How much wool do I need to insulate a loft?
Most joists are around 100mm high (but measure yours first to confirm this), so you’ll need 100mm thick wool for this first layer. Loft insulation rolls are usually 1140mm wide, so you’ll probably need to cut it to fit. Use scissors, as tearing or stretching the material could make it less effective.
How do you insulate a loft conversion?
It’s fitted on top of the ceilings of the rooms below, and usually done by laying quilts or batts of insulation between and over the joists. The alternative is called warm roof insulation. Fitted above the rafters, it keeps the heat in the loft and is used in a loft conversion as part of making it a habitable space.
What type of loft insulation should you choose?
There are two alternatives when it comes to loft insulation. If you intend to use the loft for storage, then the most cost-effective solution is called cold roof insulation. It’s fitted on top of the ceilings of the rooms below, and usually done by laying quilts or batts of insulation between and over the joists.
How much insulation do I need per square foot?
Generally speaking, after you figure out the thickness of the insulation you’ll need per square foot, you’ll need to find the area of the space you’re insulating. Basically, for a rectangular area, this involves multiplying the height by the length.
Why is loft insulation needed?
What is loft insulation?
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Can you put 2 layers of insulation in attic?
You should install two layers of insulation in your attic; wood joists must be covered to allow the air to move. The first layer will sit between the joists, and the second layer will run perpendicular over the joists. The first layer should have the facing against the drywall to act as a vapor barrier.
How thick should my loft insulation be?
between 250mm and 270mmCurrent government recommendations are for loft insulation to achieve a depth of between 250mm and 270mm but some new properties are increasing their level of loft insulation to 300mm. Again, as long as the loft has adequate ventilation, this is fine.
Can you put new insulation over old?
You can absolutely new insulation over old insulation… as long as it isn't wet. Energy Star advises as follows: “If it… appears that the insulation [is wet or] has previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem to prevent a reoccurrence. Remove any wet insulation.
Should I remove old attic insulation?
Unless it's water damaged or rodent-infested, you do not need to remove your attic insulation. Remember, if you are concerned about dust and air quality, you need to have your attic air sealed to separate the attic from the house before you add more insulation, otherwise you'll just make the dust problem worse.
Can you put too much insulation in an attic?
It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.
Should loft insulation go to the edges?
Insulation should be continued right to the edge of the ceilings but it shouldn't block the eaves' ventilation. Ventilation is vital to ensure the necessary air movement to prevent condensation from water vapour, as this can lead to decay of the structural timbers.
Is it better to remove old attic insulation before adding new?
Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.
How often should loft insulation be changed?
The majority of insulation products can last between around 80 to 100 years, which is definitely impressive. That's the good news, but it isn't the end of the story.
Is it worth adding extra loft insulation?
Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is an effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills. Installed correctly, loft insulation should pay for itself many times over in its 40-year lifetime.
Should I insulate my attic floor or ceiling?
roof insulation is no-contest. The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.
How do I know if I need more insulation in my attic?
Looking across your attic, if the insulation is level with or below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add more insulation. Assumes R-3/inch. If you cannot see any of the floor joists because the insulation is well above them, you probably have enough, and adding more insulation may not be cost-effective.
What is the best kind of insulation for an attic?
If you check with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, they'll assure you that fiberglass or mineral wool is definitely your best choice for attic insulation.
Is 400mm loft insulation too much?
We'd recommend everything in moderation. While some people argue that an over-insulated house could cause damp, mould and other issues. Typically, upping your loft insulation from 270 mm to 400 mm isn't really going to make a big difference, and so it's probably worth sticking with the lesser amount.
Is R60 too much insulation?
Recommended R-Value Varies by State You need exactly as much as the area you live in determines. Here, where temps get pretty hot for much of the year, attics should have from R30 to R60 (average is R38). Those living up north want anything from R49 to R60. This helps insulate against the extreme cold weather.
Is loft insulation too thick?
The thicker the insulation, the more effective it is at keeping heat from escaping through your roof. However, if your insulation is too thick, your house may have ventilation problems and be susceptible to damp, condensation and mould related issues.
What is the British standard for loft insulation?
The actual regulations require that loft insulation should be at least 270 mm thick and must have good thermal properties. Building Regulations does not determine which material must be used but it stipulates what qualities it must posses.
How to calculate how much insulation you need for a loft
Calculating how much insulation you need is an important first step. You don’t want to over or under-purchase and find that you’ve spent more money...
How thick should loft insulation be?
The minimum recommended thickness of loft insulation has differed greatly over the years. In the 1980s, it was quite standard to install any thickn...
How much is loft insulation?
The cost of insulation will depend on how much you need, whether you’re installing it yourself and whether you’ve got a grant for loft insulation...
Can you over insulate a house?
Above, we’ve provided the minimum thickness that your insulation should be to ensure that your home stays nice and toasty in winter. But is it poss...
How thick should loft insulation be?
In the 1980s, it was quite standard to install any thickness from 25 to 50 mm. Then, building regulations stated that homes should have as much as 100 mm of loft insulation. This gradually increased to 200 mm and now stands at 270 mm for new builds and is recommended for other properties (but not essential). This is why you must check how much insulation you currently have in your loft before purchasing more. You may find that you have anywhere from 25 to 200 mm up there, and knowing this and the insulation values will help to determine how much more you need to purchase. Some modern materials can provide the same thermal insulation whilst not being as thick.
How to measure loft area?
This can be done by measuring both the length and width of the space in metres and multiply the length by the width , which will give you the square metre area (m2) of your loft. It may be easier for two people to complete this task.
How much does it save to insulate a home?
Increasing the thickness of the insulation in your home could save you money each year on your heating bills. By taking your insulation from 50 mm up to 270 mm, for example, you could save nearly £50. A home that is sufficiently insulated will reduce the heat loss in your home,, meaning your gas boiler doesn’t need to work as hard to bring it up to the set temperature and keep it there. This is why it’s always worth investing in insulation, as the overall cost of heating your home will come down.
Why is insulation important?
Sufficient insulation is important in any home, good insulation can help the overall efficient heating of your home whatever heating system you use. This can be the case if your home has a low temperature system such as a heat pump. These kinds of efficient heating systems won’t be as beneficial if your home lets large amounts ...
Why is it important to insulate your home?
A home that is sufficiently insulated will reduce the heat loss in your home ,, meaning your gas boiler doesn’t need to work as hard to bring it up to the set temperature and keep it there. This is why it’s always worth investing in insulation, as the overall cost of heating your home will come down. Now that you know how thick your insulation ...
Can insulation be as thick as insulation?
Some modern materials can provide the same thermal insulation whilst not being as thick. When checking how much insulation you currently have, you must check whether the insulation fills the gap between joists or whether it comes above the joist.
Is it easier to have a roll of insulation delivered?
Rolls of insulation are quite large and bulky, and so it’s much easier to have them delivered instead of going to pick them up, unless you have a very large car or van .
How to calculate sq m of insulation?
This will provide a total square metre requirement. Simply multiply the length (in metres) by the width ( in metres) of the loft to calculate the area in sq.m. For the layer of insulation that is fitted between joists, deduct 10% of the loft area to account for displacement of the joists. For insulation layers that sit above the level of the joists take the full loft area. If you can’t access the loft or to give yourself a sense check, simply measure the outside of the building for dimensions.
Why is it important to take the time to work out how much insulation you need?
It is important to take the time to work out how much insulation you need to ensure you get the best fit and also, so you don’t over or under order. Planning the installation is an important part of the job and correctly laid insulation significantly improves thermal performance.
How many square metres are needed for a 140mm x 570mm joist?
You would need to order 12 packs of the 140 mm x 570mm which will provide you with 62.88 square metres to go crossways over the joists.
How Much Is Enough?
Well, no insulation will leave your home feeling cold and unpleasant for large parts of the year, however hard you burn you cash. Today, the minimum recommended insulation is 270mm of traditional fibreglass insulation – the nasty, scratchy stuff that comes in rolls.
Can You Have Too Much Of A Good Thing?
This is another good question; too much insulation is mainly a problem in terms of cost when it comes to the installation. Some methods of insulation can be DIY projects, albeit irritating and sometimes difficult ones.
Age-Related Insulation
How much insulation do I need in my loft is a question that can also depend on several personal factors. The most vulnerable people in cold weather are the very young, the extremely mature, or those in poor health.
So, How Much Insulation Do I Need In My Loft?
How much insulation do I need in my loft? It is an old question but, today, there are a few new solutions to consider. Spray foam insulation is a good option if you want to use you the loft/roof-space for anything other than keeping the weather out of your home.
What is the best insulation for a loft?
There are different materials available for insulating your loft, including those that come as rolls, loose fill insulation , and insulated boards.
Why is loft insulation important?
Good loft insulation is a must to reduce heat loss and reduce energy bills. This is what you need to know about cold and warm roofs.
What was the insulation of old houses?
When many old houses were built, there was minimal insulation and little thought given to heat escaping upwards through the roof. Often all that stood between the occupants and the elements was a lath and plaster ceiling and the roof covering itself. Even now, many roof spaces that have been insulated have insufficient or poorly performing ...
How much air gap between insulation and roof?
Whatever form the insulation takes, it is vital that there is an air gap of at least 5cm between the face of the insulation and the roof covering. To avoid condensation problems, this space must be well ventilated so vents may need to be installed in the roof and at the eaves and ridge.
How much heat loss is from roof insulation?
As it can be the source of 25 per cent of a home’s heat loss, one of these methods of roof insulation is a must, along with other strategies to insulate a home.
What is permeable insulation?
Permeable insulation works well with old buildings that ‘breathe’. Suitable insulation includes natural fibre-based products made of sheep’s wool or hemp, as well as mineral wools. The other option is loose fill or blown insulation.
What is the K value of sheep wool insulation?
Typical K value 0.035W/mK. Sheep’s wool insulation, such as this from Thermafleece, is installed in exactly the same way as mineral wool, but as it is a natural product, it is more environmentally friendly and does not cause skin irritation.
How to Insulate a Loft?
There are two conventional techniques used for loft insulation uk, and we’ll cover them two here:
What are the dos and don'ts of loft insulation?
With regards to loft insulation dos and don’ts, the don’ts are especially essential to keep in mind, as they, for the most part, helps you in saving your cash , and stopping you from harming your loft space as the process of loft insulation is not a DIY job! Given that, here are the most critical loft insulation don’ts: ...
How Does Loft Insulation Reduce Heat Loss?
Loft insulation works by keeping the heat in your home, as a result of keeping the air in your property warmer for a longer time. It additionally prevents cold air from entering your property through the roof space. By minimizing heat loss, loft insulation can help you with high energy savings every year.
What is the best insulation for a loft?
With the latest research and technological advancement, spray foam insulation has taken the UK market by storm and is the preferred choice of loft insulation for residential and commercial projects.
How much energy savings can you get from spray foam insulation?
By using spray foam insulation for your lofts, you can save up to* 50% on your energy cost.
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is a process of creating a barrier of insulating material within your loft. It can either be installed between the joists or the rafters in your loft area. It helps in efficiently trapping heat in your home and insulating your loft with outside weather thereby keeping your home warmer in winters and cooler in summers.
How much energy does loft insulation save?
Did you know that up to 33% of the heat you pump into your home from heating up your home, escapes directly through your roof? This ends up costing you in high energy bills, and by having THE RIGHT loft insulation, you could save up to* 50% on your energy charges each year.
Why is loft insulation needed?
Fitting insulation in your loft, attic or roof space is a great way to improve your home’s cosiness factor. And there’s even more good news: it lasts for more than 40 years! This means it should pay for itself many times over in energy bill savings, as the cost of loft insulation is comparatively low.
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is a barrier of material in your roof space that traps heat. It can either be laid between the joists (the horizontal beams along the floor of your attic) or the rafters (the angled beams that support the roof).