Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can sometimes be complicated, so be sure that insulation requirements are considered throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are normally being changed into a habitable room, the new space will have to satisfy building regulations for thermal efficiency, which state a U-value for the speed of heat loss through an area. These values are set differently for walls, floors, windows and roofs, with flat roofs being required to satisfy a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is typically cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The most challenging part of insulating a loft conversion is typically the restricted space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently used in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, make sure that there is adequate space available for both the conversion itself and the specified 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 care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may have to comply with a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.