Free Insulation for Park Homes
Park homes (also known as mobile homes or residential park homes) are some of the hardest homes to heat in the UK. Their lightweight construction means heat escapes rapidly through thin walls, floors, and roofs. The good news: ECO4 and GBIS now cover park homes, providing free insulation specifically designed for these structures.
| Insulation Type | What It Does | Typical Savings |
|---|---|---|
| External wall cladding | Rigid insulation boards + weather-resistant cladding fitted to outside walls | £200-£400/year |
| Floor insulation | Insulation fitted beneath the park home's suspended floor | £100-£200/year |
| Roof insulation | Over-roof system or insulation above existing ceiling | £100-£200/year |
Why Park Homes Need Specialist Insulation
Park homes are fundamentally different from brick-built houses. Standard insulation methods don't work. Here are the unique challenges:
- Single-skin walls — park homes have thin walls with no cavity, so cavity wall insulation is impossible
- Suspended floors — the floor sits above the ground on a chassis, with cold air circulating underneath
- Lightweight roofs — minimal insulation in the original construction, often just a thin layer
- Thermal bridging — the metal chassis and frame conduct cold into the home
- Condensation risk — poor insulation causes warm air to meet cold surfaces, creating damp and mould
- Structural weight limits — insulation must be lightweight to avoid overloading the structure
ECO4 installers who specialise in park homes use approved insulation systems engineered specifically for lightweight timber and metal construction. These are not the same products used in brick-built houses.
External Wall Cladding
External wall cladding is the most impactful insulation measure for park homes. The process involves:
- Fitting rigid insulation boards to the outside of the existing walls
- Covering the insulation with weather-resistant cladding (typically PVC or composite)
- Sealing all joints to prevent draughts and moisture ingress
- Improving the appearance of the park home (many residents say it looks brand new)
External cladding typically takes 3-5 days to install and can reduce wall heat loss by up to 50%. It also provides an additional layer of weather protection.
Floor Insulation
Park home floors lose significant heat because they're suspended above the ground. Floor insulation involves fitting rigid insulation boards or spray foam to the underside of the floor. Skirting around the base of the park home is also improved to reduce cold air circulation underneath.
Important: There are approximately 85,000 park homes in England alone, and most were built before modern insulation standards. If your park home was built before 2005, it almost certainly qualifies for insulation improvements under ECO4.
Roof Insulation
Park home roofs are often the weakest point for heat loss. Two main approaches are used:
- Over-roof system — a new insulated roof built over the existing one, creating an air gap and adding significant insulation
- Internal ceiling insulation — insulation added above the existing ceiling (reduces room height slightly)
An over-roof system is generally preferred because it also provides better waterproofing and doesn't reduce internal space.
Who Qualifies for Free Park Home Insulation?
You qualify for free park home insulation through ECO4 if you receive a qualifying benefit:
- Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Income-based JSA or income-related ESA
- Child Tax Credit (income below £16,480)
- Working Tax Credit (income below £16,480)
Through GBIS, park homes in council tax bands A-D can qualify for free insulation with no benefits requirement.
Site Owner Permission
If you own your park home but rent the pitch, you will typically need the site owner's permission for external work such as wall cladding and over-roof systems. Most site owners are happy to agree because insulation improves the appearance and value of homes on their site. The ECO4 installer will handle the consent process for you.