Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be tricky, so ensure that insulation requirements are considered throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are usually being converted into a habitable room, the modified space will need to fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which state a U-value for the amount 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 generally cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it can save on your energy bills. The most challenging aspect of insulating a loft conversion is typically the restricted space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently used in loft conversions as these should offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, check that there is enough space available for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will have an effect on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights will need to be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these could have to satisfy a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.