Loft Conversion Warm Or Cold Roof

A cold roof is a roof that has insulation just in the floor of the loft insulating the space below but leaving the loft space uninsulated.

Loft conversion warm or cold roof.

Taking this a step further if you add a loft conversion you need to be thinking about insulating the roof while the conversion is in progress. To create a warm loft on the other hand the insulation is divided between the loft floor and the underside of the roof. This construction method is called a cold roof as the rafters are not part of the warm insulated part of the structure. To help you learn about the types of insulation which will be best for your home we have compiled this guide to roof and loft insulation which are a great place to start when insulating your home.

If you are thinking of having a loft conversion built into your home or even if you already have one then these tips will come in handy when trying to keep the area cool as the temperature rises. For ventilation purposes and to avoid condensation forming ventilation is left usually around the perimeter of the roof soffit vents at the ridge or using tile vents. If we learnt anything from science class it s that heat naturally rises which can mean that during the summer months our attic conversions can become exceptionally warm and stuffy. Introduction warm cold roofs this guidance offers guidance on the difference benefits between warm and cold roofs.

A warm roof is a roof that has insulation in the loft walls and floor meaning that the loft space is insulated. This means that some heat can get into the loft and regulate its temperature but is prevented from escaping through the roof. Regulations on loft conversion insulation. Warm roof solutions are generally more expensive but they can provide a greater level of heat retention.

Energy efficiency grants are currently available for cold loft roof insulation. Cold deck roof a cold deck roof is where the insulation is placed between the joists rafters or in between the ceiling joists in the case of a pitch roof. Ventilation is required for these roofs. A cold loft is where you insulate immediately above the ceiling of the top storey so no heat from your home gets into your loft.

For condensation to form it would need cold too meet hot air but now its all hot air inside the building until the top of the warm roof insulation. When adding the insulation to between the rafters there should be a 50 mm ventilation gap above the insulation between the insulation and the sarking felt. Anything underneath the warm roof insulation is now part of the fabric of the building the same as the plywood or ceiling below it. If it is not insulated or even poorly insulated the heat will escape and the house will never be as warm as it could be.