So how does loft insulation work? Usually, lofts are insulated with rolls of foil-backed felt or mineral fibre. Lofts with hatches that are too small for an adult to fit through are sprayed with polyurethane foam or mineral wool. Loft insulation acts as stuffing or blankets that keep the warmer air inside the property, rather than it escaping through the roof.
For those who use their loft for storage, you will use cold loft insulation. However, for those who have converted their lofts into living or office spaces and need to keep the loft heated, then you’ll need to have warm loft insulation. Since this is more difficult, we advise getting a professional in to install it.
There are some things you need to consider when insulating your loft.
- Storage space: if you’re storing more than just leftover boxes or paperwork in the loft of your business property, then laying down the rolls won’t provide enough insulation. This is because the items will press down and squash the spongey material, reducing its effectiveness. To prevent this, you’ll need to fit loft insulation between the joists, then fit rigid insulation boards across them, with floorboards on top. For a faster and easier job, you can even buy insulation and floorboards bonded together.
- Ventilation: air needs to flow in and out of your property to stay fresh, healthy, and dry. If you’re doing a DIY installation, then you need to ensure that you’re not covering any grilles, airbricks, or vents.
- Flat roofs: if you have a flat roof, then it should be preferably insulated from above. A layer of insulation can be added to the top of the roof’s weatherproof layer or timber roof surface, then a new weatherproof layer added on top.
- Damp lofts: since insulation stops heat escaping from the building, it can make your loft significantly cooler, which will worsen existing damp or condensation problems. If you experience damp issues, then it’s best to seek a professional’s advice first before completing a DIY loft insulation job.