The Ultimate Guide to Roof and Loft Insulation
Dan Simpson
Dan represents the 3rd generation of M Simspon and Sons. With over 18 years in the trade, Dan carries out our client site surveys, liaises with customers as well as managing all the contracts.
A quarter of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof. Insulating your loft, live-in loft room or flat roof is a simple and effective way to save money by reducing heat loss and lowering your energy bills.
Hopefully this guide will help you to understand the importance of energy efficiency.
Roof Insulation
Flat Roof - A flat roof can be insulated above or in between the rafters. Either by a rigid board over the joists or a glass-wool membrane between the joists. The most efficient method of doing this depends on what kind of room or space the roof is located.
Pitched Roofs - Insulating a pitched roof has basically the same concept as a flat roof depending on if the room is habitable or a redundant roof space. If the room is a 'live-in' room then Rigid Insulation Board would need to be installed. If the roof is located over a redundant space (where the Christmas decorations are stored) then Glass Wool Insulation will do the job.
Loft Insulation
The simplest loft insulation is the classic cold loft option. This is where insulation is laid between and over the timber joists directly above the ceiling of your top floor.
The only downside to loft insulation to a tiled roof is condensation. This is when warm air rises and is unable to escape the property.
Does Spray Foam Insulation Work?
In our opinion, No!
Spray Foam Insulation is a liquid foam which is sprayed on the under-side of the roof tiles. Apparently enclosing the roof so heat doesn't escape.
The main issue the effect of enclosing roof timbers in a material that can retain moisture is this runs the risk of moisture clinging to the roof battens(to which the roof tiles are fixed to).
The second problem with this method is that when it comes to carrying out a roof repair of roof replacement. The spray foam is effectively binding the roof tiles together causing it to be very labour intensive leading to higher costs.
