1) Have you got enough loft insulation? How thick should loft insulation be?
According to the Energy Savings Trust, 25% of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. And while most homes have loft insulation, not all homes have enough.
The Energy Savings Trust advises homes have at least 270mm of insulation in a loft or attic which could help save up to 1310kg of CO2 per year in a detached home compared to a space that’s uninsulated.
CHECK THICKNESS - Use a tape measure to check the depth of your insulation to make sure there’s at least 270mm. You should also measure it in a few places to ensure the depth is consistent.
2) Is your loft insulation still working?
Not all insulation is built to last so even if your home has loft insulation, it’s also important to check it’s working properly.
For insulation to be effective and deliver the energy-saving performance that helps keep bills down, its strength and dimensional stability are key. This is because air pockets inside help prevent heat transfer.
CHECK CONSISTENCY - Squashed and sagging insulation has less air meaning less energy-saving capabilities.
To prevent this, it’s important to consider a product that’s going to keep its strength and in turn, its thermal performance. ROCKWOOL stone wool is ideal for this as it maintains its shape and density over time. In tests, it is proven to provide consistent performance – even up to 65 years – without a drop in its thermal properties.
To check whether your loft insulation is working as it should, look for areas that might have sagged and as described above, check that the depth is consistent throughout the loft or attic.
3) Are there gaps in your loft insulation?
Heat can escape through gaps and open joints so when inspecting your loft insulation look for areas where it might escape.
CHECK FOR GAPS
4) Is there condensation in your loft?
To prevent condensation, it’s important that ventilation is maintained at the eaves where loft insulation has been installed in buildings with cold roofs at ceiling joist level. If there are signs of excessive condensation, seek advice from a professional tradesperson.
CHECK FOR CONDENSATION
5) Is your loft access draught-proof?
As well as checking for gaps in your loft insulation, consider draught-proofing your loft access too as it is a cost-effective way to ensure you prevent heat loss. Consider insulating the loft hatch or door itself to fully seal the loft.
CHECK FOR DRAFTS
