With almost a third of British homes leeching heat out through uninsulated lofts, the potential to save the nation’s householders millions of pounds easily and cheaply is enormous. Yet despite government campaigns to address the issue, families are still paying over the odds every year on heating bills, says European insulation specialist Actis.

Statistics highlighting the staggering number of homes which are thermally inadequate come from the Department of Energy and Climate Change. And while figures may have altered slightly since the report was issued in the summer of 2013, the fact remains that around 7.4 million homes in the UK have minimal – if any – insulation in their roofs. To translate that into pounds, shillings and pence that means your average three bedroom gas centrally heated semi spews out about £212 of heat through its roof every year.

Actis technical manager, Thomas Wiedmer, said "For around £745, including labour, the uninsulated roof of a 60s semi can see its U-value improve elevenfold to 0.18/m2K. Achieving this would require approximately 50m2 of vapour control layer HControlHybrid and 90mm honeycomb insulation Hybris at a cost of £625. As it’s quick and easy to install this would take only one and a half man days – at an approximate cost of £120.”