If you’re planning to convert your loft, it’s important to consider the heating and insulation needed. You may already have your home’s heating system in place, but if you’re planning to add a loft conversion to your property, you’ll need to consider how to heat the space too.
When choosing the right heating system for your new conversion, there are several factors to consider:
The size of the loft: The size of the loft will determine how much heat is needed in order for it to be comfortable for you and your family. If your loft is particularly large, it may be worth considering a central heating system that can be controlled from downstairs so that the whole house is warm when you come home.
The type of flooring: If you’re converting a loft with an existing wooden floor, then installing underfloor heating could be an option as this type of system warms up quickly as soon as it’s switched on. However, if you have a wooden floor then it might not be suitable if there are gaps between boards as this could cause condensation build-up underneath which could lead to dampness and rot. Instead, consider installing radiators in each room if they don’t already exist in order to provide additional heat when needed. Carpeted floors are also proven to provide a much more insulated room, equalling a warmer, cosier space!
Loft Conversion Insulation
Before your loft conversion is fully constructed, it will not be insulated at all so you need to think about this before putting up any walls or adding any flooring. That is why it is important to go with an established loft conversion provider such as Simply Loft, who will advise you on the necessary insulation requirements that will meet building regulation sign off.
With Simply Loft your loft will typically be insulated with Celotex or Rockwool insulation. From an environmental perspective, rockwool is better than Celotex, as Celotex releases toxic cyanide fumes if caught alight. Rockwool has a minimum of 75% recycled materials which makes it one of the most eco-friendly types of insulation.
When choosing insulation for your conversion, we recommend using a wool based insulation method as it’s non-flammable and has a high R value (the higher the better).
The way you heat your loft conversion may vary depending on the use of the new loft conversion room. The reason for this is that if you have a bedroom in your loft, then it will need to be fully heated on a regular basis, whereas if it is just an extra room to be used as an office for example, then it will only need to be heated when used.
The minimum insulation requirements for a standard loft conversion without any bedrooms are:
· The floor should be insulated to a depth of 50mm;
· A layer of eco-friendly loft insulation should be placed between joists at least 25mm deep;
· A layer of thermal barrier/warm roof covering (TBC) should be placed over your existing roof covering;
· An additional layer of eco-friendly loft insulation (about 25mm deep) should be laid directly on top of the TBC and covered with plywood or OSB boards.
If you plan to install a bedroom in your loft, then these requirements need to be increased by about 20%.
If you are considering a loft conversion in London or the West Midlands, call the experts at Simply Loft today for your free site survey on 0800 917 7571 and enquire now.
