Why Getting Ventilation And Insulation Right Is Essential In A Loft Conversion

While planning a loft conversion can be an exciting time

, it's vital to consider the importance of proper ventilation and insulation in the converted space. Originally, lofts were designed as a cold ventilation space for the house, and insulation was laid on the floor in order to seal this space off from the rest of the building. With a loft conversion though, the very purpose of the space changes and completely different ventilation and insulation arrangements are required.

But why are loft ventilation and insulation so important? Because the roof space shields the house from rain and condensation, it's susceptible to damp. Without effective ventilation in place to expel the damp from the roof, the timbers can start to rot, possibly leading to significant structural damage. At the same time, roof insulation is essential for preventing heat from escaping from the house, meaning that good quality insulation helps to keep heating bills down and improve household energy efficiency.

In a loft conversion, the location of the insulation will shift from the ceiling joists of the loft to in between the rafters. This consequently restricts the air flow in the loft space, meaning that is not effectively ventilated. What can you do to improve the ventilation in the loft while ensuring that it is also properly insulated? First, you must create a 'ventilation path' of around 50mm between the underfelt of the roof tiles and the layer of insulation, as this allows air to be naturally expelled from the roof space. Second, you must implement both 'rapid' and 'background' ventilation. Rapid ventilation requires a window that is at least 1/20th the size of the floor space and can be opened to allow air to escape quickly. Background ventilation takes the form of an air brick or a 'trickle vent' fitted at the top of the window, which creates a draught-free airflow. If you plan to put a bathroom in your loft, you'll also need to install mechanical ventilation such as an extractor fan in order to prevent the rapid build-up of mould.

As mentioned, insulation should be laid underneath the roof tiles and then overlaid with plasterboard, but how thick should the insulation be? This will depend on the type of material used, so guidance should be sought from the manufacturer.

In considering these issues of ventilation and insulation, though, it's important to remember that any changes will need to be compliant with building regulations and may also need planning permission. If you're unsure at all about taking on the challenge of reconfiguring your roof's ventilation and insulation, consider seeking professional help. Getting these important considerations wrong could have a major negative impact on the success of your loft conversion and could quickly make the new space feel uninhabitable.

by: Pat Wallis

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