What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is material that is installed in the loft, attic or roof space in order to insulate it and reduce heat loss. Loft insulation works by trapping air between its fibres, creating a barrier that stops warm air from escaping and keeps cold air from entering. It helps to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Loft insulation can be made from a variety of materials including fibreglass, rock wool, natural fibres, foam plastic, and recycled paper.
What are the benefits of having loft insulation?
Loft insulation comes with a variety of useful benefits, including:
Decrease energy costs
By creating an insulated barrier between the living space and the outside environment, loft insulation prevents heated or cooled air from escaping through the roof, meaning less energy is needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home, helping you to save on energy bills.
Protect your health
Without proper insulation, airborne pollutants such as dust, smoke and other allergens can move freely between the living area and the attic. Loft insulation acts as an effective barrier against these types of irritants, providing a cleaner indoor environment for you and your family.
Reduce noise pollution
By absorbing sound waves, loft insulation can help lessen reduce noise pollution from both inside and outside of the home, allowing you to enjoy a quieter household environment.
Make your home more environmentally friendly
By reducing your reliance on heating, you’ll be using less energy overall - which means fewer emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.
How to Choose the Right Type of Loft Insulation for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the right type of loft insulation for your needs, there are many factors to consider. Each type of insulation has its own unique characteristics and benefits, so it's important to understand which one is best suited for your needs.
Understand your environment:
It is important to consider your climate as different types of insulation work better in certain environments. For example, fiberglass batts are better in warmer climates as they retain their thermal efficiency even in high temperatures.
Consider the R-value:
The R-value of an insulating material measures how well it can resist heat flow and is expressed as a numerical value between 0 and 10 (with higher numbers indicating greater resistance). It is important that you select an appropriate R-value for the climate zone you live in, as this will ensure maximum energy savings from your insulation investment over time.
Think about your space:
When choosing the right type of insulation for your needs, evaluating the space of the area is crucial. If space is tight, then a thinner material such as fiberglass can be used without compromising on thermal performance. For larger spaces, thicker materials such as rock wool or polyester should be considered to maximize energy efficiency and protect against draughts.
Do your research:
Each insulation manufacturer offers their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so understanding these differences can help you make an informed choice about which product would best meet your specific budget and requirements for loft insulation.
The Cost of Loft Insulation: How to Get the Best Price
Installing loft insulation can be a highly cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as it can reduce heat loss by up to 25%. Depending on the type of insulation you choose, the size and shape of your loft, and whether or not you hire a professional to do the job, installation costs can vary greatly.
For those tackling the work themselves, there are several affordable options. Bales or blankets of mineral wool are generally the most affordable option, coming in at around £80 for an average sized UK home. Expanded polystyrene boards offer better thermal performance but tend to be more expensive at around £200 for an average sized house. Insulation rolls made from recycled paper or plastic fibres such as sheep’s wool are also now available, costing £200-£400 on average depending on quality.
When it comes to hiring a professional installer, expect labour costs to add significantly onto the total bill – typically ranging from £750 -£1,500 depending on how much insulation needs applying and how complex it may be to do so in your property. It is therefore important to search extensively before making a decision on whom to hire.
The Pros and Cons:
There are many different types of insulation, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Read on to explore the pros and cons of four popular types of loft insulation: Fibreglass insulation, cellulose insulation, mineral wool, and spray foam insulation.
Fibreglass Insulation:
Pros:
- Readily available
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Not as efficient as other insulation types
- Can degrade over time
- Ineffective if it becomes wet
Cellulose Insulation:
Pros:
- High thermal performance
- Excellent fire resistance properties
- Good at reducing noise pollution
- Resists mould
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Requires specialised equipment to install
- Prone to compression which can reduce R-value
Mineral Wool:
Pros:
- Good thermal performance
- Superior soundproofing qualities
- Improves indoor climate
- Helps to save energy and reduce emissions
Cons:
- Is not biodegradable
- Can be damaging to health if fibres inhaled
- Heavy so installation can be difficult
Spray Foam Insulation:
Pros:
- Eliminates air leakage
- Increases home energy efficiency
- Higher R-value than most other types of insulation
- Resists moisture
Cons:
- More expensive than other types of insulation
- May shrink over time
- Long dry and cure time
FAQS:
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation is installed in a loft, attic or roof space to help regulate the temperate within a home. It works by creating a barrier that prevents warm air from escaping and stops cold air from entering.
How does loft insulation work?
Loft insulation works by trapping air inside tiny pockets within the material. This trapped air helps to prevent heat from passing through from one side of the insulation to the other, thus keeping your home more energy efficient.
What are the benefits of loft insulation?
Installing loft insulation in a home provides numerous benefits, including improved comfort, reduced energy bills, more comfortable home temperature, reduced noise pollution, and more.
How can I tell if my loft is insulated?
When it comes to determining whether your loft is insulated, the easiest way is to look at the ceiling from inside the loft. If you can see insulation material such as fibreglass, rock wool, or mineral fibre, then your loft is likely insulated.
Another simple method to check for insulation is to feel around on the walls when standing in the attic. If they feel cold and damp to touch, then there's a good chance that your attic isn't insulated.
How much does loft insulation cost?
Loft insulation varies depending on your chosen insulating material, the size of the space, and whether you DIY or hire a professional, with the latter costing considerably more to factor in labour costs.