If you have a loft space in your home, you may be aware that it can become quite cold during the winter months, as heat rises and up to a quarter of the heat generated in your home escapes through the roof. 

 

Escaping heat can lead to higher energy bills and a less comfortable home. Loft insulation is a cost-effective way to combat this problem and make your home more energy-efficient. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the different types of loft insulation available, as well as their benefits and disadvantages.

Blanket insulation fitted between joists

Blanket insulation, also known as quilt insulation, is one of the most common types of loft insulation. It comes in rolls and is fitted between the joists of your loft floor. It is usually made from glass wool, rock wool, or mineral wool.

 

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective: Blanket insulation is relatively cheap to buy and install, making it an affordable option for many homeowners.
  • Easy to install: Blanket insulation is straightforward to install, even for DIY novices.
  • Good thermal performance: Blanket insulation is effective at reducing heat loss from your home.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Inadequate coverage: If the insulation is not fitted properly or is compressed, it may leave gaps that can reduce its effectiveness.
  • Potential for condensation: If the insulation is not installed with a vapour barrier, it can allow warm, moist air to pass through and condense on cold surfaces in your loft.

Loose-fill insulation

Loose-fill insulation is made up of small, loose particles that are blown into your loft space using a special machine. The insulation material can be made from a variety of materials, including cellulose, mineral wool, and recycled paper.

 

Benefits:

  • Good coverage: Loose-fill insulation can be blown into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that your entire loft space is covered.
  • Reduced risk of condensation: Because the insulation material is blown in, there is less chance of gaps forming, which can reduce the risk of condensation.
  • Environmentally friendly: Many loose-fill insulation materials are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly option.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Professional installation required: Loose-fill insulation requires specialist equipment and expertise to install, so you will need to hire a professional.
  • Higher cost: The cost of installing loose-fill insulation can be higher than other types of loft insulation.

Insulation boards attached to roof joists

Insulation boards are rigid sheets of insulation that are attached to the roof joists in your loft space. They can be made from a variety of materials, including polystyrene, polyurethane, and PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam.

 

Benefits:

  • Good thermal performance: Insulation boards provide excellent thermal insulation, helping to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills.
  • Reduced risk of condensation: Because insulation boards are rigid, they are less likely to leave gaps that can lead to condensation.
  • Long-lasting: Insulation boards are durable and long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace them as often as other types of insulation.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Difficult to install: Installing insulation boards can be tricky, and it is often best to hire a professional.
  • Reduced loft space: Insulation boards take up space in your loft, which can limit your storage options.

Blown-fibre insulation

Blown-fibre insulation is made from recycled glass, rock, or mineral wool, which is blown into your loft space using a special machine. The insulation material settles and forms a dense layer that provides good thermal insulation.

 

Benefits:

  • Good coverage: Blown-fibre insulation can be blown into hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that your entire loft space is covered.
  • Reduced risk of condensation: Because the insulation material is blown in, there is less chance of gaps forming, which can reduce the risk of condensation.
  • Environmentally friendly: Like loose-fill insulation, blown-fibre insulation is often made from recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly option.

 

Disadvantages:

  • Professional installation required: Blown-fibre insulation requires specialist equipment and expertise to install, so you will need to hire a professional.
  • Higher cost: The cost of installing blown-fibre insulation can be higher than other types of loft insulation.

 

So, which type of loft insulation is right for you? The answer will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-install option, blanket insulation may be the best choice. However, if you are looking for the most effective insulation with the lowest risk of condensation, insulation boards may be the way to go. Loose-fill and blown-fibre insulation can be good options if you have hard-to-reach areas in your loft, or if you want an environmentally friendly option.

 

When choosing a loft insulation material, it is important to consider the insulation’s R-value. The R-value measures the insulation’s thermal resistance, or how well it can resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more effective the insulation will be at keeping your home warm. The recommended R-value for loft insulation in the UK is between R-38 and R-49, depending on your location and climate.

 

In addition to choosing the right type of insulation, it is important to ensure that your loft space is properly ventilated. Ventilation helps to prevent condensation from building up in your loft, which can cause damp and mould. You can install roof vents or use eaves ventilation to allow air to circulate through your loft space.

 

To learn more about our loft insulation services, please contact us.