Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can sometimes be tricky, so make sure that insulation requirements are considered throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are typically being converted into a habitable room, the converted space will need to meet building regulations for thermal efficiency, which stipulate 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 normally cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The hardest facet of insulating a loft conversion is often the restrained space. Space saving insulation methods tend to be employed in loft conversions as these will provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, ensure that there is enough space available for both the conversion itself and the specified insulation, as the insulation will affect the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights will have to be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these might have to meet a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.