Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be complicated, so be sure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are usually being changed into a usable room, the new space should fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which stipulate 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 needing to meet a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is often cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it can help save on your energy bills. The most difficult facet of insulating a loft conversion is typically the limited space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently utilised in loft conversions as these should provide 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 required insulation, as the insulation will have an effect on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights should be insulated adequately. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may have to conform to a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.