Benefits of Using Pitched Roof Insulation in The Loft

It is common sense to do your research on something before you go diving into that particular wheat field. So, before we get excited about the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft, let us explain what a pitched roof is! This is a roof consisting of two angled pieces which meet in the middle, with a piece called a gable at either end. It is one of the most common types of roof around.

The pitches on both sides of the room tend to be symmetrical, although this can differ due to aesthetic purposes.

There is such a thing as a single pitch roof, in which the roof itself consists of one large flat piece installed and constructed at an angle. This practice of construction is possibly the most common, no matter where you are in the world.

For example, if you were to look at your child’s drawings in nursery, take a look at their house pictures! They have probably drawn a house with a pitched roof.

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It’s all in the Angle

There can be a considerable difference in the pitch depending on the construction aspects of the building such as size, height, width; you name it. In places such as Canada, where they have turbulent winters, they build with a very deep pitch so that the roof doesn’t accumulate snow.

In other areas, such as the UK, typically – houses could be built with a more shallow pitch with just the right amount of angle to allow rainwater to drain away from the roof.

Pitch Battle: Steep vs Shallow

As with most comparisons, there are debates for each side and here is no different. Steep pitches can offer more space underneath the roof, especially in homes with lofts/attics which limit the headroom available. On the other hand, shallow pitches can create unusable, useless space near the walls – that is unless the walls are built high enough to give a decent enough gap between the roof and the floor.

There are some regions around the world where you are restricted on the amount of levels you can have to a home, so pitched roofs can be a clever way of creating room inside the structure without breaking any legislation. Bonus!

Support is Key

There is no use to building something that looks amazing if there isn’t adequate support surrounding the build and a house is no different. There are several ways to support a pitched roof. You could go down the more traditional route with heavy beams, but these can look quite aesthetically ghastly – but it does allow for more open space underneath the roof.

On the other hand, pitched roofs built to match a more modern house may be supported with the use of trusses, which are hidden behind the ceiling, creating a visage where you have a flat ceiling inside a house with a pitched roof. Trusses tend to be cheaper than heavy duty beams and adds a certain level of security to the roof.

To Top It All Off

There are a variety of materials capable of being used in the finished result of a pitched roof such as wooden shakes, terra cotta, slate tiles and composition shingle. Now, the choice of material is mainly dependant on the way it makes the roof look, including the practicality behind it.

There is the debate where one material makes the roof look better but may not have an appropriate lifetime cycle and vice versa. There is also the cost to consider, where building or reroofing a pitched roof may differentiate to other roof types, as these roofs can be more difficult and pose a higher risk to the roofing crews.

If your roof covering or the roof membrane material used is of high moisture resistance, or impermeable, then building regulations state that a 50mm wide ventilation gap is required to give your roof adequate room to breathe

Insulating a Pitched Roof

Effective practices and the right materials will help you to enjoy the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft. Insulating a pitched roof is appropriate for both new and refurbished roofs or when progressing with a loft conversion. This can be done via either installing between the rafters and either over or under the rafters – the preference is purely down to you.

However, there’s a few things to consider when insulating a pitched roof – whether it be a new build or a refurbishment project – especially when it comes to ventilation.

The most important thing to consider for the roof is its energy efficiency. Warm air has a nasty habit to rise upwards, so if your roof is poorly insulated or un-insulated, this could contribute to a heating loss of as much as 25%.

That’s a quarter of your overall building’s heating loss. Scary!

Between or Underneath?

If you choose to insulate along the sloping rafters, you are creating a warm roof suitable for both new builds and refurbishment jobs. This insulation can be inserted both between and underneath the rafters to extend the thermal performance up along the pitch of the roof, essentially creating a new, heated room within the loft area.

However, as popular as this application method is, it requires a careful amount of design consideration to lower the risk of condensation and to meet target U-values, set out in the current Building Regulations.

Does My Pitched Roof Need to Breathe?

When it comes to the discussing the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft, you must pay particular attention to ventilation. Your pitched roof’s ventilation needs depends on the type of membrane installed under the tiles or slates, in order to prevent moisture or rainwater entering from outside.

If your roof covering or the roof membrane material used is of high moisture resistance, or impermeable, then building regulations state that a 50mm wide ventilation gap is required to give your roof adequate room to breathe.

What Are the Benefits of Using Pitched Roof Insulation in the Loft?

The benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft can change the way you feel about your home. Take a look at some below!

• Lower the risk of condensation related issues
• Make room in the roof – or potentially turn it into another room
• Rafter-level insulation creates a warm roof
• No need for tank or pipe lagging
• Have the choice of insulating over, between or underneath rafters
• See the difference financially, watch the pounds roll back in
• A warm roof allows for the remainder of your home to keep warm for longer

These are just some of the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft – you can find out much more by giving the team a call today on 0800 1700 636!

Being one of most practical methods of insulation in the market today, you could be lowering the up to 25% heat loss that escapes through your roof!

Home Logic Spray Foam Insulation – Fit for the Job!

The beauty of spray foam insulation is that it helps to not only reduce heat loss within your home but also lowers the risk of moisture issues. This type of insulation is appropriate for any domestic, public and commercial builds – size and shape difficulty is not an issue.

Public buildings such as schools, offices and hospitals can experience the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft and spray foam insulation literally anywhere else! To further add to the benefits, spray foam can be used to insulate motor vehicles such as busses and motor homes.

However, you most commonly associate spray foam insulation with loft spaces, either at joist level or rafter level. Being one of most practical methods of insulation in the market today, you could be lowering the up to 25% heat loss that escapes through your roof.

Gone are the days where your home is inconsistent in temperature, keeping the home warm during winter and cool during summer. Say goodbye to the thermostat!

Here’s Why It Works!

Once sprayed onto the application area, the chemical composition proceeds to expand and harden on impact. The change in size ensures that every nook and cranny is covered, creating a blanket of protection which improves thermal performance. This in turn keeps heat within the home and also gives your home the ability to breathe.

In a nut shell, this is the main reason spray foam insulation is so effective, which is why we say it’s one of the most economically viable insulation practices available.

Spray Foam Insulation Certification

• Agrément certificate 08/4598. Icynene LD-C-50
• Irish Agrément Board 09/0333 Icynene LD-C-50
• Agrément certificate Pending. Icynene LD-C-70
• European Technical Approval ETA-08/0018 (VTT)
• Component chemicals manufactured to ISO 9001
• AMICA (European Association for Chronic Toxic Injury)

Home Logic: Superior Standards Of Service

If you contact Home Logic, you will be in contact with an expert team which can guarantee effective and long-lasting results, thus improving your home’s thermal performance. The benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft are almost endless when you stick with us!

We ensure total safety is guaranteed through the entire process, allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits! By leaving it to the professionals, not only can you obtain personalised advice but you can save a lot of money by not purchasing your own tools needed for the job.

Make a change to your health for the better with Home Logic Spray Foam, where you can seal out these pollutants so you can feel and see the benefits for yourself firsthand!

Why Go With Spray Foam?

We can sit here from now till next Christmas telling you the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft and spray foam in general. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a handy list below for you to read at your perusal. Obviously, this list is applicable to nearly every building up and down the country.

If you require a more personalised benefit list, book a free site survey with us today. One of our specialists will assist in identifying any issues and introduce you to the benefits you can take advantage of by using spray foam insulation.

But, as mentioned above, you’re here to know the advantages, so here you go:

Kick Back and Relax!

Sealing your home’s warm air in with spray foam insulation means you can remain warm and comfortable, while knowing that your lovely warm atmosphere isn’t escaping through any crevices and gaps! What better way to put your feet up and relaxing by knowing you’re saving money in the process?

Keep The Noise Out!

On top of relaxing in your toasty, warm home – you can do it in peace, too! Spray foam insulation not only keeps the warmth in, it prevents the noise from outside from entering your property and your ears.

Make a change to your health for the better with Home Logic Spray Foam, where you can seal out these pollutants so you can feel and see the benefits for yourself!

Pounds, Pounds, Pounds!

With Home Logic spray foam insulation, you’re reducing the amount of energy required to heat your home, meaning you can both physically and financially see the benefits, especially around Christmas time where expenses are stretched as it is.

Make Moisture a Thing of the Past!

Mould and damp have the potential to ruin a home’s thermal performance, so let Home Logic Spray Foam turn moisture issues into a thing of the past. Once the spray foam solidifies, it is extremely difficult for moisture to attack your masonry and interior décor, as well as keeping pests such as mice, termites, rats and cockroaches out.

Physically Feel the Benefit

Dust and carbon monoxide, two of the most common airborne attackers, can have target sufferers of asthma and bronchitis, making living with such extremely uncomfortable.

Make a change to your health for the better with Home Logic Spray Foam, where you can seal out these pollutants so you can feel and see the benefits for yourself.

What Are You Waiting For? Let’s Talk!

We do insist that you get in touch with us, of course! Just pick up the phone and dial 0800 1700 636. This way, you too can experience the benefits of using pitched roof insulation in the loft and spray foam insulation anywhere you see fit!