All UK homes need a degree of loft insulation to provide efficient heating. Loft roll insulation helps prevent heat loss in the winter while taking longer to heat up from the sun’s rays in the summer.
That said, effective loft insulation isn’t just about cost. It’s also about energy efficiency and the environment. According to studies, most properties lose approximately one-quarter of their heat through the roof. So, getting your loft insulation correct is a good place to begin. Knowing this, is there such a thing as too much loft insulation?
Table of contents:
- How much loft insulation is too much?
- How long does loft insulation last?
- What is loft insulation made of?
How much loft insulation is too much?
If you live in a newer property, you can install as much insulation as needed, as long as you ensure there is adequate ventilation. If you are buying a new home, the insulation is likely to be of good quality, especially if the EPC shows high ratings.
Even with the best loft insulation on the market, the key is to balance the amount of insulation with the amount of ventilation required to avoid dampness. As long as you get that balance right, you should be fine. Furthermore, consider that you will not have enough space to install ‘too much’ insulation before you run out of wall, cavity, floor cavity, or inside space to encroach on.
Current government recommendations are for loft insulation thickness to achieve a depth of 270mm. However, some new properties are increasing their level of loft insulation to 300mm. Again, as long as the loft is properly ventilated, this is acceptable. You may lose a little storage space, but you will save money!
How long does loft insulation last?
Good quality loft insulation should last roughly 40 years and will eventually pay for itself with the cash saved on your energy bills. Given the relatively low cost and ease of installing loft insulation, it should be the first place you begin if you want to make your home more thermally efficient. In this regard, it is simple to install slightly more insulation than is recommended in order to increase its effectiveness.
Insulation acts as a barrier in the winter, preventing warm air from escaping your home too quickly due to heating, cooking, and human activity. The more effective that barrier, the more heat you retain. In the summer, your insulation works the opposite way. It prevents warm air from coming in, keeping your home cool.
What is loft insulation made of?
Loft insulation is made from a variety of materials, including fibreglass, mineral wool, sheep’s wool, hemp, recycled rubber, phenolic foam, and others. Different materials are better suited to different applications, and some are thinner than others, making them ideal for use on floors.
If you want to use your loft for storage, you should consider raising the floor level to provide floor insulation. A layer of insulation can be laid between floor joists and then covered with thermally or acoustically insulating floorboards.
Moisture should dissipate as long as there is an air gap between the insulation and the floorboards, allowing the insulation to do its job.
You can find out more about your insulation options in our insulation buyer’s guide.
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