Attic/Loft Insulation
What is attic/loft insulation?
Attic insulation is a simple but very effective method of insulation. The material used to insulate an attic is Earthwool. The depths vary according to what is required to bring the depth to 300mm. If your attic has not been insulated in the last 5 to 10 years it is likely that it isn’ meeting the required 300mm standard.
How much will attic/loft insulation cost?
Similar to cavity wall insulation there are a range of grants available for attic insulation. Through the Better Energy Homes scheme, you can receive €400 towards your attic insulation. It may cost nothing for some homeowners if they are in receipt of a fuel allowance or have a child under the age of 7. This is carried out through the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme.
What are the benefits of attic insulation?
Attic insulation is a very cost-effective measure and will create a deduction for heating bills. Up to 30% of heat is lost through the ceiling. The Earthwool insulation acts as a barrier to retain the heat. At CDM Contracts, we aim to deliver a complete retrofit on all measures.
When insulating the attic space the pipes and tanks are lagged with pipe insulation. This is to prevent damage in harsh weather conditions. We also install a walkway to create easy access to the water tanks if they ever require maintenance. We do all this to meet the U-value of 0.16 W/m2k
Attic/loft insulation for retrofit/existing builds
- Our surveyor visits the home and accesses whether the attic is suitable - the owner is made aware of the possible grants available
- We advise the homeowner to have any existing material cleared from the attic
- If the homeowner is happy to proceed we will schedule the work
- Attic retrofits mainly consist of a top up of insulation, this is usually cross-lapped over the existing insulation to prevent air gaps
- Cold water storage tanks are lagged along with pipes and a walk area is installed from the hatch door to the tanks to leave safe access for the client and the plumber - an optional storage area can be installed at an extra cost
- After the retrofit is completed on the attic a BER is carried out. This is a single measure BER rating that is included in the quote
Attic/loft insulation for new buildings
Attic insulation is the same for new builds as it involves installing the Earthwool between the joists. The required 300mm would be installed and any cold water storage tanks would be lagged along with pipework.
Grants Available
Better Energy Homes Scheme
Available to any homeowner providing their house has been constructed any time before 2006.
Upgrades include:
- Attic insulation
- Cavity wall insulation
- Dry lining
- External wall insulation
- Heating controls upgrade
- Draught proofing
- Low energy light bulbs and energy advice
Warmer Homes Scheme
Measures are carried out at no cost to the homeowner.
To qualify you must:
- Own and live in a home that has been built and occupied before 2006
- Receive fuel allowance as part of the National Fuel Scheme
- Receive job seekers allowance for over six months
- Have a child under seven years of age
- Recieve a family income supplement
- Recieve a one-parent family payment
- Recieve domicillary care allowance.