Simple frost test tells you if loft insulation needs an upgrade
Having a well-insulated home means you'll stay warmer in the winter months and save on energy bills. But sometimes, it can be challenging to determine just when the insulation in our homes needs an upgrade.
Experts have revealed that during the winter months, particularly during frosty weather, one telltale sign shows loft insulation might need an upgrade.
Temperatures have dropped across the UK, with many areas, particularly in the north, experiencing frost and snow. But while the cold weather may have some drawbacks, it's a great time to check your insulation.
How snow and frost sits on your roof can tell you a lot about whether your loft insulation works effectively — and whether it might need a replacement.
If there's an even blanket of frost or snow across the top of your roof, that's a positive sign — but patchy frost or snow can indicate that you need to look into how well your insulation is working. So why is this so? An expert explains.
"This is because when a house is poorly insulated, heat rises and escapes through the roof. The escaping heat warms the roof surface, causing snow or frost to melt either completely or in patches," Oren Kander, senior valuer and director at Gaffsy, told Ideal Home.
"This unevenness is more noticeable when compared to neighbouring roofs with uniform snow or frost, so make sure you compare your roof to your neighbours' roof.
"If they have a good even spread of snow/frost, it's likely that they have sufficient loft insulation."
And the best time to check? Early in the morning, according to Robert Quinton, director of Construction Megastore. "For the best chance of noticing signs of poor insulation, it's important to check early in the morning, before the sun or warming temperatures have had a chance to melt the frost," he explained.
"If the day is too warm or the sun has already risen, you may miss the frost, even if your roof's insulation is underperforming. A roof covered with a consistent layer of snow or frost usually means that the insulation is doing its job by keeping heat inside."
Robert also advises to look out for drafts or cold spots.
"Feeling drafts or cold spots on your walls is another sign that your insulation may have gaps or be too thin, leading to heat loss," he explained. "It's also important to check the depth of your attic insulation, as it should be at least 270mm for the best performance."
What are the different types of loft insulation?
There are plenty of different types of loft insulation, with the four main being fibreglass, rock and slag wool, cellulose, and natural fibres.
If your loft insulation isn't doing its job, it might be time to look into a different type of loft insulation as an upgrade.
Issey Green Velvet Fringed Draught Excluder
Dreamland Intelliheat Faux Fur Warming Throw
Radiator Foil Reflective Thermal Bubble Heating Insulation
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