The importance of proper attic insulation cannot be overstated. In Ireland, many homes have inadequately insulated attics, which can significantly impact energy costs and overall indoor comfort. If you are looking to enhance your home’s thermal performance, it is essential to assess the various types of attic insulation available and determine which option best meets your needs.
Avoiding heat loss
Heat loss remains a significant issue in Ireland. In fact, average annual heating costs are noticeably higher than the global average, reaching approximately €1,879 per household. Proper attic insulation can play a critical role in reducing heat loss and lowering energy expenses.
If you are considering improvements to your attic insulation, the following guidance from U Value Insulation may help. The first step is to assess whether additional insulation is required. As a general indicator, if heat loss exceeds 1 kWh per square metre of surface area per hour during daytime conditions, and nighttime temperatures remain above freezing, further insulation may be necessary. An experienced contractor can provide an accurate assessment of heat loss and recommend suitable solutions.
A useful way to understand the importance of attic insulation is to consider how indoor comfort changes when warm air escapes through uninsulated gaps. Without adequate insulation, cold air can penetrate through the attic structure and into the living spaces below, making indoor temperatures noticeably less comfortable during winter months.
Fibreglass insulation
Fibreglass insulation is made from glass or rock wool fibres, which are formed into a blanket that can be installed in your attic. The material has been used for decades and has proven to be effective in keeping heat in the home.
The fibreglass insulation is placed both between and across the joists. The recommended thickness is 200mm inbetween and 200mm across the joists.
In the case of upgrading an existing ceiling you can add to the existing fibreglass with the aim of achieving 400mm thickness overall. For example if there’s 100mm already inbetween the joists add 100mm between and 200mm across.
Installation can vary depending on factors like access to your roof space, so talk with an installer when quoting prices.
As well as saving you money on electricity bills each year and helping protect against rising energy costs, installing new fibreglass insulation will also improve air quality within your house by trapping moisture more effectively than other types such as foam boards or mineral wool panels (MMFs).
Cellulose insulation
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled paper and can be an excellent choice for people who are environmentally conscious. The main advantage of cellulose insulation is that it’s extremely effective at keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. As well as this, it’s also an excellent sound absorber—a property that makes it ideal for those who live in urban areas.
As cellulose is fitted using specialist equipment a registered contractor is required for this type of job.
Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation is considered to be another alternative way to insulate your attic. It’s easy to install, and it can reduce energy loss significantly. However, spray foam insulation is more expensive than other types of attic insulation. Spray foam insulation is best suited for small attics that are less than 400 square feet in size.
The benefits of attic insulation
Attic insulation can help you reduce the risk of ice dams and condensation, which both contribute to mould growth. Ice dams are caused when snow melts on your roof, but then refreezes against the eaves. This causes water to back up behind it and run down inside your walls and ceiling. Condensation is a result of warm air coming in contact with cold surfaces like windows or roofs, so attic insulation will help keep your indoor air temperature consistent.
Mould growth is caused by excess moisture that isn’t being removed from the house, such as when there is no attic ventilation or if the house has leaky windows or doors (especially near bathrooms). Rather than having to clean up after mould has already taken over an area in your home permanently, installing attic insulation prevents it from occurring altogether.
In addition to preventing these issues altogether—saving both time and money—attic insulation offers several other valuable benefits. It can help reduce fire risk, minimise noise pollution, lower energy costs, and improve the acoustics of the rooms below by preventing sound waves from reverberating excessively within ceiling cavities.
How can I choose?
With the wide variety of insulation materials available—alongside the many considerations involved in completing a loft conversion—it can be challenging to determine the best solution for your attic. However, with a clear understanding of each option and guidance from industry professionals, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions that can lead to long-term savings.
Insulation is a critical component of any home improvement strategy. It enhances indoor comfort, reduces heating costs by preventing heat loss through walls and windows, and minimises noise transfer by limiting the movement of sound through walls and ceilings.
Many homeowners recognise that attics often require particular attention, as they are not always adequately insulated during the construction phase. Over time, insufficient insulation can lead to uncomfortable indoor conditions—especially during colder months when maintaining warmth is essential.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided valuable insight into the many benefits of attic insulation and why it is a worthwhile investment. If you have any questions regarding your own attic or would like to learn more about how we can assist with your insulation or home improvement projects, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For further information please visit: https://www.uvalue.ie/contact or phone: 01 8612000
