Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can sometimes be complicated, so ensure that insulation requirements are taken into consideration throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are normally being changed into a habitable room, the modified space will need to meet building regulations for thermal efficiency, which stipulate a U-value for the rate of heat loss through an area. These values are set differently for walls, floors, windows and roofs, with flat roofs required to satisfy a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is often cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The hardest element of insulating a loft conversion is usually the limited space. Space saving insulation methods are often used in loft conversions as these should offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, verify that there is a sufficient amount of space available for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will have an impact on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights will need to be insulated adequately. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these could have to satisfy a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.