Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can often be tricky, so make sure that insulation requirements are considered throughout the process of planning your loft conversion. As loft conversions are commonly being changed into a habitable room, the new space should meet building regulations for thermal efficiency, which specify 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 being required to satisfy 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 challenging element of insulating a loft conversion is usually the restrained space. Space saving insulation materials are often used in loft conversions as these will provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, ensure that there is plenty of space available 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 need to be insulated adequately. These areas require extra care when planning insulation, particularly with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may well have to satisfy a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.