Maximising Home Energy Efficiency: The Importance of Proper Attic Insulation
With proper attic insulation installed, your home can become a lot more energy efficient. Generally speaking, insulation works when you are able to reduce the transfer of heat between the exterior and interior of a building. Because heat rises, your attic is a key area that should be insulated. Preventing heat from escaping from your building is extremely important to have a well-insulated home. Additionally, in the summer months, it prevents heat from entering the home, keeping a cool internal temperature.
Attic Insulation for Energy Efficiency
Because heat rises, your heating systems need to continuously work to produce heat in the entire home. But, by reducing the amount of heat that escapes through your attic and other areas of your property, you also rely less on your heating system. What does this mean? Simply, your energy bills will decrease, and the amount of energy used decreasing, making your home more energy efficient.
Moreover, having a regulated internal temperature with attic insulation allows for a reduced workload on your energy systems. As mentioned, reducing this workload makes your property energy efficient and helps to save money on your bills. Insulation can provide consistent internal temperatures throughout the year, helping you manage your property, save money and become energy efficient.
The efficiency of your attic insulation depends on the type of product used, whether that is fibreglass, loft roll, spray foam or various other insulation products. By consulting with a professional, you can make sure to install the best insulation for your situation and your objectives.
Fibreglass Attic Insulation
This type of insulation is one of the more affordable products, it can be easy to install and comes in a variety of forms (batts, rolls, blow-in). However, while it is cost-effective and easy to install, it can cause skin irritation if you are not properly equipped, and it isn’t the most effective insulation to seal air leaks.
Spray Foam Attic Insulation
This is one of the most effective insulation products for sealing air leaks and to increase your thermal performance in your home. Spray foam insulation has many benefits, from soundproofing to thermal performance, durability and more. However, note this is one of the more expensive forms of insulation for your attic and it does require a professional to install it.
Cellulose Attic Insulation
This is a recycled-paper-based insulation product that is eco-friendly and great at sealing air leaks. When you seal air leaks, you reduce the amount of heat that can escape, improving your property’s energy efficiency. While it can be more effective than fibreglass insulation, cellulose settles over time and can be more expensive upfront.
What Should UK Homeowners Consider Before Installing Attic Insulation?
- 1. Type of Roof
- 2. Building Regulations
- 3. Budget
- 4. Environment
- 5. Climate
- 6. Access
The two main types of roofs for homeowners are a flat roof and a pitched roof. Depending on the type you have, your course of insulation, methodology and product choice may differ. When enquiring about attic insulation, understanding your roof type is always important.
With the UK becoming more energy-efficient, there are certain insulation regulations that homeowners must meet. Therefore, you can consult with our professionals to understand any requirements and standards before starting your project.
It is important to have a budget in mind before beginning your attic insulation. Different products have different prices and, over time, can help save different amounts of money on your bills. You may have higher upfront costs on some products but save more in the long term.
If one of your objectives is for more eco-friendly and sustainable, then we can select a range of products to meet this. For example, cellulose and spray foam is considered two eco-friendly forms of insulation.
If your property regularly experiences harsh weathers or is coastally located, then you may require more specific forms of insulation in order to sustain your property in its current climate and location.
The methodology of insulation can greatly differ depending on the ease of access to your attic. If your attic has limited access, then a blown-in insulation approach will be necessary, which may limit what products can be used.
