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 frequently being converted into a habitable room, the new space will need to fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which designate 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 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 will help save on your energy bills. The most difficult part of insulating a loft conversion is generally the restrained space. Space saving insulation materials are in many cases found in loft conversions as these will offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, make certain that there is a sufficient amount of space available for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will have an affect on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights must be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may well have to conform to a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.