Loft Insulation

Is your home losing heat like a sieve? Are your energy bills skyrocketing even as you shiver indoors? It's time to plug the gap with Berks Insulation's top-notch loft insulation services and unlock the warmth and savings you deserve!

With energy costs on the rise, insulating your home has become more crucial than ever. Effective loft insulation in this regard can address this problem. It will significantly reduce your heating bills, saving you up to £590 per year. Additionally, enhancing your home's energy efficiency can boost its value by an impressive 15-20%. Berks Insulation is your trusted partner for free loft insulation grants under the ECO4 scheme, making your home warmer, crosier, and more energy-efficient than ever before.

What is Loft Insulation?

Loft Insulation serves as a protective layer within your loft, effectively capturing warmth. It can be installed either between the joists (the horizontal beams along the floor of your attic) or within the rafters (the angled beams supporting the roof). Regardless of the method, loft insulation functions like a substantial, comforting blanket that hinders the flow of heat between your living area and the external environment. Loft insulation not only provides warmth to your home during winter but also helps maintain a cool interior during summer. Given the various types of insulation available, it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Improve energy efficiency through home insulation. This, in turn, would prevent heat loss ensuring greater comfort.

How does loft insulation work?

Essentially, it works by trapping warm air inside your home and preventing it from rising through the roof. When properly installed, it allows moisture to pass through, preventing condensation. In a house without insulation, much of the heat escapes through various avenues—walls, floors, doors, and windows. The roof, especially through the loft, is a significant escape route for heat. This situation leaves you generating more heat than necessary, causing both increased energy bills and a higher carbon footprint. For many, understanding that loft insulation works suffices. However, if you're interested in the 'why' and 'how,' delve into the science of thermodynamics.

Types of Loft Insulation

Blanket Insulation

In the realm of loft insulation, blanket insulation is a common choice. It comes in rolls of rock, glass, or mineral fibre, with Earth wool by Knauf being our eco-friendly preference. It's cost-effective, and good for insulating between joists, but not suitable for the roof.

Loose-Fill Insulation

Loose-fill insulation is another option. It uses loose, lightweight materials like cork granules, cellulose fibre, or recycled newspaper. It works well as a supplement or standalone but can be messy.

Sheet Insulation

Sheet insulation, made from firm boards of synthetic or natural materials, is ideal for insulating the underside of your roof. It's effective but tends to be more expensive. The boards are suitable for decoration.

Blown-Fibre Insulation

Blown-fibre insulation involves blowing loose materials between joists, suitable for hard-to-reach areas. However, it doesn't provide a complete solution, especially in a draughty loft. It's pricey and requires professional installation.

Difference Between Warm and Cold Loft

Cold Lofts

Cold lofts are cost-effective and easy to install. Insulation is placed between and on top of the floor joists, preventing heat from entering. However, they experience temperature fluctuations and condensation.

Warm Lofts

Conversely, warm lofts require insulation for both the floor and rafters. This allows some heat to regulate the loft's temperature. Simultaneously, it prevents heat from escaping through the roof.

How to Insulate a Loft?

When it comes to insulating your loft, it's often best to "get the ball rolling" with a cost-effective and straightforward approach.
Now, let's dive into the DIY process.
First off, clear out your loft, removing any old boxes or forgotten items.
Next, lag (insulate) any pipes and water tanks in the roof space to prevent freezing, especially considering that the attic becomes significantly colder once it's insulated from the living space below. Take a thorough look to check for any electrical wiring in the attic. If you find any, it needs to be positioned above the insulation material, but be careful not to stretch out the wiring. If you're unsure how to proceed, it's wise to consult with a professional electrician.
Now, measure up your loft and pick up enough blanket insulation to achieve a depth of at least 270mm.
Unroll the insulation and lay it along between the joists. Since most joists are around 100mm high (double-check this measurement first), you'll need 100mm thick wool for the initial layer. Loft insulation rolls usually come in a width of 1140mm, so you might need to cut them down to fit. Always use scissors to avoid tearing or stretching the material, as this could impact its effectiveness.
To complete the job, create a second layer perpendicular to the first. If your initial layer is 100mm deep, use 200mm of wool for the second layer. This method ensures thorough insulation and minimizes heat loss.

How much does loft insulation cost?

Price matters in decisions. If you're unsure about loft insulation costs, predicting expenses becomes tricky. Starting price of professional installation is about £250, and DIY hovers between £150 – £200. Yet, this cost is small compared to potential savings. It's a drop in the ocean compared to the £250 or more your bills could drop. Plus, yearly energy savings could be around £225 according to the Energy Saving Trust. Looking at average prices for loft insulation materials, from boards to rock wool and Knauf, it's £250 – £1,500 based on complexity. In short, the initial cost pays off with significant ongoing savings.

Can I get Free Loft Insulation?

Yes, you can receive free loft insulation, subject to eligibility for assistance from your energy provider. Under the British Government’s ECO4 Scheme, grants are available for loft insulation. This initiative targets households with low incomes. It aims to aid those who may struggle with the costs of improving energy efficiency in their homes. If you or anybody in your home receives one of certain benefits, you may qualify for funding to obtain free loft insulation. Click here to check your eligibility for free loft insulation.

Claim Your ECO4 Grant Now for Loft Insulation!

Transform your home with Berks Insulation and enjoy the benefits of our ECO4 Grant. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to make your home energy-efficient and cosy. Claim your Loft Insulation grant now and take the first step towards a warmer, greener future!