Loft insulation is a relatively cheap and very effective way of saving energy. As much as a third of your energy bill can be saved with effective loft insulation so it is definitely worth checking whether you are sufficiently insulated. As heat rises a large proportion of your home’s heat could be being lost.
The recommended depth for loft insulation is 270mm and there are a variety of types available, most of which can be fitted yourself.
- Blanket loft insulation is available in rolls of foil backed felt, rock, glass or mineral fibre and is probably the most common form of insulation.
- Granular, loose fill loft insulation is put between rafters with cork granules, exfoliated vermiculite, mineral wool or cellulose fibre available. This type of insulation is not very good in a draughty loft but is sometimes better than blanket insulation where rafters are spaced irregularly or there are other obstructions.
- Sheet loft insulation comes in mineral fibre or fibre glass varieties and is designed for insulating the sloping sides of the roof where the attic space is to be used as a living area.
- Blown fibre loft insulation requires a professional contractor who will blow fibrous material into the gaps between joists but again this is not recommended if you have a draughty loft.
By using these types of loft insulation you will be helping the environment even further.
There are also other, more environmentally friendly types of insulation available such as varieties made from sheeps’ wool (Thermafleece), hemp (Natilin) or newspaper (Warmcel). These can be a little more expensive but are from renewable sources and take less energy to produce than the traditional types mentioned above.
Grants are sometimes available towards your loft insulation from the government, energy suppliers and local authorities. Visit the Energy Saving Trust, British Gas or Heat Project as many homeowners and private tenants are eligible for reduced price insulation or even free insulation if in receipt of certain benefits or aged over 70.
