Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be difficult, so be sure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are normally being converted into a habitable room, the modified space will have to fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which specify 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 typically cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it will help save on your energy bills. The hardest part of insulating a loft conversion is typically the restricted space. Space saving insulation methods are often used in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, ensure that there is plenty of space designed for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will affect the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights will need to be insulated adequately. These areas require extra attention 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.