Loft Insulation Savings
and Grants
Around 25% of heat is
lost through the roof, therefore ensuring you have adequate loft
insulation is essential if you wish to reduce your heating costs. Loft
insulation should last for up to fifty years and laying it is a
relatively simple job for a competent DIY enthusiast.
By installing the recommended minimum thickness of 270mm, you should
benefit from savings of up to £200 per year off your heating
bills. The average loft will cost around £350 to insulate,
therefore you can expect it to pay for itself within two years.
Laying loft insulation is straight-forward. Firstly lay a row between
the joists and then lay a second row at right angles to the first,
covering the joists. This should bring your insulation up to the
recomended thickness.
If you intend laying a floor in the loft for storage then you will be
unable to add the second row of loft inslation across the joists.
Therefore lay the first row of loft insulation between the joists and
then screw insulation boards on to the joists. On top of the insulation
boards screw the wooden flooring. It is now possible to buy insulation board already fixed to wooden flooring. You could also
insulate between the roof rafters to reduce additonal heat loss. It is also worth insulating the loft
hatch to prevent cold draughts.
If your loft is
difficult to access, then insulation can also be blown loose into the loft
by a specialist installer.
Loft
Insulation Grants
Loft insulation grants
are often available dependant upon your personal circumstances, with
the elderly, disabled and those on benefits able to claim a significant
part of the insallation cost. Loft insulation grants usually
require a registered installer to carry out the work. The
installer will often claim the grant on your behalf once the work has
been carried out.
Free and Cheap
Loft Insulation
To encourage energy
saving leading DIY stores often offer free or cheap loft insulation
promotions. This is ideal if you intend
laying your own loft insulation. Regular offers include buy two rolls of insulation, get one
roll free and energy saving awareness days when rolls are sold for a nominal amount.
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