Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be tricky, so make sure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are typically being changed into a habitable room, the converted space must fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which define 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 needing to meet a different value to pitched ones. Much like insulating many areas, it is normally cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it’ll help save on your energy bills. The most difficult part of insulating a loft conversion is generally the restricted space. Space saving insulation materials tend to be used in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, make sure that there is adequate 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 must be insulated sufficiently. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these could have to satisfy a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.