Loft Insulation
Loft Insulation
Find out more about insulating your roof space
energy efficiencyLoft Insulation (or
Roof Insulation) is an absolutely essential part of an energy efficient home. Heat rises, and heat passes through roof tiles very easily. If your attic or loft is not well insulated you will be sending enormous amounts of expensively heated air through your roof leaving you cold and the birds with warm feet. Effective roog insulation is worth at least 20% on your heating bill, and so the costs can be paid off in just a year or two - one of the fastest efficiency paybacks.
Insulating a loft is a simple DIY task or you can employ the services of a professional. 100% grants are available in many regions. The insulation fills in the gaps between the roof joist ideally up to a depth of at least 6 inches (150mm). In the UK, new buildings must be insulated to a depth of 8 inches (200mm). There are a few different options to choose between: blanket insulation, sheet insulation, and blown fibre insulation.
Blanket Insulation comes on rolls which fit tightly between the joists. Various depths are available. It used to be made of fibre glass, but now it is usually made of synthetic materials which are not so dangerous to handle.
Sheet Insulation (e.g. Kingspan or Celotex) is more expensive, and generally used to insulate the sloping underside of the roof rather than the attic floor. This form of insulation is vital in loft conversions, and it can be covered with plasterboard to give a nice finish.
Blown Fibre Insulation is usually installed by a professional. The fibrous pieces (often made of flame retardant recycled paper or wool) are blown between the joists using a hose. It is therefore a very quick process.
Article Last Modified: 12:27, 14th Dec 2006
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