Loft Conversion Insulation

Insulating a loft conversion can sometimes be tricky, 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 should fulfil building regulations for thermal efficiency, which define 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 beyond the building regulations requirement as it will help save on your energy bills. The trickiest facet of insulating a loft conversion is often the restrained space. Space saving insulation materials are frequently utilised in loft conversions as these should provide good insulation despite being very thin. When planning a loft conversion, check that there is ample space available for both the conversion itself and the specified 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 attention when planning insulation, especially with flat roofed dormer windows, as these may well have to comply with a different U-value than the surrounding pitched roof.