Low Cost Living - 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.

There are three main types of loft insulation...

Fibreglass Rolls
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
Much of this type of insulation needs Professionals to install it for you.
The materials used such as cellulose fibres are blown inbetween 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 achieved losing efficiency in some areas.

DIY Loose Fill
These materials are usually vermiculite and mineral fibres, sold in bags and poured between your joisrs to the largest depth you can get.
They are much easier to install yourself (fibreglass needs protective clothing and great defence 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.

GRANTS
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 ans 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.

Remember, these Grant suppliers aren't simply being nice to you, they are following 'green' guidelines and thinking about future fuel supply and getting re-elected !!

Good insulation is also a good selling point should you be thinking of a move!

Warmer winters / cooler summers - Insulating the house means that your home will retain the heat better in the winter and help keep the home cooler in the summer.

Improved thermal efficiency – If your home is thermally efficient it will require less energy to keep it at a comfortable temperature and save you money

Improving the environment - if you control the heating in your home it will require less energy to heat and will use less fossil fuels - the burning of which are contributing to global warming

Improved acoustic insulation – if you suffer from loud external noise (e.g. traffic noise) then insulating your cavity walls can improve the sound insulation of your property

Help Prevent Condensation On The Walls & Ceiling - insulating your property can help reduce condensation and associated mould growth problems.