Do you have old cavity wall insulation (CWI) with a lofted ceiling? If you are considering insulating your lofted ceiling, then you will need to insulate the roof. CWI will not cut it.
It is important that you understand the different types of insulation available and how to choose the right one for your situation. Read on for a guide to insulating your lofted ceiling with insulation and to see what you can expect to pay.
What is CWI and why is it important?
Insulation can make a substantial difference to the energy efficiency of a property. It can cut the need for heating, improve the performance of your central heating system and extend the life of your insulation.
Having your loft insulated can also help to improve the temperature of your home, which is particularly important when you are trying to sell your property.
Traditional cavity wall insulation was used to combat the problems with damp and cold floors, but has now been superseded by cavity wall insulation systems that reduce heating bills and the need for central heating.
CWI systems can be used for an individual room or attic or they can be fitted to a whole building.
Choosing insulation for a lofted ceiling
You will need to make sure the insulation you choose is high quality and will perform to the level it says it can. You can only choose one type of insulation for your lofted ceiling.
There are a number of different ways to insulate your loft. All should be the same thickness, but some can come with a cost and some you can save money on:
The different types of loft insulation
Older cavities, loft or low level, attic, or factory walls were typically sealed with factory type insulation boards known as density walls.
Concerns over durability, fire risk, and so on led to the development of much more effective and long-lasting insulation materials.
To find the right type of insulation for your home, you need to understand the differences between CWI, PLW, DWR, LRN and R-Value:
Standard wallboard foam insulation – or internal wall board foam is a manufactured building material that can be purchased from insulation distributors in bricks or sheets. It is used in solid wall form to extend the life of walls by sealing cracks and small spaces.
Cereal-type insulation – commonly used in stud walls where it is laid directly over timber studs.
Post a job in minutes & get free quotes from top rated tradespeople
The costs of CWI
If you want to insulate your lofted ceiling, the cost will depend on the size of the loft, the loft insulation level, whether the insulation needs to be installed in one or two phases, the insulation manufacturer and your insulation bank of choice.
Rooftop and loft insulation cost is generally broken into two categories:
1. Pipe insulation: pipe insulation is placed in pre-fabricated sections (layers) and is installed vertically.
2. Insulation blanket: insulation is placed in pre-fabricated bundles and laid on the roof using a handtruck. This type of insulation is used in loft and cavity walls. In Britain, insulating a loft, cavity wall or conservatory can cost between £500 and £1,200.
When in doubt, consult a professional who will be able to offer you an accurate cost estimate. This means you know exactly how much it will cost to achieve the work.
