A warm attic is achieved by insulating at the rafter level, which is typically done using spray foam insulation between the rafter joists, or with rigid polystyrene boards.

This will create an airtight seal around the entire attic space, ensuring that all heat generated within the home is trapped inside, and providing protection against the elements.

As the entire attic space is being heated, you don’t have to worry as much about the potential freezing of pipes or the cold water tank.

When insulating at the rafter level, the exact location of the insulation can also determine if it will result in a warm roof or a cold roof.

With a cold attic, loft insulation is applied at the ceiling level, laid between and over the ceiling joists using solid boards of insulation or mineral wool rolls.

This creates a seal of attic insulation between the attic living space of the building below, blocking any heat from escaping into the attic itself.

In a cold attic system, insulation should also be applied to a cold water tank if present, or any water pipes. They will be considerably more vulnerable to freezing in colder temperatures.

Where you choose to insulate the attic will create two very different environments, and anyone getting insulation installed should consider what they are using the space for and what they might use it for in the future.

Insulating at the rafter level will create a warm space, which is ideal if it is being converted into a living space, or might be converted at a later date.

If the attic is not going to be used as a living space, then insulating at the ceiling level might be a simpler solution. This can be more efficient if done with enough insulation, as heat is kept within the living space of the building.

Attic insulation installed at the ceiling level, which creates a cold attic, will involve mineral wool being laid between and on top of the ceiling joists.

The first layer is placed between each of the joists. Homes may already have some loft insulation present in their attic, likely fibreglass rolls. This can be left in place and new insulation laid on top, or replaced entirely with new mineral wool insulation.

The first layer of insulation should rise to the layer of the joists, and a second should be laid perpendicularly on top of that to cover the joists and prevent thermal bridging.

Ideally, you want to reach a depth of 300mm of mineral wool for the best thermal performance.

If the attic is to be used for storage, or if you need to reach the cold water tank, further insulating floorboards can be laid on top of the insulation.

Warm Attic Insulation involves the installation of insulation in between the rafters of a pitched roof. This is done either with rigid boards of polystyrene insulation fixed in place, or with the use of spray foam insulation.

One advantage of warm attic insulation is that it can achieve high thermal performance without sacrificing as much attic space as loft roll insulation. Expanding spray foam insulation has a very high R-value for a lower thickness than is achieved with mineral wool insulation.

When insulating at the rafter level, it is important that a breathable layer of ventilation space is kept between the insulation and the roof itself in order to prevent damp or mould from developing.

If there are areas such as gable walls or chimneys in the attic, they must also be insulated if creating a warm attic space, or else they will act as a thermal bridge allowing heat to escape.

A breathable vapour membrane may also have to be installed on the warm side of the insulation. In some cases, plasterboard can also be used to provide an attractive finish at the end.

A cold attic, using mineral wool to insulate the loft, is more energy-efficient for home heating. This is simply because there is a smaller space within the home to be heated.

Having insulation at the rafter level will result in a greater envelope of air within the insulated area, and a larger surface area from which heat can escape.

Areas such as gables or chimneys also need to be considered as potential thermal bridges which need to be insulated in order to stop heat from being lost with attic insulation.

Determining which is the most cost effective method of attic insulation depends on a variety of factors such as its intended use and heating costs. But there are also the installation costs to take into consideration.

A warm attic will typically make use of spray foam insulation between the rafters. This is more expensive than mineral wool rolls which are laid down at the loft ceiling level.

There may also be other costs associated with each different type of attic insulation which will vary depending on the home and the climate.

Get in Touch with us today for a free quote and to hear more about how home insulation can save you money and create a more comfortable living space.