Insulating your loft is crucial for maintaining the energy efficiency of the house. About 25% of the heat is lost through the loft in a poorly insulated home. Inadequate thermal insulation also leads to increased electricity bills as the heating systems will need to work on overdrive to compensate for the heat loss.
In the following article, we take a look at how the best loft insulation works and various materials you can use as insulation to keep your house warmer.
How Does Loft Insulation Work?
Installing thermal insulation for the loft works similar to putting a rug on the floor. The roofing insulation contractors place a layer of insulation material either between the loft joists or between the floor and underside of the roof. This material traps the heat that would otherwise be lost and prevents draughts, thereby regulating the temperature of the house.
Depending on where the insulation is placed, loft insulation can be categorised as a warm or cold loft. Here is a brief introduction to both:
- Cold loft: The insulation material is only installed between the floor joists in a cold loft. This prevents any heat exchange from the loft and is cheaper and easier to install. However, it is also relatively less effective and can be prone to temperature fluctuations as no heat from the home can get into the loft, making it unsuitable for storing items.
- Warm loft: In a warm loft, the insulation material is divided between the underside immediately under the roof and the loft floor, meaning the loft space gets heat from the house but none of it is lost through the roof. Warm lofts are expensive and more difficult to install but retain more heat than cold lofts.
What Is the Best Material for Loft Insulation?
Over time, several materials have been used to insulate the loft. Some of the common thermal insulation materials include mineral wool, cellulose, phenolic and EPS boards, reflective aluminium foil, and natural products like thermo-hemp.
Arguably one of the best loft insulation materials in recent times is spray foam insulation. SPF can be used in a wide range of scenarios as it is extremely easy to install and can be used to fill any space, nook, or crevice. It is one of the best when it comes to resistance to heat flow, deters moisture, and improves the comfort of the house.
For more insights on how spray foam thermal insulation works, get in touch with a professional insulation contractor like Ecotite. Our highly experienced experts will thoroughly inspect your property and suggest the best course of action based on their findings.