Ceiling Insulation & Energy Efficiency Upgrade — Cosham, Portsmouth

Project Overview

British Builders was appointed by Birnbeck Housing Association to deliver a full-property ceiling insulation and thermal efficiency upgrade at a residential property in Cosham, Portsmouth. The project formed part of the housing association’s energy-efficiency improvement programme, with the objective of enhancing thermal performance, reducing heat loss, and improving internal finishes throughout the home. All works were required to meet current building regulations and energy-efficiency standards while minimising disruption to the occupants.

Scope of Work

● Site setup and safe working arrangements

● Supply and installation of 150mm Rockwool insulation between ceiling joists throughout the property

● Reboarding of all identified ceilings using 12mm plasterboard, mechanically fixed with 38mm drywall screws to ensure strength and compliance

● Application of a full skim coat plaster finish to all newly boarded ceilings, providing smooth, paint-ready surfaces

● Sealing of all ceiling perimeters with flexible, paintable sealant to reduce air leakage and improve thermal efficiency

● Full loft insulation upgrade, including an additional 200mm top-up layer, achieving a combined insulation depth of approximately 350mm in line with current energy-efficiency recommendations

● Associated ceiling patch repairs, corner detailing, and edge finishing to ensure a consistent, high-quality finish

● Garage roof repairs to address potential water ingress and improve long-term weather resistance

● Removal of all waste materials and responsible disposal

● Final clean-down, leaving all areas safe and ready for decoration

Areas Covered

● Garage ceiling

● Loft room

● Back bedroom

● Bathroom

● Front bedroom

● Living room

● Kitchen

● Hallway and stairs (three levels)

● Downstairs W/C

● Airing cupboard

● Loft (overlay insulation)

Challenges & Solutions

Working within occupied accommodation
The property remained in use during the works. Our team carefully phased activities room-by-room, maintaining cleanliness and safety while ensuring minimal disruption to the residents.

Achieving compliance across multiple ceiling types
The property contained varying ceiling structures across different levels. We tailored fixing methods and insulation installation techniques to each area, ensuring consistent compliance, strength, and performance throughout.

Energy-efficiency targets
To meet current best-practice standards, we installed a combined 350mm of loft insulation and implemented full air-sealing to ceiling perimeters, significantly reducing heat loss and improving thermal retention.

Final Outcome

All approved insulation, ceiling upgrade, plastering, and garage roof repair works were completed successfully and to a high professional standard. The property now benefits from significantly improved thermal and acoustic
performance, smooth and uniform ceiling finishes, and enhanced energy efficiency throughout.

All works were completed in line with the agreed scope, current building regulations, and housing association standards. The site was left clean, safe, and ready for final decoration, with waste materials fully removed and disposed of responsibly.

Client Feedback

“I am happy with the work undertaken today by British Builders and confirm the works were completed to a high
standard.” – Mark Vokes