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Loft Insulation - Save Energy!

Loft Insulation

Loft Insulation

"Heat rises" are the two words which sum up the need for good loft insulation and if done correctly, your heating bills will show a dramatic reduction.

Insulating the loft not only keeps the heat in, but in summer time helps to keep the house cool as well. It should be noted that putting it into the roof does not mean the house gets warmer without your heating turned on - it simply means that there's less escape for the heat to find it's way out of the house thus enabling you to keep the central heating thermostat less used or the open fire heat kept inside longer.

Loft insulation is about the most cost-effective insulation to install, because of the simple fact that heat rises. 35% or more of your heat is lost through the loft to outside.

There are three main types of loft insulation.

Fiberglass Roll Insulation

These are available in thickness of 4" to 8". Obviously the bigger depth, the more insulation value is created. The minimum suggested is 8" (200mm) and is available from most DIY stores.

Loose Fill Insulation

Much of this type of insulation needs Professionals to install it for you. The materials used such as cellulose fibres are blown in between the joists using pumps. Again, the minimum depth is suggested at 8", but the more the better. You should also check that the joists do protrude more than the 8" or the fibres may blow around a bit and an uneven surface is the result, losing efficiency in some areas.

DIY Loose Fill Insulation

These materials are usually vermiculite and mineral fibres, sold in bags and poured between your joists to the largest depth you can get. They are much easier to install yourself (fibre glass needs protective clothing and protection against eye damage when laying) and are also easier to get to those little nooks and crannies around the edges where you may have problems with rolls.

You should also consider..

Sheep Wool Insulation

Wool has become affordable and offers a natural green method of insulating your home. Sheep wool insulation is also helpful in controlling condensation.

Warmcel Cellulose Natural Home Insulation

This is a ready to use loft insulation material manufactured from recycled waste newspaper. When laid in a roof space it works by providing a complete seal over the loft space, eliminating gaps, cracks or other cold bridges. This high level of airtightness prevents air filtration and thermal convection currents

Grants for Insulation

The good thing about all this is that there's money available towards most insulation projects.
The three main providers are The Government, Local Authorities and some suppliers as well.

If you are considering a Contractor to do the work for you, shop around and see if any do everything for you - the sizing, the installation and also arranging the best Grant for you.

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