With the UK experiencing snow, ice and plummeting temperatures this week, there has never been a better time to check on your loft insulation.
If the top of your house isn’t insulated properly, you could lose up to 25 percent of heat through your roof. Property experts have now issued a clever hack that allows you to check your loft insulation from street level, without even having to get in the loft.
This telltale trick, which takes just two minutes, could save you £300 per year on your energy bills. Experts advise that on a frosty or snowy day, look up at your roof from outside your home.
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If frost or snow covers your roof evenly, that is a sign that your roof is properly insulated. If the frost or snow coverage is patchy and sparse, that is usually an indication that heat is escaping through your roof.
This could lead to energy loss and higher heating costs, because you’ll need more heat to keep your home warm through winter.
Many households don’t have proper working loft insulation -Credit:SWNS
Oren Kander, senior valuer and director at Gaffsy, comments: “Many homeowners don’t realise that the condition of their roof on a frosty morning can reveal a lot about their home’s energy efficiency. Uneven frost or snow melt indicates that heat is escaping, which not only drives up energy bills but also decreases your home’s temperature.
“By addressing insulation issues early, you can prevent significant heat loss, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and make substantial savings on your heating costs. It’s a simple observation that can make a big difference.”
The experts also list three main ways to check on the quality of your insulation:
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The recommended thickness of loft insulation is 270mm. If your insulation falls short of this, it is advised that you add more layers to reach the recommended depth.
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The main things you should look for when checking your roof insulation are mould, moisture and holes. If these signs are present on your insulation, it is advisable to replace it.
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Insulation materials deteriorate over time. If your insulation is more than 20-30 years old, it may need replacing, as newer materials are more efficient.