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.
What is the best loft insulation thickness to buy?
The rolls of loft insulation you can buy come in lots of seemingly random thicknesses, for example 100mm, 120mm, 150mm and 170mm. The reason for this is that the insulation manufacturers are trying to make it easier to hit the 270mm thickness sweet spot.
Is loft insulation worth the investment?
Over the years, insulation has become an increasingly worthwhile investment for homes and businesses. Energy bills have soared over the last 10 years and loft insulation is a relatively cheap energy efficiency measure to install, so it makes sense that people are looking to install it where possible and benefit from lower energy bills.
Do I need to top up my loft insulation?
If you already have 270mm of loft insulation, whatever the material, you will not benefit from a top up. The cost of materials and installation will be too high for the few pounds a year you will save. If you have less than 75mm, you are looking at making significant savings with an excellent return on investment of around 10 years or less.
How thick should your loft insulation be?
270mmIf you can get into the loft, measure the thickness of the insulation that's already there. Since 2003, current building regulations recommend a depth of at least 270mm (mineral or glass wool) in the loft – use this as a starting point rather than a finishing line to see larger savings.
How many layers of insulation do I need for my loft?
Measure the loft hatch and cut insulation to size. You will probably need two layers to achieve the recommended depth.
How much difference does loft insulation make?
The most obvious difference offered by an insulated loft is the saving in energy bills, and it's very simple here. It's estimated that a quarter of all the escaping heat from a building goes through the roof. If that could be stopped, your bills should be reduced by a quarter.
How thick of insulation do I need in my attic?
about 10 to 14 inchesThe recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.
Can you put too much insulation in loft?
Lofts can't just chip off a layer of insulation, so the need to breathe is far more important. So, can too much loft insulation cause condensation? Yes it can, and it can cause havoc in your home as well.
Can you put too much insulation in your 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.
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.
Should you remove old loft insulation?
In most circumstances removing your old insulation isn't necessary and it can actually be quite beneficial to leave it. This is as most insulation will retain its thermal properties so leaving it in place will mean that you continue to benefit from it whilst also having an additional layer of insulation on top!
Should loft insulation be pushed up to the eaves?
Don't pack it in: squashing insulation to fit the space seriously compromises its effectiveness. Also avoid pushing the insulation into the eaves to keep ventilation paths at the edge of the roof well aired and roof timbers dry.
How do I know if I have enough 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.
How do you tell if attic is well insulated?
10 Signs of Poor Attic Insulation in Your HomeWater Leaks. Improper insulation can let water into your home, leading to leakage issues. ... Ice Damming. ... Pest Problems. ... Cold Drafts. ... Moisture and Mould in the Attic. ... The Heater and AC are in Overdrive. ... High Energy Bills. ... Cold Rooms, Walls, and Floors.More items...•
Can you put insulation over old insulation?
Yes! 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.
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.
Is 2 layers of insulation better?
Today the power industry accepts the assertion that a double-layer of insulation on membrane boiler walls creates a better insulation system than a single layer.
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.
How much insulation do I need between rafters?
50 mmBuilding regulations If a ventilated roof is being constructed, there is a requirement to have a 50 mm fully ventilated air gap between the insulation and the sarking felt, in order to avoid condensation.
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).
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.
How much loft insulation is enough?
If you already have 270mm of loft insulation, whatever the material, you will not benefit from a top up. The cost of materials and installation will be too high for the few pounds a year you will save.
Is loft insulation good for energy?
Energy bills have soared over the last 10 years and loft insulation is a relatively cheap energy efficiency measure to install, so it makes sense that people are looking to install it where possible and benefit from lower energy bills.
What is the Recommended Thickness for Each Type of Loft Insulation?
For example, the recommended thickness for loft insulation is 270 millimetres for glass wool, 250 millimetres for rock wool, and 220 millimetres for cellulose.
Why do you need loft insulation?
Loft insulation is installed between the joists and rafters of a pitched roof to help slow the transfer of heat between the outside and inside. This ensures that the property stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What’s more, according to Which?, loft insulation can save you up to £315 per year on energy bills.
How thick is spray foam insulation?
Spray foam insulation can achieve a U-Value of 0.4 when installed at a thickness of 40mm, or even 0.16 or lower when using 150mm thick spray foam insulation. According to the National Insulation Association, 100mm of spray foam insulation is equivalent to 170mm of mineral wool insulation, making it the more space-efficient choice.
What is the U value of a 50mm insulation board?
On average, a 50mm loft insulation board will provide a U-Value of 0.4, whereas a 150mm thick insulation board can achieve a U-Value of 0.2 or lower. Boards of insulation are available in thicknesses from 20mm to 200mm, so you’re sure to find the right thickness of insulation to meet the requirements of your loft space.
What is loft insulation made of?
Blanket Insulation: The most common form of loft insulation is blanket insulation, also known as roll insulation, often made from glass mineral wool. This is a reliable, affordable form of insulation that’s simple to install. Insulation rolls are ideal for accessible areas of the roof space, such as between joists or in exposed wall cavities.
How important is U value in loft insulation?
Considering U-Values is highly important when calculating how much loft insulation you need. As a general rule, the lower the U-Value you achieve , the more heat your loft space will retain. Learn more about U-Values.
What is loose fill insulation?
Loose Fill Insulation: Loose-fill insulation is made from lightweight materials such as fibreglass, cellulose fibres, cork granules, or mineral wool. Containing a high percentage of recycled materials, loose fill insulation is a highly sustainable way to insulate your loft. Plus, it’s much easier to install in less accessible areas or lofts.
How does loft insulation work?
Put simply, loft insulation works by trapping the warm air inside your home and stopping it from rising through the roof. If it’s installed in the right way it will still allow moisture to pass through it and therefore prevent condensation.
Why do you need insulation in your loft?
Having proper insulation in your loft means that you’ll be creating a consistent living environment inside your home.
Can I get FREE loft insulation?
The short answer is yes but it does depend on whether you’re eligible for help from your energy provider. The UK government created a scheme call ECO (Energy Company Obligation) which enables some households to receive grants to cover the cost of energy efficiency improvements. The scheme was designed to help households on a low income who might struggle to pay for all or part of the cost of energy-efficiency improvement in their home.
How much does it cost?
The price of blanket insulation, which is the cheapest variety, starts at around £7.99 per roll. These come in various sizes and thicknesses. You can find 12kg bags of loose-fill insulation for around £13. Blown-fibre insulation is harder to put a price on since you’ll need a qualified professional to install it with specialised equipment. Insulation board starts from around £23 for a 2.4m x 1.2m board. The Energy Saving Trust reckons that loft insulation costs up to £395 and can save between £120 and £225 a year.
Can I install it myself?
You would have also by now heard us banging on about the fact that installing a warm loft is definitely not a job for a DIYer. This is because it involves some specialised work on the roof itself and messing it up could have dire consequences for the stability of your whole home. You wouldn’t want the roof to collapse! Couple that with the fact that a professional would be able to spot problems such as damp and would advise that this be dealt with before any insulation work is carried out.
Why is my loft damp?
Poorly insulated lofts and those where the flooring is laid in the wrong way can be the cause of dampness and condensation. This can then create mould which, along with dampness, means you’re more likely to have respiratory problems, respiratory infections, allergies or asthma. If you think you have a damp problem then it could be affecting your health or that of other family members.
What is blanket insulation?
This is the most common form of loft insulation, and not only because it’s cheap. Blanket insulation is typically made of rock, glass or mineral fibre and comes in rolls.
How thick is loft insulation?
The rolls of loft insulation you can buy come in lots of seemingly random thicknesses, for example 100mm, 120mm, 150mm and 170mm. The reason for this is that the insulation manufacturers are trying to make it easier to hit the 270mm thickness sweet spot. If you are insulation a virgin loft, the easiest way is to roll 100mm thick insulation between the joists. Once this layer has been laid, then lay 170mm insulation across the top of the joists at 90 degrees to the joists.
Why is the thickness of loft insulation increased?
Over the years, the recommended thickness of loft insulation has increased. The reason for the increase is pretty simple – the thicker the layer of loft insulation, the bigger the energy savings! The Government are very keen for every house in the UK to be have loft insulation where possible, since it helps lower heating demand in these properties.
Why is insulation important?
The insulation benefits households through lower energy bills, as well as having a home that stays at a more comfortable temperature for longer . For the Government, energy efficiency is very important since it means that peak demand (i.e. the time of day when gas/electricity use is at its highest) decreases – since each building requires slightly ...
Has the amount of insulation changed over the last 14 years?
The amount of insulation has not changed over the last 14 years though, so it seems an increase in the recommended amount will most likely come shortly. The Government try to ensure the correct levels of insulation are used though building regulations (specifically Part L, which you can access by clicking here ).
Does adding insulation to a loft make it pointless?
So at what point does it become pointless to add more insulation to the existing insulation in the loft? Well obviously extra insulation will always help to lower energy bills, but there is a concept known as the rule of diminishing return that comes into play. Basically this means that the first centimetre of insulation will do more than the next and so on and so on.
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 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 ...
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.
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 long does loft insulation last?
Good quality loft insulation should last decades and will pay for itself with the cash saved from heating bills. Given the relatively low cost and ease of installation of loft insulation, it should be the first place you begin if you want to make your home more thermally efficient. In this respect, it’s easy to install slightly more than recommended to increase the effectiveness of the insulation.
What is loft insulation made of?
It prevents warm air from coming in, keeping your home cool. Loft insulation is made from fibreglass, mineral wool, sheep’s wool, hemp, recycled materials, foam and a range of materials. Different materials lend themselves to different ...
How deep should a loft be?
Current 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. You may lose a little storage space but you will save money!
Can you use a loft for storage?
If you want to use your loft for storage, you may want to raise the level of the floor in your loft for floor insulation. A layer of insulation can be laid between joists in the floor which can then be covered over with thermally, or acoustically, insulating floorboards.
Can you have too much loft insulation?
Every home should have some kind of insulation to prevent heat loss and prevent too much heat gain in the summer. It isn’t just about cost, but energy efficiency and the environment. With most properties losing around a quarter of their heat through the roof, getting your loft insulation right is a good place to start. But is there such a thing as too much loft insulation?
