When it comes to roofing and insulation, it’s not just about keeping heat in, it’s also about keeping nature safe. In the UK, bats are a protected species, and many of them find their homes in lofts, attics, and roof spaces. As roofers and builders know, carrying out refurbishment or insulation work can sometimes disturb roosting bats, and that’s where bat-friendly insulation comes in.
At TLX Insulation, we’ve worked closely with conservation experts and building professionals to develop TLX Batsafe, a unique solution that allows essential roof upgrades to happen without harming local bat populations.
Bats are an essential part of our ecosystem, acting as natural pest controllers and indicators of a healthy environment. In the UK, all bat species and their roosts are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.
That means it’s illegal to disturb, capture, or destroy a bat roost, even if bats aren’t currently present. For builders and roofers, this can make roofing projects more complex, especially during insulation or re-roofing works.
Bat-friendly insulation offers a way to balance compliance, conservation, and comfort.
(Learn more about bat protection laws at Bat Conservation Trust)
TLX Batsafe was designed to make sure roof insulation projects can go ahead responsibly. It provides effective thermal performance while allowing bats to continue roosting safely within the roof structure.
Developed in collaboration with Natural England and The Bat Conservation Trust, TLX Batsafe is the UK’s only insulation system that has been independently tested and approved for use in roofs where bats are present.
It combines a breathable, energy-efficient membrane with a design that prevents entanglement or obstruction, one of the key risks when working around roosting bats. The result? Builders and roofers can upgrade energy efficiency without compromising ecology or legality
One project that highlights the value of TLX Batsafe took place at Spring Hall in Halifax. The historic building had shallow rafters, and there was a potential presence of bats in the surrounding area. Removing or disturbing any bats wasn’t an option due to legal and ethical considerations.
Instead, the roofing team installed TLX Batsafe, a breathable, bat-friendly membrane, beneath the roof structure. This maintained airflow, provided a safe space for bats, and delivered effective thermal performance.
After installation, heat loss was reduced by 82%, improving the building’s energy efficiency while preserving the integrity of the structure. The project was praised for demonstrating best practice in combining sustainability, heritage conservation, and wildlife protection.
Working on roofs that host bats doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, roofers can protect both their clients and the environment.
Here are a few practical steps to follow:
Bat-friendly insulation isn’t just about protecting wildlife, it’s about creating buildings that work in harmony with nature. By using breathable, energy-efficient materials like TLX Batsafe, builders reduce carbon emissions while helping preserve biodiversity.
It’s a small step that has a big impact: warmer homes, lower bills, and thriving local ecosystems.
As sustainability continues to shape modern construction, solutions that combine thermal efficiency and ecological awareness are setting the new industry standard.
At TLX Insulation, we believe good building practice means thinking beyond the structure, it’s about protecting the life within and around it. With TLX Batsafe, roofers, builders, and conservation specialists can confidently deliver projects that meet regulations, improve performance, and safeguard wildlife.
If you’re planning roof work in a bat-sensitive area or want to learn more about how TLX Batsafe supports sustainable building, get in touch with our team or visit www.tlxinsulation.co.uk.
Together, we can build better, for people, for homes, and for bats.
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