If the thought of winter bills is already giving you the chills, then now is the time to invest in insulating your home. As we discovered last week, around 25% of your home’s energy leaves through the roof. Here’s what you need to consider before deciding what to do.
Space
If you are a contender for Britain’s Greatest Hoarder, then your loft may already be packed with mementoes and a lifetime of “treasures” which you keep “just in case”. In order to use your loft for storage, boards need to be laid over the joists. Previously, when the regulations specified 100mm insulation, it was possible to lay insulation between the joists and board over. However, in order to meet the minimum 250-270mm that is now required, the floor level will need to be raised to accommodate the insulation underneath; it is also essential that the insulation is not squashed. This can be done by using plastic legs or wooden battens; your insulation specialist will advise the best options for your home.
Damp
Because insulation stops the warmth from leaving your loft, it naturally makes your loft space cooler. If you have damp in your loft, insulation could make the problem worse, or cause condensation. If there is any sign of damp in your loft, speak to your insulation specialist so that they can advise on the best course of action.
Room in roof
If you live in a dormer bungalow, you currently use your loft as a living space, or you have plans to use it as living space in the long term, then it is important that you make sure the ceilings and walls between a heated and an unheated room are adequately insulated. Sloping ceilings and walls can be relatively easily insulated using a layer of plasterboard over insulation, while floors/flat ceilings can be insulated in the same way as standard loft insulation.
Accessibility
If you have limited access to your loft, it may be necessary for you to use blown, or loose fill insulation.
Ventilation
It is essential that homes are allowed to breath. A professional insulation installer will make sure that they install adequate insulation; before you attempt to install insulation yourself, make sure that you are aware of the location of vents, grilles and air bricks or you could cause more harm than good.
By investing in loft insulation, you can reduce your energy consumption, which could lead to savings of between £200 and £600 a year, depending on the type of house that you live in. If you want to get ahead of the game, get in touch with your local insulation specialist for a quote.
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