Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be complicated, so ensure that insulation requirements are taken into account throughout the procedure of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are commonly being changed into a habitable room, the modified space should meet building regulations for thermal efficiency, which state 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 typically cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it will save on your energy bills. The most difficult part of insulating a loft conversion is usually the constrained space. Space saving insulation materials tend to be employed in loft conversions as these will provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, ensure that there is enough space designed for both the conversion itself and the mandatory insulation, as the insulation will have an impact on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights will have to be insulated adequately. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may have to meet a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.