Dont forget about loft insulation

If you are having a new roof then your roofing contractor will automatically recommend insulation for your loft.

It’s easy to see why – with no insulation in your loft 25% of the heat in your home simply drifts out of your roof – what a waste!  That costs you money and also adds to the carbon dioxide emissions from homes.

In fact, the Energy Savings Trust estimates that if everyone in the UK installed proper loft insulation, we could save around £520 million and nearly three million tonnes of CO2 every year. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly 380 times.

The most common type of insulation is mineral wool that is rolled out between the joists that form the floor of your loft.  The most effective solution is to go for 270mm depth of mineral wool and the Energy Saving Trust estimates that this simple installation could save you £150 a year in energy costs.  The insulation will be effective for at least 40 years, so it’s a wise move.

If you have a loft conversion then the insulation is most likely to be installed directly under the roof tiles in between the rafters – in which case it will take the form of insulation boards or spray foam insulation.  Ask your roofing contractor for advice on the best type of insulation to go for.

Government grants are also available to help with the cost – check out the Energy Savings Trust website for more information.