Roofing

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Guide to: Roof and Loft Insulation

14th April 2022

With summer undoubtedly on its way, keeping your home warm may not be a priority. However, with rising fuel prices and materials, it may be worth taking a closer look at insulation now, when the demand is lower and before prices rise any more.

In this series we take a look at the ins and outs of roof and loft insulation: why is it important to you? How does it benefit you? And what types of insulation are available?

Why is it important? The benefits of roof and loft insulation

There are plenty of plus points to investing in roof and loft insulation. Around 25% of your home’s heat is lost through the roof. Adding the right insulation can, therefore, reduce the amount of heat lost which can lead to savings on your fuel bills as well as reducing your carbon emissions. What’s more, roof and loft insulation is relatively quick and easy to install and won’t break the bank.

How do you know which loft insulation to choose?

There are two broad types of insulation: rolled batt, or blanket, insulation and loose fill materials. As the name implies, blanket insulation comes on measured rolls and is fairly quick and easy to install. Loose fill insulation tends to be blown into a space, making it versatile and easy to distribute into the most hard-to-reach places. However, it is not suitable in draughty spaces and can be more expensive than blanket insulation. The type of loft insulation that is most appropriate will depend on the amount of space available, access, and joist positioning. Provided your loft or roof space is watertight and doesn’t suffer at all from damp or condensation, insulation will be fairly straight forward. Mineral wool insulation is a popular choice as it is easily accessible, relatively easy to work with, low cost and effective. An initial layer is added between the existing joists, with another layer added on top perpendicular to the first layer. Additional layers can be added alternating directions of the sheets until the required depth is reached.

Insulation depths

It stands to reason that the thicker your insulation, the more effective it will be. If you have no insulation or your insulation is less than 100mm deep, you could be entitled to government funding to improve it. The recommended depth for roof and loft insulation in the UK is 150-270mm. Older homes should double check their insulation as the recommended depth has increased from 100mm to 200 and the current 250. If you are not sure what insulation you have, get in touch with a local insulation specialist who will be able to advise you on what you currently have, and what you should get.

When deciding what insulation type is best, there are several factors to consider. Follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter for the next blog in the series, where we look at considerations when installing your loft insulation.

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Looking for more roofing advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common roofing questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

How do I know if my roof needs repairing or replacing?

A few broken tiles or a small patch of damaged flashing? That's usually a repair job. But if your roof is over 20 years old, leaks keep coming back in different spots, or you're seeing sagging or widespread cracking, replacement is probably the smarter long-term call. A proper inspection from a roofer will give you a straight answer before you commit to anything.
What are the signs of a leaking roof I shouldn't ignore?

Water stains on ceilings, damp patches on walls, mould in the loft, or daylight peeking through the roof boards - all worth acting on quickly. A musty smell upstairs can also point to a slow leak, even when there's nothing visible. Roof leaks don't fix themselves, and the longer they're left, the more damage they do to insulation, timbers, and your ceilings.
Is moss on my roof a serious problem?

Not an emergency, but don't leave it too long. Moss holds moisture against the tiles, which can work its way underneath and cause cracking in winter. It'll also block your gutters if it spreads far enough. Getting it professionally cleaned and treated is the way to go - it's not a job to DIY given the risks of working at height.
What happens if I delay getting my roof repaired?

Small problems get expensive fast. A few displaced tiles can leave the felt underneath exposed to weather damage, and even a minor leak can cause timber rot, saturate insulation, and eventually ruin ceilings and walls. What could've been a straightforward repair becomes a much bigger project the longer you leave it, so it's best to get it sorted sooner rather than later.
How do I temporarily protect my home if my roof is damaged in a storm?

If tiles are missing or water's getting in, the priority is limiting the damage until a roofer can get to you. A heavy-duty tarpaulin over the affected area is your best bet - make sure it extends well past the damage and is secured so it doesn't lift in the wind. Inside, move furniture out of the way, put buckets down, and use towels to manage any water coming through. Don't go up on the roof yourself as wet tiles are dangerously slippery.
What types of roofing materials are best for UK homes?

Clay and concrete tiles, natural slate, and EPDM rubber for flat roofs are the most common on UK homes. Clay tiles are durable and handle our freeze-thaw winters well - though they're heavy, so not every roof can take them. Slate looks great and can last over a century done properly. For flat or low-pitched roofs, EPDM rubber has largely replaced traditional felt because it holds up much better against UV damage and standing water. The right call depends on your roof's pitch, your property's age, and what the structure can support.
How quickly can I get an emergency roof repair?

Most roofers offer emergency callouts, but response times vary. In quieter periods, someone might get to you within a few hours. After a big storm when everyone's calling at once, you might be waiting a day or more. If there's a delay, get a tarpaulin over the damage in the meantime. One thing to watch: be wary of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited after a storm offering to check your roof - it's a well-known scam.
What are green roofs and are they worth it?

A green roof has a waterproof layer topped with soil and plants - usually sedums or grasses for a low-maintenance version, or something more garden-like if you want to go further. They insulate well, soak up rainwater, and are good for local wildlife. They can also extend the life of the waterproofing underneath by shielding it from sun and temperature swings. Whether it's worth it depends on your roof's structure and what you're hoping to get out of it. Installation needs to be done professionally - a leak underneath a green roof is a far bigger headache than on a standard flat roof.

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