Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be tricky, so be sure 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 new space must fulfil 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 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 typically the limited space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently utilised in loft conversions as these will offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, make certain that there is enough space available for both the conversion itself and the required insulation, as the insulation will have an effect on 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, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may well have to fulfl a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.