Why should I insulate my loft or attic?
A significant portion, up to 60%, of the heat generated by your central heating system escapes through the walls and roof of your house, with approximately 35% escaping through exterior walls and an additional 25% through the attic and roof. Installing efficient loft insulation not only reduces energy bills but also helps maintain a consistently comfortable temperature within your home.
While your property likely already has some form of loft insulation, it’s essential to note that about two-thirds of homes in Scotland lack the recommended level, which is 270mm or 11 inches. Achieving this depth of loft insulation material is crucial for preventing substantial heat loss. It’s common for homeowners to assume their property has adequate loft insulation, only to realize they’re spending excessively on gas and electricity bills.
If your loft is improperly insulated, you could be losing 25% of the heat through your roof, making it challenging to sustain a comfortable living environment. Proper loft insulation ensures that the heat from your radiators stays within your rooms, preventing unnecessary heat loss.
Government loft insulation grants are available in Scotland for all homeowners, landlords, and private tenants who meet the specified criteria for funding.
Advantages of insulating your loft or attic
The main benefits of having loft insulation installed are:
- Retains the heat generated within your home, preventing it from escaping through your roof.
- Results in cost savings on your heating bills; loft insulation can potentially reduce heating expenses by up to £225 per year, with even greater savings for those off the gas grid.
- Contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.
- Enhances home comfort by providing warmth in winter and a cooler environment in summer, offering the best of both seasons.
- Elevates your home’s energy performance rating.
- Minimizes condensation issues.
- Loft insulation grants are provided as non-repayable funds.
What is loft insulation?
Loft insulation refers to insulating material placed between and over the joists in your attic or roof. It can also be utilized to insulate your loft hatch and any water tanks or pipes in the attic space.
Due to the natural tendency of heat to rise in your home and escape through the roof, insulating material impedes the quick passage of heat, trapping and effectively retaining it in your living area.
Installing insulation between and across the joists in your loft creates a protective, sealed area in your home that retains warmth for an extended period. This translates to lower heating costs, as there’s reduced reliance on your boiler or central heating when the heat remains in your rooms.
Several funding avenues are available to Scottish homeowners for energy efficiency enhancements. The Energy Savings Trust and Warmer Homes Scotland offer non-repayable loans for home insulation measures and renewable energy products like solar panels and air-source heat pumps. However, these programs entail a financial cost, whereas the ECO 4 scheme provides 100 home energy grants that do not require repayment.
Applying for a free loft insulation grant in Scotland is a simple process. Schedule an appointment with an authorized energy grant surveyor by providing your details in the insulation grant form. The surveyor will then contact you to arrange a loft insulation survey, checking if your insulation meets the recommended depth. If you have less than 100mm of insulation in your roof space, you may be eligible for a free loft insulation grant. The surveyor will assist you in completing the necessary forms and coordinate a date for fitting your loft insulation.