Loft Insulation
Loft insulation normally refers to insulation that is required in a cold roofs, that is insulation installed horizontally between and on top of roof or ceiling beams, not insulation installed between and on top of the roof structure and rafters (a warm roof).
In a cold roof the air space above the ceiling joists is ventilated and therefore cold, without insulation between it and the warm house below there is significant risk of the warm moist air from the living spaces rising and then cooling quickly on the cold surfaces of the roof space and condensing. This can introduce moisture on the surfaces of the roof structure which can in turn lead to mould, and decay over long periods.
Introducing one or more layers of insulation between these spaces reduces heat loss and reduces the risks of condensation, preventing warm moist air from entering directly into the loft space.
The first building regulations on home insulation were issued in 1965 and required just 28mm of insulation for a loft, today this is recommended as at least 250 up to 300mm.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved Document F.
- Cold bridge.
- Condensation pipework.
- Damp.
- Damp proofing.
- Dehumidification.
- Designing out unintended consequences when applying solid wall insulation FB 79.
- Dew point.
- Diagnosing the causes of dampness (GR 5 revised).
- Dry-bulb temperature.
- Electrical resistance meters.
- Flashing.
- Humidification.
- Humidity.
- Hygrothermal.
- Interstitial condensation.
- Methodology for moisture investigations in traditional buildings.
- Moisture.
- Moisture content.
- Mould growth.
- Penetrating damp.
- Psychometric chart.
- Rising damp.
- Sling psychrometer.
- Spalling.
- Treating brickwork with sealant or water repellent.
- Water vapour.
- Wet-bulb temperature.
- Blue roof.
- Condensation in buildings.
- Domestic roofs.
- Flat roof.
- Flat roof defects.
- Interstitial condensation.
- Inverted roof.
- Roofing defects.
- Thermal bridging in buildings.
- Thermal comfort.
- Warm roof.
- Cold roof
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February