Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be difficult, so ensure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are typically being changed into a usable room, the converted space should fulfil 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 needing to meet a different value to pitched ones. Just like insulating many areas, it is generally cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it can help save on your energy bills. The hardest facet of insulating a loft conversion is usually the constrained space. Space saving insulation materials are in many cases used in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, check that there is a sufficient amount of space designed for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will affect the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights need to be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these might have to conform to a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.