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 converted space must fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which state 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 required to satisfy a different value to pitched ones. As with insulating many areas, it is regularly cost effective to insulate beyond the building regulations requirement as it will help save on your energy bills. The most challenging part of insulating a loft conversion is typically the restricted space. Space saving insulation materials are in many cases employed in loft conversions as these should offer good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, check that there is adequate space designed for both the conversion itself and the specified insulation, as the insulation will have an affect on the ceiling height of the converted room. Dormer windows and rooflights should be insulated adequately. These areas require extra attention when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may have to meet a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.