FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LOFT INSULATION

What is the recommended thickness for loft insulation? The current regulations under the EEC programme states that a minimum 270mm of loft insulation is required.
How much heat is lost through the roof? As much as 25% of heat is lost through a roof which is not adequately insulated.
I already have some insulation in the loft but it is not very thick, will this have to be removed or can it be topped up? Any existing insulation can be left in the loft and an additional layer added to it to bring it up to the required minimum thickness. It does not matter how long the existing insulation has been in the loft it still retains its insulant value.
I use my loft for storage but need to get it insulated, can I do this? Once the loft has been insulated to a minimum 270mm thickness the ceiling joists will no longer be visible making the roof space hazardous to anyone attempting to enter. However it is possible to arrange for additional joists and floor boarding to be fixed via a local joiner to help maintain your storage area. If you already have a boarded area of no more than a third of the loft area the installers will work around it and leave it uncovered.

I have a cold water tank and pipework in my loft. Will these need to be insulated as well?

Yes they will. Any company who carries out loft insulation is responsible for insulating any tanks and pipework that is in the roof space to ensure it does not freeze come the winter period.
I have electrical cables in loft. Will these be a hazard in anyway? Apart from any cables feeding a shower unit they will not. A cable, which feeds a shower unit, is usually a 30amp. The installers will identify this and make sure this cable is not covered by the insulation by either laying the cable on top if there is enough flex or leaving a gap in the insulation around the cable to ensure it does not overheat.

I have some lights within the ceiling (downlights) that protrude into the roof space. Will these cause any problems?

 No. The installers will cut the insulation away from these leaving a gap of approximately 2” around the lights to prevent overheating.
I have sloping areas and flat roof areas within my property. Can these be insulated? It is not always possible to do these areas. The reason being is that the timbers within these areas need to breathe and if loft insulation is fitted in these areas it can block the airflow off altogether. Access to these areas is usually minimal if at all existent. However every property has to be treated on an individual basis and the surveyor will make an assessment when visiting the property and advise accordingly.
My roof space is not big enough for an installer to stand up in. Will this be a problem?

It is very common that roof spaces are not big enough for anyone to stand up in . This is not usually a problem as the installers are usually working in a kneeling position on walkboards. Many companies within the industry work to a 1.4m height minimum for installers to gain access. It is very rare that a roof space is less than this.

Will I have any problems with condensation in my loft if I have it insulated?

Providing there is sufficient ventilation existing within the roof space, condensation will not occur. The installers are responsible for leaving all areas of ventilation i.e eaves level etc clear of insulation to maintain the current airflow. However if at the time of survey it is noticed there is already signs of condensation then the surveyor will advise of appropriate measures that are available to help cure this.
My hatch is very small. Will the installers be able to get the insulation into my loft? On rare occasions where the loft hatch is not big enough to get the insulation into the loft a new loft hatch can be created by the installing company at an additional cost.
I have quite a draught coming from my loft hatch. Can anything be done about this?

Yes. Upon completion of the work the installers will fit a draught excluder strip around the loft hatch providing it is made of timber.
Will there be much mess whilst the work is carried out?

Any mess created should be very minimal, as the installers will provide dustsheets to cover the areas of carpeting/flooring around the loft access areas to the door of entry to the property.

How long will the work take?

Anything between 30 minutes to an hour and half depending on the size of the property and the amount of insulation being installed.
Is there any funding available to help assist with the payment of loft insulation?

There are various grants available at the moment but they all have individual criteria’s. The installing company will advise accordingly if you are able to access any of these.