Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be tricky, so be sure that insulation requirements are considered throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are typically being changed into a habitable room, the new space will need to satisfy building regulations for thermal efficiency, which specify a U-value for the amount 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. Much like insulating many areas, it is typically cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The most challenging aspect of insulating a loft conversion is typically the limited space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently employed in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, be sure that there is plenty of space available for both the conversion itself and the necessary insulation, as the insulation will influence the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights should be insulated adequately. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may well have to meet a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.