As a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your property well-maintained and energy-efficient. One effective method to prevent heat loss from your home is through boarded loft insulation. Proper insulation ensures that your home is warm and comfortable during winter and cool during summer.
Insulating your loft is a relatively straightforward process to perform and can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about boarded loft insulation.
What is Loft Insulation?
Loft insulation is a method of thermal insulation that is placed between the roof and the ceiling of your property. The primary purpose is to prevent heat loss from the property through the rooftop in cold seasons and conversely, to hinder heat absorption during hot seasons.
Common insulation materials include glass wool, mineral wool, and sheep wool. Glass wool is the most widely used material because it is lightweight and provides excellent insulation.
What Is Boarded Loft Insulation?
Boarded loft insulation is the process of covering the insulation with boards to provide a well-finished top layer. The insulated boards are then covered again with a loft hatch to seal heat inside the property. The use of boarding is ideal since it provides a smooth surface for storage while preserving heat.
Benefits of Boarded Loft Insulation
Boarded loft insulation can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation can result in up to 25% energy savings, depending on the thickness of the insulation. These energy savings translate directly to reducing your home’s energy bills.
Additionally, boarding the loft insulation prevents drafts and thermal bridging that can lead to the accumulation of moisture in your loft. Moisture accumulation can cause mold and make your living space uncomfortable.
Tips for Boarding Loft Insulation
Boarding a loft is straightforward and relatively simple. Here are a few tips to ensure that you do it correctly:
Choose the right boarding material
Ensure that the boarding material can support the weight of your storage. OSB Oriented Strand Board or Plywood is commonly used because they are sturdy and can withstand heavyweights.
Use quality screws
Use durable screws to fix the boards to the existing floor to eliminate the risk of harm or injury. The screws should be long enough to pass through the entire boarding and insulation.
Leave expansion gaps
When boarding, ensure that you leave an adequate expansion gap around the edges. This gap is crucial to prevent damage to the roof by condensation.
Insulate the sides of the roof
Insulating your roof’s sides up to the eaves is recommended to prevent the creation of cold spots.
Final thoughts
Boarded loft insulation is a practical way to save money and improve energy efficiency. The process is relatively straightforward, and with a bit of professional guidance, you can safely insulate and board your loft.
No matter how old your property is, proper insulation is a crucial investment. Adequate insulation will keep your living space warm and comfortable while significantly reducing your energy bills.
