The Ultimate Guide to YBS Insulation: Which Multi-Foil Do You Really Need?
If you’ve spent any time poking around a cold loft or a drafty extension lately, you’ve likely come across the name YBS. Based right here in the UK, they’ve become the go-to for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing a warm home. But if you’re looking at their massive range for the first time, it can feel a bit like reading a foreign language. SuperQuilt, BreatherQuilt, AirTec—what’s the actual difference, and which one will stop your heating bills from vanishing through the roof?
In this guide, we’re stripping away the marketing jargon to give you the honest truth about YBS insulation. Whether you’re a DIYer in a Fenland cottage or a developer working on a new build in the city centre, here is everything you need to know.
What is YBS Insulation? (The “What” and “Why”)
At its simplest, YBS produces multi-foil insulation. Unlike that itchy glass wool or those bulky PIR boards (think Kingspan or Celotex) that you’ve probably wrestled with before, multi-foils are thin, flexible, and made of multiple layers of foil and wadding.
The clever bit is how it works. While traditional “thick” insulation just slows down heat moving through it, YBS foils reflect heat back into your room in the winter and keep the sun’s heat out in the summer. It’s essentially a high-tech thermos flask for your entire house. Because it’s so thin, it’s a total game-changer for barn conversions or loft rooms where every inch of head height is precious.
YBS SuperQuilt vs. Traditional Insulation: The Honest Comparison
We get asked this all the time: “Can I really swap 100mm of rigid board for a bit of foil?” The answer is yes, but with a caveat. To get the best out of YBS SuperQuilt, you need an air gap.
- Space Saving: Traditional boards are brilliant, but they are unforgiving. If you have shallow rafters, you end up losing half your room just to meet Building Regs. SuperQuilt is only about 40mm thick but can perform like much thicker glass wool when installed with the proper battening.
- The “Itch” Factor: If you’ve ever spent a Saturday covered in glass wool fibres, you’ll know why people love YBS. It’s clean, doesn’t require a mask to handle, and won’t leave you scrubbing your skin for three days afterwards.
- Airtightness: One thing YBS does better than boards is creating a continuous “envelope.” You can tape the seams with foil tape, meaning no cheeky drafts can whistle through the gaps.
Choosing the Right Roll: SuperQuilt vs. Lite vs. Trade
Not all YBS products are created equal. Choosing the wrong one is a classic “penny wise, pound foolish” mistake.
1. YBS SuperQuilt (The “Gold Standard”)
This is the big hitter. It’s the highest-performing multi-foil on the market and is fully Agrément Certified (BDA) and LABC registered. If you are going through a formal Building Control inspection for a loft conversion or an extension, this is the one you want. It has 19 layers and offers the best U-value (the measure of heat loss) per millimetre.
2. YBS SuperQuilt Lite
Think of this as the younger sibling. It’s thinner and easier to handle, making it a dream for DIY projects like insulating a garden office or a conservatory roof where you aren’t necessarily trying to meet strict “New Build” regulations but just want to stay warm.
3. YBS Trade / AirTec
These are often double-bubble foils. They are fantastic for “wrapping” a house or adding a quick thermal boost to a shed, but they won’t reach the same thermal heights as SuperQuilt. Use these for budget-friendly upgrades rather than major structural renovations.
Step-by-Step: How to Install YBS Insulation for Roofs and Walls
You don’t need a PhD in engineering to fit this, but you do need to be precise.
- Measure and Cut: Use a sharp pair of heavy-duty scissors or a specialized foil cutter. Cut the quilt into lengths that fit your run.
- Staple to the Rafters/Studs: Start at the top. Use 14mm staples every 300mm. Pull it taut—you don’t want it sagging like an old clothesline.
- The Overlap: This is where most people mess up. You must overlap each layer by at least 50mm.
- Tape the Joins: Use genuine YBS Foil Tape. This isn’t just for show; it creates the vapour barrier that prevents condensation. If you skip the tape, you’re asking for damp issues down the road.
- Create the Air Gap: Nail 25mm battens over the foil. This gap is where the “magic” happens, allowing the foil to reflect the heat. Then, you can screw your plasterboard directly to the battens.
Meeting UK Building Regulations with YBS
If you’re doing work in Cambridgeshire, you know the local Building Control officers can be a bit particular. The good news is that YBS SuperQuilt is widely accepted for both new builds and refurbishments.
To pass your inspection, you usually need to prove the U-value of your wall or roof. Because every house is different (brick vs. stone, 4-inch rafters vs. 6-inch), YBS offers bespoke U-value calculations.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to meet a specific target, we often recommend a “hybrid” system. Use a thin layer of PIR board between the rafters and a layer of SuperQuilt over the face. It’s the “belt and braces” approach that inspectors love.
Frequently Asked Questions (The “Nitty Gritty”)
Does YBS insulation cause condensation?
Only if you install it poorly. Because it acts as a vapour barrier, it actually prevents damp air from reaching your cold timbers. However, you must tape every single joint and staple hole. If air leaks through, that’s when you get trouble.
Can I use it on floors?
Absolutely. SuperQuilt is brilliant under suspended timber floors. It stops the drafts coming up through the floorboards—something anyone living in an old Victorian terrace will appreciate.
Is it fire-rated?
Yes, YBS products are tested to the latest UK fire standards (Class E or better depending on the specific product). It’s designed to be safe within the fabric of your building.
How many rolls do I need?
A standard roll of SuperQuilt covers 15 square metres (1.5m x 10m). Always buy about 10% more than you think you need to account for those 50mm overlaps and the odd “oops” moment when cutting.
Summary: Is it Worth the Investment?
In the current climate, insulation is the best “money in the bank” investment you can make for your home. While YBS SuperQuilt costs more upfront than a bag of mineral wool, you save it in labour time, lack of mess, and—most importantly—the extra floor space you gain.
If you’re sick of a “fridge-cold” spare room or a conservatory that’s a sauna in July, YBS is the answer. It’s a British-made solution that actually works for our specific (and often miserable) UK weather.
Need a hand with your project?
We’ve been supplying YBS to locals and trades across the UK for years. If you’re unsure about which roll fits your specific roof pitch or wall type, give us a shout or check out our current YBS Pallet Deals to save a few quid on larger builds.