Insulation Upgrades

Best done with the roof open

The easiest time to insulate a roof is when it's stripped. With the tiles off, there's clear access between the rafters, and nothing has to be squeezed in from a cramped loft. If you're having a re-roof, ask us to price the insulation alongside it.

Building regulations on a re-roof

Government guidance on energy use (Approved Document L) says that when a large part of a roof is renovated, its insulation should be brought up to standard where that's practical. On a full re-roof it's worth checking with us, and with building control if you're unsure, before the work starts.

Upgrades on their own

• Topping up thin or flattened loft insulation
• Insulating a loft that has boarding laid straight on the joists
• Making sure the eaves stay clear so the roof can still breathe

Keeping the loft usable

Thick insulation and a boarded loft don't always sit happily together. If you store things up there, tell us when we look at it, because raised boarding or insulation between the rafters can keep the storage without squashing the insulation flat and losing most of its benefit.

Signs your insulation is past it

• Upstairs rooms that are cold in winter and too hot in summer
• Snow melting off your roof faster than the neighbours'
• Old insulation you can see the joists through
• Condensation or mould on the underside of the roof