Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be complicated, 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 new space will have to meet 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 having to meet a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is normally cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it will help save on your energy bills. The hardest aspect of insulating a loft conversion is generally the limited space. Space saving insulation methods are in many cases found in loft conversions as these will offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, be sure that there is enough space designed 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 should be insulated adequately. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these might have to comply with a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.