What is the Best Loft Insulation?

Choosing the right loft insulation is critical for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your house throughout the year, in both hot and cold weather. It has even been discovered that a fourth of the heat in a poorly insulated home is lost via the roof, which means not only are you wasting heat, but you are also losing out on well-earned money!

Therefore, in this article, we’ll walk you through the many loft insulation options available so we can help you decide which is the best fit for your loft space.

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Different Types of Loft Insulation

Blanket insulation

Blanket insulation, available in batts and rolls, is the most popular and readily available insulation product on the market today. It is available in a variety of materials, including fiberglass/glass wool, mineral wool, plastic fibres, and natural fibres such as sheep's wool.

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Insulation Boards

Insulation boards are perhaps the most well-known kind of insulation. They're a sheet-based stiff insulating material made from either synthetic or natural materials. Although the boards come in a variety of widths and thicknesses, they can be readily cut to size using a handsaw or equivalent tool to fit any precise area you need to cover.

And even though rigid insulation boards are somewhat more expensive than blanket rolls, they provide superior insulating value at half the thickness, making them perfect for big attic spaces and loft conversions.

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Multi-foil

Multifoil insulation is made by compromising multiple layers of radiant foil barriers crafted using materials such as aluminium, thermo-foam and polypropylene. The foil combination works by reflecting heat back into the room to keep interior temperatures tolerable in both winter and summer.

Multifoil is also incredibly lightweight and thin and can be space-efficient and easy to install whenever you need it. All you have to do is simply staple the foil to the rafters and tape over any joins to finish. Pretty easy, right? Multi-foil is also airtight and moisture resistant, with built-in vapour management, which adds another layer of protection against damp and condensation.

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Insulation slabs

Commonly made from glass wool, mineral wool or even sheep’s wool, insulation slabs offer superb thermal and acoustic insulation for your roof space.
Insulation slabs are a popular choice among homeowners and DIYers since they are simple to cut and install. They can be simply pushed in between joists and rafters to achieve the optimal friction fit, and they come in a variety of specified sizes, allowing them to be installed without cutting.

So, which loft insulation is the best? Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to which is the "best" loft insulation because each serves a distinct purpose. What we can tell you is which insulation product is ideal for YOUR loft area.

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Cold lofts

To prevent heat from entering the loft space, cold loft insulation should be put between the floor joists. Loft rolls are an excellent choice for this sort of installation, and they come in a variety of materials.

Warm lofts

Insulation for a warm loft should be denser and more rigid than that used to insulate joists. As a result, insulating boards are the ideal option. Despite their rigid composition, insulation boards may be simply trimmed to fit snugly between the rafters for maximum thermal efficiency.
To make a warm loft, split the insulation between the loft floor and the bottom of the roof. This permits some heat to enter the loft space to help manage the temperature without escaping via the roof.

Storage Space

Want a cosy warm house but don't have anywhere to put your Christmas decorations? You may add efficient insulation to your loft without sacrificing valuable storage space by utilising hard insulation boards. Simply place your belongings on top for secure and quick access anytime you need them.

Large Loft Areas

If you have a large attic space to fill, you'll need an insulating material that can cover a vast area quickly. Insulation rolls are ideal for quick DIY instals since they can be easily laid across the joists in one continuous length.

Damp lofts

Insulation slabs are the way to go if your loft is moist or prone to damp. Slabs are simple to install (DIY), water-repellent, and very ventilated, so they will not rot or mould in damp situations.

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Loft Spaces with Limited Access

While insulating an inaccessible loft area may appear to be an insurmountable operation, it is one that can be accomplished with the use of spray foam or loose-fill insulation.

We hope that this article has assisted you in exploring a variety of insulation alternatives and determining which one is best for you! If you have any further questions about insulation or need further information about the insulation products we sell at Howarth Timber, please visit your local friendly Howarth Timber branch, or contact our customer services on the number 01472 907051.