Poorly installed or compressed loft insulation could make British homes more difficult to keep cool during increasingly warm summers, according to a home insulation expert.
While insulation is typically associated with retaining heat during winter, it can also slow heat from entering living spaces through the roof during warmer weather.
However, storing heavy belongings or laying boards directly on top of insulation can compress the material and reduce its effectiveness by up to 50%, LoftZone warns.
Blocked ventilation around the eaves can also restrict airflow, allowing heat and moisture to accumulate within the roof space.
INSULATION WORKS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Dave Raval (main picture, inset), CEO of LoftZone, says: “We often think of insulation as something that keeps warmth in during winter, but it also helps slow heat entering the home during summer. The key is making sure it’s installed properly and isn’t being compressed by storage.
“Lofts are often treated simply as storage spaces, but they can have an impact on both the temperature and moisture levels within a home. Insulation works by slowing the movement of heat, but when it becomes compressed by heavy storage or boarding, its performance can be reduced by up to as much as 50%.
“That’s why raised boarding to protect proper insulation, available as a DIY kit for as little as £260 in a two-bedroom home, can make a real difference in keeping your home cool over summer.”
VENTILATION POINTS MUST REMAIN CLEAR
Homeowners should check that insulation, boxes and other belongings have not been pushed into the eaves or placed across designated ventilation points.
Raval adds: “Ventilation in your loft is also really important. If insulation, boxes or other belongings block ventilation points around the eaves in your attic, airflow through the roof space can be restricted and heat can build up.
“This can also contribute to condensation and moisture build-up, potentially leading to damp or mould if left unchecked.”
THREE STEPS TO PREPARE A LOFT
Homeowners are advised to inspect insulation for compressed, uneven or damaged areas and consider using raised boarding where the loft is required for storage.
Ventilation openings should be kept clear to allow heat and moisture to escape.
During particularly hot periods, blinds or curtains can be closed in rooms immediately below the roof when the sun is strongest. Windows can then be opened once outdoor temperatures fall during the evening.
Property Soup revealed last week how searches for homes with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer as buyers pay greater attention to how properties perform during hotter weather.
