Room in roof insulation is an energy-efficient home enhancement technique in which insulation materials are installed between your roof’s rafters.

This insulation can prevent heat loss through your roof in the winter and keep your home colder in the summer, resulting in significant energy bill savings. This post will explain all you need to know about room in roof insulation.

Why insulate the roof of your home?

Properly insulating your roof space can be difficult, but it will result in significant energy savings and keep your home warm.

A space in the roof may have sloped ceilings, stud walls, dormer and gable walls, and a flat ceiling, among other heat loss elements. If these roof components are not properly insulated, heat will escape, leaving the room cold and increasing the cost to heat it.

The insulation in the attic creates a thermal barrier that prevents heat loss. It is essential that each element of the room be insulated to the best of its ability in order to achieve the best results.

Advantages of room in roof insulation

  • Increases energy efficiency: Room-in-roof insulation is an efficient method for increasing the energy efficiency of a home.
  • Reduces energy costs: Insulating your attic keeps your home warmer in the winter and colder in the summer. This results in reduced energy costs and long-term savings.
  • More comfortable living: Insulation regulates interior temperatures, making your living space more comfortable throughout the year. It minimises temperature fluctuations and draughts, ensuring a cosy home environment.
  • Environmental benefits: Lowering your energy consumption saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and more sustainable lifestyle.

Disadvantages

  • Costs: While insulation can result in long-term cost savings, initial installation costs can be relatively costly. The cost should be weighed against the anticipated energy savings.
  • Loss of storage space: The insulation of the attic may reduce the available storage space in this area, making it less convenient for storing personal items or seasonal items.
  • Ventilation and moisture control: Insulated attics require proper ventilation and moisture control to prevent condensation and mould growth. It is essential that these considerations be addressed during installation.
  • Professional installation costs: Effective insulation requires proper installation, which is typically best performed by professionals to ensure compliance with building codes and optimal energy efficiency.

Is there funding for room in roof insulation?

As part of the government’s new Energy Company Obligation scheme otherwise known as ECO4, room in roof insulation grants are now available. The grants cover the total cost of insulating all attic chambers in accordance with current building codes using the most advanced insulation materials.

Many older properties that were originally constructed with attic room space or ‘room-in-roof’ were either not insulated at all or were inadequately insulated in comparison to current building regulations.

Check if you qualify

Insulation also plays an important role in combating fuel poverty by allowing vulnerable households to maintain comfortable temperatures without incurring exorbitant energy costs. Check your eligibility for funding here if you want to learn how to insulate your home.

Check your EPC Rating

Energy Performance Certificates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy-efficient a property is. It would be best if you had an EPC  in England and Wales when you’re:

  • selling a property
  • renting out a property
  • building a new property

You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent.

In Scotland, it is not compulsory to have an EPC rating though there is talk of legislation changing this in the future.

An EPC contains:

  • information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
  • steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency and save money

An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) and is valid for 10 years.

Final Thoughts

In homes with converted attics, room-in-roof insulation is a highly effective and efficient strategy for improving energy efficiency and comfort. “Room in the roof” insulation resembles putting a warm blanket in your attic.

This way, you don’t have to spend as much energy heating or cooling your room, saving money and using less electricity.