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
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.