Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can sometimes be difficult, so be sure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are commonly being converted into a usable room, the new space will have to meet building regulations for thermal efficiency, which establish 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 meet a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is generally cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The trickiest element of insulating a loft conversion is usually the restricted space. Space saving insulation methods tend to be found in loft conversions as these will offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, make certain that there is enough space available for both the conversion itself and the necessary insulation, as the insulation will have an affect on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights should be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may have to meet a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.