Loft insulation is essential for maintaining a comfortable and warm environment in your home. Even if you are not looking to fully convert your loft, it’s important that you have loft insulation for energy efficiency and regulations. Ensuring that you have proper insulation conserves fuel and keeps bills down.
When your loft space is used as a room, insulation is a key part of the design, making sure the room is properly usable.
Is it easy to keep up with the loft insulation regulations in the UK? What is the thinnest insulation for loft conversion use? And how much does loft insulation cost? We have all the answers at London Lofts – here’s our essential dos and don’ts guide.
Top DOs and DON’Ts at a Glance
DO's
- Consider using a professional
- Get advice on the right type of loft insulation material for you
- Budget and plan the job properly
- Remember just how much you’ll save on heating bills!
DON'Ts
- Do it yourself if at all possible
- Forget to follow regulations
- Cut corners to save money
- Cover electrical wiring, lighting fittings, or ventilation
DO - Get a Professional to Install Your Loft Insulation
Installing loft insulation can seem like a simple DIY job, but with all the things that can go wrong, it’s far better to choose someone with experience to do the job for you. At London Lofts Ltd., we are here to provide an excellent professional service when it comes to installing your loft room insulation, helping you avoid the pitfalls (and ceiling falls!) at a low low cost.
DON’T - Forget About Fire Safety
One of the key issues with loft insulation is ensuring that you take care to not block areas such as recessed lighting and electrical cables. Doing so could cause overheating or lead to a house fire.
DO - Choose the Right Type of Loft Insulation Material
While most people opt for blanket insulation, such as glass wool insulation, there are other options available, with loose-fill insulation a great option for many ceilings, and rigid board insulation providing an effective moisture barrier for roofs.
It’s also possible to mix insulation, for example, using expanding foam insulation for hard to reach areas that may be unsuitable for the other insulation.
Discuss your insulation requirements with us at London Lofts for some expert advice and a cost-effective quote.
DON’T - Ignore Regulations
The UK loft insulation regulations at there for a reason – not only do they ensure that your loft insulation does its primary job of keeping the heat in, but they keep you and your family safe from potential hazards. It’s important that the regulations are adhered to throughout.
DO - Budget and Plan Properly
It’s important to calculate your loft insulation project well. If you plan on doing it yourself, start by measuring the area and research the latest loft insulation costs per m2. Check that you have the right tools for the job and put aside enough time. By planning properly beforehand, you will save a lot of pain in the long run.
Budgeting and planning is also essential when getting professionals to do the job. Get a few quotes from reputable fitters and discuss the difference in cost with different loft insulation materials.
DON’T - Cut Corners to Be Cheap
Like most things in life, trying to save too much on a project can often mean problems later on. There are places where savings can be made, such as making the right choice on material, but don’t just pick the cheapest or thinnest insulation for your loft conversion without considering the impact.
Plus, if you are considering the DIY option to save on labour, remember you are not insured when doing the job and accidentally putting a foot through the ceiling could ruin any savings you made!
DO - Consider Energy Efficiency and Soundproofing
We always talk about making the home cosy when looking at loft insulation, but it does a lot more than just keep rooms warm.
A properly insulated roof space keeps fuel bills low by ensuring that energy is not lost quickly to the outside, and it also soundproofs the home, dampening the noise of footsteps, TV, and music from those newly converted rooms.
DON’T - Forget About the Walls
When you think about loft insulation, it’s the roof that springs to mind, insulating the space between you and the bright blue sky, but it’s important to not forget about the walls and floor too.
Insulating the outside walls is as essential as the roof in making sure that heat isn’t lost to the wind, while insulating your converted rooms on all sides helps with energy efficiency and heat retention as well as keeping the noise down.
Loft Insulation FAQs
How much does it cost for loft insulation?
This varies a lot depending on the insulation you choose and the fitter’s labour costs, but as a basic guide the cost of installed loft insulation is between £30 and £50 per m2.
Is there a regulation for thickness?
Yes. If you’re using mineral or glass wool insulation, the regulations require a minimum thickness of 270mm. Expanding spray foam insulation is denser and regulations allow for a minimum of 100mm.
Does good insulation really save money?
Absolutely. The energy efficiency of a well-insulated house can save as much as 50% on your heating bill. With the price of energy at an all time high in London and the UK, good quality fitted loft insulation will easily and quite quickly pay for itself.
How often does loft insulation need replacing?
Good quality loft insulation will last up to 40 years but there are many factors that can mean it needs replacing sooner. It is a good idea to do a thorough check of your roof and loft insulation every year to make sure that it hasn’t become damaged. Leaks can cause mould and mildew, while rodents and pests can cause other issues.
New Loft Insulation with London Lofts
At London Lofts Ltd. we have a team of expert loft insulation fitters who are here to help. Contact us today for advice and a no-obligation quote.
