INSULATION
More room in the roof
Matthew vans at Kingspan nsulation GB explains why getting the insulation right is crucial for loft conversions.
L
oft conversions are a great way to unlock extra living space, potentially raising the value of your home by over 20%. When planning a conversion, one of the key early conversations to have with your contractor or architect is around insulation. Factors such as the performance and thickness of the insulation, where it is installed, and the quality of the workmanship can all impact how spacious and comfortable the fi nished room is and on your long-term energy bills.
WHY INSULATION MATTERS FOR LOFT CONVERSION
The insulation in your home serves a fundamental purpose: slowing the speed at which heat can travel through the fl oors, walls or roof. n cooler months this helps to keep warm air inside your home more effectively, while in summer it can keep your rooms cooler than the
outdoor air for longer (in combination with good practices like shutting windows and closing curtains and blinds during the daytime).
The impact of insulation is particularly noticeable for loft conversions as your entire roof is exposed to the outside, providing a large surface area for heat to either escape or enter your home. Your roof will also typically receive direct sunlight throughout the day, meaning that without good insulation it can quickly heat up.
nsulation can obviously also impact your energy bills, reducing the amount of heating or cooling that is needed to maintain comfortable internal temperatures. This is increasingly important as we switch to low carbon heating systems (such as heat pumps which perform most effi ciently at lower fl ow temperatures than gas boilers. f heat is allowed to escape, it
can mean these systems have to work much harder and could signifi cantly raise bills.
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER
When insulating lofts, the insulation will need to be fi tted either between and above rafters (only possible if your tiles are being removed or replaced) or between and below them. This is to ensure there is a continuous layer of insulation which is vital as any gaps in the insulation layer can allow heat to bypass it (known as a thermal bridge). This not only reduces its effectiveness but can also allow cold spots to form which can lead to condensation and damp issues.
When it comes to insulating
performance, the key metric is the U-value. This measures how easily heat can travel through a full construction. The lower the U-value, the better the roof
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