The Important Elements Of Loft Insulation: Everything You Need To Know
Loft insulation is one of the most important elements that contributes to a home’s energy efficiency. With its year-round benefits, your home can be kept both warm in winter and cool in summer thanks to quality loft insulation. But how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about loft insulation and its benefits for your home.
25% Of Heat In Your Home Is Lost Through The Roof
One of the key reasons why loft insulation is so important is because this is an area of your home where a ¼ of internal heat is lost. Since heat rises and your roof is one of the largest elements of the property, it’s not hard to understand why so much heat can be lost through the roof. By insulating your roof with the right choice of material, you can help to reduce this heat loss and trap heat in your home, improving the energy efficiency of your property and cutting down on energy bills.
Different Types Of Loft Insulation
There’s a wide range of materials that can be used for loft insulation, with some working better than others, and at different price points.
The most common types include:
- Fibreglass
- Mineral wool insulation
- Insulation boards and panels
- Spray foam insulation
Fibreglass is one of the most commonly used materials for loft insulation in the UK. Purely because it is incredibly efficient but also cost-effective too. At a cost of around £10/m2 to purchase, it is the cheapest of the aforementioned materials, particularly when compared to the more expensive spray foam insulation which costs around £30/m2.
However, spray foam insulation is also incredibly popular, for it’s the most simple to use and installation can be done by a professional in no time. Whilst also reaching areas that other insulation materials simply cannot.
How Loft Insulation Works
Loft insulation works by creating a barrier between your home and the outside elements. The material used, whichever you choose, will trap the warm air inside, preventing it from escaping through your roof and keeping your home warmer for longer.
In summer, the insulation will also help to keep your home cooler as it blocks out heat from entering through the roof. This is because insulation materials are designed to have a high thermal resistance, meaning they can prevent heat from transferring through them. This is why it’s important to choose the right type of insulation for your specific home and climate.
Quality Loft Insulation Is Important
In most cases a household can save hundreds of pounds per year in energy bills, simply by upgrading their loft insulation. In order to ensure that your loft insulation is still providing you with the benefits it should, it should be upgraded. Some signs to indicate that your current loft insulation is old and needs to be replaced are:
- Draughts or cold spots in your loft
- Light coming through the roof
- You have noticed an increase in your energy bills
- Your home was built before 2005 and the insulation has not been changed
- You’ve noticed pests in your home
Ensuring you have modern, quality loft insulation, will not only ensure heat is trapped and your property kept warm, but your energy efficiency will improve and you may even add value to your property.
