Insulating a Roof

The insulation of roofs is increasingly becoming a necessity, not only to improve the comfort of your home but also to reduce the cost of heating it and combatting climate change. Because of its buoyancy, hot air tends to rise, and as a result home that are inadequately insulated can lose a quarter of their heat through their roof. There may also be significant heat gains through roofs during the summer. This means that insulating a loft, attic or roof is a simple and effective way of reducing heat loss, the size of heating and cooling systems, energy usage and carbon emissions.

 

Insulating A Pitched Roof 

When looking to insulate a pitched roof there's 2 different methods: warm and cold insulation. Cold insulation is the cheapest form of roof insulation, it’s easy to do as a DIY project. It only prevents the heat escaping your home (the loft space will be uninsulated). On the other hand, Warm Insulation's reduce heat losses and controls the retention as to not get too hot during the summer. Key thing to remember is Warm roof insulation's need ventilation to allow condensation and help prevent moisture from building up.

Warm roof

This is where insulation is installed immediately under the roof, within the plane of the roof pitch, meaning that the loft space beneath is also kept warm.

Cold roof

This is where insulation is installed immediately above the ceiling of the top storey, meaning the loft space is not heated. This generally involves insulating between and over joists immediately above the ceiling of the top floor.

 

 

Insulating A Conservatory Roof

There's different methods to insulating your conservatory roof depending on your needs. Here's a couple of examples; 

1. Solar Control Film

Working to target and control the sun’s rays and excess heat, conservatory window film allows you to retain the feel and sunny atmosphere of your conservatory these large stickers are perfect for the windows and allows the conservatory to retain the all-round glass design you may desire.

3. Get a New Roof

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, consider a new conservatory roof altogether. This will allow your conservatory to integrate with the rest of your house and is most effective when trying have better heat retention. 

4. Ceiling Blinds

Ceiling blinds are a cheap but effective way to insulate your conservatory. By installing them alongside your roof, you have the option of opening and closing them at will. This allows you to retain the look of your conservatory and allows you to have a sunny ambience and protect yourself from the summer heat as well.

 

Ventilation

Your roof needs to have the right amount of ventilation to allow the materials to stay dry, little ventilation allows warm moist air to condense on the material used which leads to mould growth. Too much ventilation, however, can allow more cold moist air into the loft, also increasing the likelihood of mould growth. Air flow needs to get into the loft either through the slate or tiles. To check if your roof is ventilated through the slates or tiles, lift the window or roof hatch and check what material has been placed between the wood and the slates or tiles. 

Types of Insulation

Blanket insulation 

This is the most common and easiest to install. It generally comes in foil-backed rolls which can be placed between joists or rafters and may be held in place by timber battens attached to and across the joists or rafters. It is usually made of mineral or glass wool but can also be made from plastic fibres, and natural fibres such as cotton and sheep’s wool.

Foam boards

These are rigid panels of insulation which are cut and fitted in place. Most commonly they are made from polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, and polyurethane.

Radiant barriers

These inhibit heat transfer by thermal radiation. They are capable of being stapled to the underside of rafters. They are more effective in hot climates, and studies have shown that the reduced heat gain may allow for smaller air conditioning systems. In cool climates, installing more thermal insulation is usually more cost effective.

Blown-in insulation

This involves cellulose mineral fibres being blown into a void in the roof space. Although requiring specialist equipment, it is quick to install and can be effective for spaces with limited access, such as gaps between roof joists.

Buy Loft Insulation products with us today at www.insulationbee.co.uk or speak to one of our friendly staff on 02038839057

 

InsulationBee LTD, Office 276b, 182-184 High Street North London E6 2JA