How can I maintain a comfortable temperature in my attic all year round?

One Answer

1. Nigel Griffiths says:

   17th July 2024 at 2:49 pm

   Hi Luke,

   Thanks so much for your question. The main source of excessive heat gains and heat losses in an loft is of course the roof, which is presumably pitched. You say it is currently a habitable space, which indicates that it has a ceiling of some sort, but there will be little or no insulation behind this. This ceiling will have to be taken down and the roof properly insulated. Any side walls near the eaves will also need to be insulated.
   As you are applying a new finished surface to the internal face of the roof, you will be obliged to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations Part L, and the maximum U-values set for roofs are now very stringent.

   You will need to insulate below the rafters, but this means a loss of head height. To minimise this loss, you can utilise the most efficient insulation materials like PIR insulation boards, or something similar.
   The space between the rafters can also be insulated, which reduces the thickness of insulation needed below the rafters, but it’s important to retain an air gap (around 50mm) above any insulation between rafters and maintain cross-flow ventilation from eave to eave, so that any moisture which enters the void can be evaporated out. There’s also the question of whether the roof structure can bear the weight of the new added materials – you will need input from an architect and an engineer to resolve the details of the proposed changes.

   Best of luck with your home improvement plans,

   Nigel Griffiths (Build It’s heating & eco expert)

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