in this article
What are your options for roof insulation?
Your options for roof insulation mainly depend on the kind of the roof:
Warm loft insulation and cold loft insulation are the two options preferred for pitched roofs. As far as flat roof is concerned, most recommended options are warm deck and cold deck. Inverted roof is very preferable as well.
What is cold loft insulation?
- Cold loft insulation, or popularly called loft insulation, is a classic roof insulation technique which is simple as well as cheap.
- This technique insulates over and between those wooden joists that can be found right above your ceiling in the top floor.
- The name ‘cold loft’ comes from the fact that with this tactic, the loft remains quite cold during the winter months, since insulation of the roof may not be there. However, the area underneath where you stay will be properly insulated.
- Normally, this option is the only one that is grant-funded. Besides, you can have this as your DIY project without having to fear hard work, as it is pretty simple. You are going to get this insulation in most good DIY stores.
What is warm loft insulation?
- If the loft is being utilized as a living region, or due to some other reason it is not possible to use cold loft, warm loft type is the one to go.
- This option demands insulation to be installed right under your roof in the pitch plane. This tactic will not only absorb heat during winter, but will also prevent the roof from getting too cold during winter or too hot during summer! The job is not actually straightforward, but DIY is possible.
- You must have in mind that with the option of warm loft, ventilation right below the tiles of roof becomes almost mandatory. What it does is that it stops water (or condensation build up) from entering around or through the tiles in order to
prevent any kind of rotting in the structure of your roof - Normal materials utilized are mineral batts, or glass-wood type of insulation, which are kept in place with the help wood battens connected
across or to rafters. You can make use of polystyrene slabs as - well, which normally require necessary cutting. Alternatively, you may choose EPS or expanded polystyrene products which have effect like spring and are mostly concertina shaped.
- If application of polyurethane spray forms is done, ventilation is not really necessary. Although this kind of thing is normally performed by professionals, DIY options have come to the market as well. Note that this is only applicable if tile underside is totally bare and no roofing can be found or felt.
- With the power to hold structures better, spray foams can additionally be helpful for physical stability in case your roof condition is not that great. Note that before going the foam insulation way, you need to fix any slipped or missing tiles.
What is flat roof insulation?
Professional people are almost mandatory when it comes to installing insulation for flat roof. Moreover, you are not going to get any kind of energy 
grants for cost reduction. The most suitable time for insulation is during the time of replacing a roof. However, in a number of situations, a roof in nice condition can take help of retro-fitted insulation.
- Find out whether it’s your loft that requires insulation, or it is the roof
- Learn insulation tactics for flat as well as pitched roof, and various insulation options available
- Know how to decide between cold and warm loft insulation types
- What are your options for roof insulation?
Your options for roof insulation mainly depend on the kind of the roof:
- Warm loft insulation and cold loft insulation are the two options preferred for pitched roofs
- As far as flat roof is concerned, most recommended options are warm deck and cold deck. Inverted roof is very preferable as well.
What is cold loft insulation?
- Cold loft insulation, or popularly called loft insulation, is a classic roof insulation technique which is simple as well as cheap.
- This technique insulates over and between those wooden joists that can be found right above your ceiling in the top floor.
- The name ‘cold loft’ comes from the fact that with this tactic, the loft remains quite cold during the winter months, since insulation of the roof may not be there. However, the area underneath where you stay will be properly insulated.
- Normally, this option is the only one that is grant-funded. Besides, you can have this as your DIY project without having to fear hard work, as it is pretty simple. You are going to get this insulation in most good DIY stores.
References
Loft conversion beginners guide – https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/loft-conversion-beginners-guide/
Planning permission for loft conversion – https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/36/loft_conversion
Loft conversions – http://www.lets-do-diy.com/Projects-and-advice/Lofts/Loft-conversion.aspx
Move or improve – https://www.theguardian.com/money/2007/jul/16/houseprices.homeimprovements
Loft conversion costs – http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/loft-conversions/article/loft-conversions/loft-conversion-costs
How to plan loft conversion – http://www.housetohome.co.uk/articles/how-to-plan-your-loft-conversion-top-tips-and-expert-advice_299954.html
Design ideas for loft conversions – http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/interiors/loft-conversions