Reduce Your Energy Costs this Winter with Roof Improvements

It’s no secret that things are getting tighter this winter, which means we all need to be looking for ways to save those extra pennies. What better place to start than your own home, by making sure your roof is a prudent part of your energy-saving plan.

Our cleaning and inspection service can help identify any possible future problems before they become serious — and expensive.

Insulation

On average 25% of the heat generated by your boiler is lost through your roof. Insulating your roof will reduce your bills this winter, and could save the average-sized UK house up £250 a year.

Your roof probably already has some form of insulation, and you can install some types of loft insulation yourself without professional help. However, considering the importance and potential financial saving benefits, it’s a job that a trained professional will be able to do far more effectively than the average person.

Types of Roof Insulation

Blanket Loft Insulation

These are rolls of foil-backed felt, rock, wool, glass or mineral fibre. It can be very tricky to fit this bulky insulation into small or inaccessible corners and usually requires professional assistance regardless of the loft.

Blown-fibre Loft Insulation

Like the name, this type of insulation is blown into the gaps between joists and is strictly a job for a professional. It can be expensive, but it does provide the solution for complicated roof spaces with hard-to-reach corners.

The government is currently offering grants to some householders to help them to insulate their lofts. You can find more details here.

Loose-fill loft Insulation

Loose-fill is made from lightweight materials such as cork granules or cellulose fibre, and the most eco-friendly varieties use recycled newspapers. It’s easy to place in oddly shaped corners and is a good option for increasing the bulk of existing insulation. However, it is unsuitable for draughty lofts as it can become dislodged in draughty conditions. When installing, you will need to wear protective clothing and use safety equipment, so it is not as straightforward for the amateur as blanket insulation.

Loft Ventilation

It might seem counterintuitive, but a steady flow of ventilation is vital in keeping your roof insulated, because water vapour from your kitchen and bathroom will find its way into your roof space, no matter how well insulated it is.

Every time you open a window or go into your loft, you also spread water vapour on your breath. Because it’s so good at keeping heat in, insulation material acts like a sponge and can cause ventilation damage to the ceiling beneath it. If there’s too much moisture in the air, it can encourage the wooden structure within your roof to rot.

This is why it’s vital to have good ventilation. There are usually running vents or circular vents in the soffit boards in and around your roof.

At Improve A Roof we can check these for you and keep them clear of debris and moss during roof cleaning, ensuring the required air exchange.

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Prevention is always better than cure. Our regular cleaning and inspection service will help keep your roof free from algae, moss, lichen, and environmental debris.

Give us a call

We provide roof cleaning services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Improve a Roof also offers additional, complimentary services to enhance your home further.