LOFT INSULATION

Loft insulation is the most cost effective energy efficiency measure and will usually pay for itself within 3 years and will continue to reduce annual heating costs on most home types by up to 20%.  .
Current U.K building regulations require 250mm (10 inches) of insulation in the loft. It's worth improving the thickness of your insulation if you have 100mm (4 inches) or less, otherwise you are simply letting money go through the roof.

Extra insulation will make the house warmer but the loft itself will be colder, so as part of a standard job the pipes and tanks are also insulated to provide adequate protection against freezing.

The insulation is laid in 2 layers to bring it up to 10 inches. The first layer is laid between the joist and the second across the joist. This prevents cold bridging along the joists and gives the maximum insulation value. A boarded walkway is also fitted for safe access to service any tanks in the loft.

If you need to store your personal items in the loft you should leave a small area for this. It is recommended that it should not be more than 20% of the total loft area.

Grants are available for loft insulation.