Keeping The Heat In This Winter – Top Tips For Home Insulation

As the mercury drops, it becomes more important to conserve the heat in your home. And instead of turning up the thermostat, good insulation can help you save energy and keep your heating bills down. Find out which big and small changes you can make to insulate your home this winter.

Loft insulation

Most homes now have loft insulation, but is yours doing a good enough job? It may be worthwhile checking that your loft is insulated to the recommended depth (270mm) and if not, topping up your insulation. This could require an outlay of around £240, but will save money in the long run, as well as keeping you warmer and improving energy efficiency.

Roof insulation

If you have a loft conversion, you’ll need a different type of insulation – and if you live in the space, you’re more likely to feel the benefits directly in your day-to-day life. Room in roof insulation uses thermal boards to reduce heat loss, keeping you warmer in your attic room. Don’t forget to leave space for ventilation under your roof tiles, or you could get a build-up of condensation.

Flat roofs lose a lot of heat, so installing flat roof insulation could make a big difference to the warmth of your home. There are several different options available for insulating flat roofs. The most common method these days is known as warm deck roof insulation. We recommend getting a professional to advise you on the best type of insulation for you.

Chimneys

How much of the heat in your home is escaping straight up the chimney? If you have an unused chimney that isn’t blocked, it could be the equivalent of an open window in terms of how much heat is escaping into the open air. If your fireplace is no longer in use, think about getting it capped so that air can’t escape. Or for a quicker solution that’ll work for functional fireplaces, a removable chimney balloon can act as a draught excluder to stop heat being lost.

Windows and doors

Lots of heat is lost through your windows and doors. Double glazed windows provide better insulation than single panes, so if you’ve been considering an upgrade, you’ll really notice the difference at this time of year.

That said, there are other things you can do to keep the heat in this winter. Thick curtains are an excellent way to stop draughts (keep them closed at night). If there’s a gap between windows and frames, draught-proof strips can be placed in the gap to stop air getting through. Don’t forget draught excluders for the bottom of your door.

Floors

Many people never consider their floors when thinking about home insulation, but they can be responsible for a surprising amount of heat loss. If you have gaps between your floorboards, draught-proofing these with a suitable sealant product can really help reduce draughts. Or put down carpets or rugs to add extra comfort as well as insulation.