roof Spaces

Traditional roof structures and timber frames allow heat to escape and cold air to enter freely.


4. Older Windows and Frames

Single glazing and early-generation double glazing both contribute to high heat loss.


5. Moisture and Ventilation Imbalances

Older buildings often struggle with condensation, damp penetration or poor airflow.

All of these factors mean insulation upgrades can deliver massive improvements to warmth, comfort and overall home performance.


What Is SuperFOIL Insulation?


SuperFOIL is a multi-layer foil insulation designed to deliver high thermal performance with a slim, flexible construction. Unlike traditional insulation, which relies mainly on thickness, SuperFOIL uses a combination of reflective layers and air pockets to stop heat escaping.


How SuperFOIL Works:

  • Reflective foil layers bounce heat back into the home

  • Internal air pockets trap warmth

  • Built-in vapour control helps prevent condensation

  • Lightweight construction allows easy installation in tight spaces


This design makes SuperFOIL an ideal match for older UK homes where space is limited and structures are uneven.


Why SuperFOIL Is Becoming a Top Choice in 2026 for Older Homes

Below are the key reasons why SuperFOIL is increasingly favoured over mineral wool, rigid insulation boards and other traditional options.


1. Excellent Thermal Performance Without Bulk

One of the biggest challenges in older houses is the lack of space — especially:

  • Narrow lofts

  • Tight rafter spaces

  • Uneven stud walls


SuperFOIL provides high performance in a slim profile, making it far more efficient in places where thicker insulation simply won’t fit.


2. Ideal for Loft and Roof Insulation


Lofts are one of the main areas where older properties lose heat. SuperFOIL is especially effective because:

  • It performs well where depth is restricted

  • It reflects radiant heat back into the home

  • It stabilises temperatures throughout the year


It can be installed:

  • Between rafters

  • Over joists

  • As part of a hybrid insulation system


This flexibility is particularly valuable in older roofs with awkward shapes or limited access.


3. Suitable for Walls Without Losing Room Space


Because solid-wall properties lack cavities, homeowners often worry about losing floor space when adding internal insulation.


SuperFOIL works well behind:

  • Dry lining

  • Stud walls

  • Renovation boarding

  • Dormer walls


This means the home becomes warmer without sacrificing much interior space.


4. Effective Floor Insulation for Cold, Draughty Properties


Many older Hampshire homes experience cold floors due to:

  • Suspended timber floors

  • Unheated spaces beneath rooms

  • Stone or tile floors with no insulation beneath


SuperFOIL can be installed under floorboards or floating floors to improve comfort significantly.


5. Lightweight and Easy to Install in Difficult Areas


Traditional insulation materials can be:

  • Bulky

  • Messy

  • Hard to manoeuvre in small lofts or tight voids


SuperFOIL’s lightweight structure allows installers to fit it efficiently, even in confined or awkward areas common in older properties.


6. Works Well as a Hybrid System


Many older homes already contain mineral wool or other older insulation materials. SuperFOIL can be used alongside these systems to create a high-performance hybrid installation, enhancing the benefits without needing a full removal.


7. Built-In Vapour Control Helps Prevent Moisture Problems


Moisture control is crucial in older homes, especially those with:

  • Sloping ceilings

  • Dormers

  • Roof voids

  • Solid walls

SuperFOIL includes vapour control layers that help reduce:

  • Condensation

  • Damp

  • Mould growth

  • Interstitial moisture issues


This is particularly valuable in older Hampshire homes that naturally struggle with airflow and moisture balance.


How SuperFOIL Compares With Traditional Insulation

SuperFOIL vs Mineral Wool

Feature

SuperFOIL

Mineral Wool

Thickness needed

Slim

Thick

Ease of installation

High

Moderate

Mess/dust

Very low

High

Air permeability

Controlled

High (leaks heat)

Suitability for older homes

Excellent

Limited

SuperFOIL vs Rigid Insulation Board

Feature

SuperFOIL

Foam Board

Flexibility

High

Low

Weight

Very light

Heavy

Install in tight spaces

Excellent

Poor

Vapour control

Built in

Not always

Fit for uneven timbers

Excellent

Difficult

SuperFOIL typically performs better in older properties where nothing is perfectly straight or evenly spaced.

Where SuperFOIL Delivers the Greatest Benefits


Lofts and attic rooms

Roof slopes and rafters

Dormer cheeks

Internal walls during renovation

Floors above cold spaces

Extensions on older properties


These areas often offer the biggest improvements in comfort and warmth.


Is SuperFOIL Worth It for Older Homes?

Yes — for most older properties in Hampshire, SuperFOIL is one of the best insulation upgrades available.


Key benefits:

  • Strong thermal performance

  • Slim installation depth

  • Excellent moisture control

  • Easier installation in awkward locations

  • Works as part of hybrid insulation systems

  • Suitable for roofs, walls and floors

Homeowners often report noticeably warmer rooms, reduced draughts and a more stable indoor temperature throughout the year.

Conclusion: Why SuperFOIL Is the Smart Insulation Choice for Older Hampshire Homes in 2026

Older homes demand insulation that can cope with structural quirks, limited space and varying moisture conditions. SuperFOIL insulation offers:


✔ High performance without bulk

✔ Flexible installation

✔ Moisture resistance

✔ Compatibility with existing materials

✔ Suitability for roofs, walls and floors


For Hampshire homeowners renovating or upgrading older properties, SuperFOIL is quickly becoming the go-to solution for improving warmth, comfort and long-term energy performance.


Thinking About SuperFOIL for Your Home? Contact Murrell Bros


Murrell Bros specialise in installing SuperFOIL insulation in older Hampshire homes, including cottages, terraces, loft rooms and full renovations.


We offer:

✔ Loft and roof insulation

✔ Wall and floor insulation

✔ Insulation upgrades during refurbishments

✔ Expert guidance based on your property’s age and structure

✔ Free, no-obligation quotes


Get in touch with Murrell Bros today for professional SuperFOIL installation tailored to your home.

 
 
 

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