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
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Historic England publishes research into embodied carbon when retrofitting traditional buildings.
New Prime Minister delivers on ECA call for cut in electricity costs.
CIOB reacts to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Heritage and conservation science workforce survey - Have your say.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020. Book review.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.

















