Did you know a significant part of heat loss that occurs in your home is through the roof, the un-insulated part of most homes? You can save up to* 50% by learning how to insulate a loft.
If you are looking to transform your loft space into something more usable, such as storage or to create a new habitable space to ease space pressures on the rest of your home, then you will need to ensure that you are insulating the loft in line with guidance laid out in the Building Regulations.
Insulating the Loft area of your home also helps in maintaining the temperature, air movement, and moisture formation inside the house. Therefore, it does not matter how much the outside temperature changes; an adequately insulated loft can help your home retain heat for longer duration and keep it warm.
So, what we have done is made a guide on how to insulate a loft to help you and answered your most frequently asked questions such as:
What is loft insulation?
What is the best method to insulate my loft?
How to insulate a loft the right way?
How much is loft insulation?
Table of Contents
What is loft insulation?
The right loft insulation creates an air barrier within your roof space. Dependent on the insulation product it can be applied along your loft or attic floor between the horizontal beams, also known as joists or it can be applied between the angled beams, known as the rafters, that offer the roof structural support.
The loft insulation generally depends on the type of roof present in your home. For example, sloping roofs are quite straight forward, and there are plenty of insulation options suitable for this roof structure.
On the other hand, if you have a flat or dormer roof, this can be more challenging to insulate, however is still possible. Knowing how to insulate a loft is helpful, especially if you’re considering getting it done. In winter, the right loft insulation creates a warmer home and in summer it can create a more cool, relaxed space.
Loft Insulation’s other benefits include:
- Reduces your carbon footprint
- Reduces heating bills
- Improves energy efficiency rating
- A more comfortable home
- Eliminates drafts & condensation
Why is loft insulation Important?
Loft insulation is the most practical & cost-effective way to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce your energy costs. If you are renovating your home or building a new one, you need to have a proper loft insulation done according to new Building Regulations.
The right loft insulation is important as most homes lose a considerable amount of the heat through their roof due to poor / insufficient insulation, resulting in higher energy bills, colder nights, condensation and drafts.
Another important aspect is that Loft Insulation helps in controlling and regulating the temperature of a property. This means the building will be cooler in summers and warmer when it is cold outside. This leads to improved comfort for anyone inside the property, a healthier place to live/work and decrease in energy consumption.
One of the main reason people generally don’t insulate their lofts is that they want to use it as storage. Traditional insulation materials require a higher thickness than the joists of the attic, making it difficult to use the area after the insulation. But with recent technological advancement new insulation techniques such as spray foam insulation, can quickly resolve issues like these, as spray foam insulation requires much less thickness to provide similar insulation values and thermal conductivity, according to the Which.co.uk
3 Popular Ways in the UK on How to insulate a loft?
When it comes to insulating your loft, there are a few different methods used by installers. We have outlined 3 of the most popular methods that have been used by homeowners across the UK for the last few years.
- Fibreglass Loft Insulation – As I’m sure you’ve heard; this is generally used for the structures that are open and easy to access. Fibreglass rolls or batts are laid down along the floor or in the rafters of the loft. In order to be completely effective, fiberglass insulation must be cut carefully around obstacles such as power sockets. Which can be incredibly time-consuming. (this insulation method has become outdated and can start sagging as time passes. When installing fiberglass be sure to wear protective wear to protect yourself from the “silver” released from fiberglass. This can cause skin irritation.)
- Cellulose Loft Insulation – cellulose loft insulation is mostly made of shredded papers which are blown over the surface in the loft area to be insulated. Cellulose insulation in installed into your loft using an insulation blower. The fibers flow through a long hose and are blown / sprayed into your loft space. The blown cellulose is prone to create dust that is blown into the holes or inadequate seals around fixtures, this can be a health hazard.
- Spray Foam Insulation – Spray foam has changed the dynamics of the home insulation industry. It has revolutionized how loft insulation is done for both residential and commercial properties. Icynene spray foam is a BBA, BDA, KIWA, and Energy Saving Trust approved, product. Icynene spray foam insulation, after application between the rafters, expands 100 times, creating an air-tight seal. This Air barrier seals any cracks on the surface, thereby reducing further condensation in your loft and eliminating mould growth as well. Air seal also works in trapping the heat for long inside your home, which in turn keeps your house warm for longer duration lowering your energy cost.
With so many types of loft insulation in the market, we are here to help you make the right decision.
How much is loft insulation?
Another question that is important while deciding on how to insulate your loft is “how much is loft insulation?”. Generally, there is no straight answer to this question as there are many variables involved while calculating the total loft insulation cost for your property. It depends on many factors such as: –
- Overall size and condition of your loft.
- Type of insulation material used.
- How much U value you need to achieve?
- Labor costs
- Is breathable membrane required?
- Other work, if any needed to be done on your loft before starting the project.
To find out how much loft insulation would be for your home, simply contact and we will offer you a complimentary free quote, where we send out a member of our team free of charge to give you a quote that is valid for 12 months.
What is Spray Foam Loft Insulation?
It’s a no brainer… when professional installers spray it at rafter level, it seals the home creating an air-tight warm roof and loft structure which contributes to keeping your home warm in winter, cool in summer whilst lowering heating and cooling costs and thereby saving on energy costs up to 50%, which can’t be achieved with traditional insulation! Once applied, Icynene spray foam expands to 100 times, creating an air-tight barrier which seals all the cracks and gaps on the surface. This creates a superior insulating layer which keeps your property warm by trapping the heat for long-duration inside your property.
Two types of spray foam insulation:
- Open-cell: This is breathable and expands to 100 times when sprayed onto the surface. It allows moisture and air to move quickly in your loft, resulting in the elimination of any condensation issues in the area. This type of spray foam insulation is highly recommended for homes having wooden rafters.
- Closed-cell: This is a conventional spray foam insulation featuring rigid foam. It becomes rigid after its application. It does not permit moisture or air to pass through and is recommended for metal and steel surfaces.
Benefits of spray foam loft insulation
- Energy bill saving: Spray foam insulation will air seal your roof and loft and help prevent heat loss; which will make it cheaper to warm your home up in the extreme winter and keep cool during the summer, therefore helps you save money every year. By providing U-Value insulation as well as good air sealing, it cuts your home’s energy loss.
- Increased comfort. The comfort is increased of your home as spray foam loft insulation develops a barrier sealing all cranny and cracks, reducing drafts and cold bridging. It also reduces outdoor noises and noisy indoor rooms. Giving you peace of mind, and a more comfortable home.
- Better health. Asthma, allergies, and other sensitivities are caused due to airborne irritants. Using spray foam loft insulation means the safety of your home is assured from pollutants in the air. Also eliminating mould growth.
Evergreen Power UK is Icynene accredited and BBA approved spray foam insulation installer and contractor covering whole of United Kingdom. We have many years of experience in completeing thousands of spray foam insulation for residential and commercial customers. Call us Today 0800 689 1894 or click below to get a FREE Quote valid for 12 months.
