Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be complicated, so ensure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are usually being changed into a habitable room, the modified space will need to satisfy building regulations for thermal efficiency, which identify 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. Much like insulating many areas, it is generally cost effective to insulate past the building regulations requirement as it will help save on your energy bills. The most difficult aspect of insulating a loft conversion is usually the limited space. Space saving insulation methods are frequently used in loft conversions as these should offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, be sure that there is ample space available for both the conversion itself and the specified insulation, as the insulation will lower 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 have to conform to a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.