How To Insulate a Loft Conversion With TLX Silver

As much as one-fifth of the heat in your home is lost through the roof. That’s why it’s
important to ensure that your roof is thoroughly insulated. This can be done using TLX Silver insulation.

Whether you have a loft, attic, or loft conversion, insulating it correctly is one of the most effective ways to reduce your heating bills. Insulation will also improve the energy efficiency of your home and prevent damp or condensation problems. The good news is, installing insulation doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Here’s everything you need to know about how to insulate a loft with TLX Silver multifoil insulation:

Common Problems with Loft Conversions

Homeowners looking for extra storage space, or extra bedrooms, may consider adding a loft conversion to their home. Lofts are often seen as wasted space that can be better utilised in cramped living environments, and this is true. But there are also common problems that can occur when you complete a loft conversion. Some of the most significant of these are:

• Fire Safety. Creating clear and safe entry and exit routes to a loft conversion can be difficult but essential. Loft conversions must have their own means of fire warning and escape. Staircases to access lofts that have been converted into living spaces need to be wide enough to protect against falls.
  
• Energy conservation. Most properties conserve energy by installing roof insulation or pitched roof insulation. However, this insulation is usually installed in the loft and can be bulky. A property with a loft conversion should still be insulated for warmth and energy conservation. But how? Multifoil insulation can provide a solution. Because they are so thin and lightweight, multifoils can provide insulation without taking up too much space. This means that a roof can be converted into a usable space and insulated at the same time.
  
• Roof Ventilation. You need to ensure there is adequate ventilation in the new rooms of your loft conversion. Air needs to circulate to prevent damp or condensation from forming. To be habitable, a conversion will need both a window or opening and background ventilation.

Why is TLX Silver the Perfect fit for a Loft Conversion?

TLX Silver is a 2-in-1 insulating vapour barrier. It prevents water vapour from entering
a cold space. The reflective surface of the multifoils is very effective at reflecting radiation back into the house. TLX Silver can be used to insulate both roofs and walls. 

For these reasons, TLX Silver Multifoil insulation is the perfect fit for a loft conversion. The full envelope of the loft conversion should be insulated to protect the building. This means more than one element may need to be insulated. Because TLX Silver multifoil insulation is versatile, it can be used in each of these elements. 

TLX Silver multifoil insulation improves thermal efficiency, manages condensation risk and reduces energy bills. Some of the most popular reasons for choosing TLX Silver for a loft conversion are: 

• It’s thin and lightweight. TLX Silver multifoil insulation is a fantastic space-saving solution for loft conversions, particularly those where head height is limited. At just 30mm thick, TLX Silver won’t reduce vital space.
• It is easy to install. TLX Silver can be installed without professional support if you are completing your project independently. Despite it being so thin and flexible, TLX Silver still provides all the benefits of a vapour barrier and dramatically increases thermal performance.
• It helps achieve required U-Values. U-Value requirements have tightened significantly over the years. This means it’s harder and harder to meet the required standards. But TLX silver is a great material to use to improve the thermal performance of your loft conversion.
• Protect against vapour. Unwanted water vapour can lead to condensation and mould. TLX Silver can be used to create an airtight insulation layer that will protect against vapour.

How Does TLX Silver Improve the Thermal Performance of a Roof?

TLX Silver multifoil insulation is important because it helps to improve the thermal performance of the structure. Its shiny surfaces are designed to reflect heat, ensuring that the static air layers next to them become part of the insulation. Still air is a good insulator. This means that the unventilated gaps left surrounding TLX Silver actually help to improve its thermal performance. 

TLX Silver can be used as a stand-alone product. And it will achieve good thermal performance values. But when used with other forms of insulation, it delivers optimal thermal performance. 

One-fifth of your home’s heating is lost through the roof. TLX Silver multifoil insulation can minimise this. In fact, TLX Silver can be used to reach a U value of 0.11 W/m²K when used in conjunction with additional insulation.

How to Install TLX Silver in a Loft Conversion

How to install TLX silver in a loft conversion will differ depending on whether you are
completing a pitched roof insulation or a flat roof or ceiling.

If you are insulating a pitched roof you will need to achieve a U-Value of 0.15 W/m²K. The rafters will need to be battened out. You should allow space for 38mm battens. This will ensure they can accommodate a 50mm ventilated air space beneath the roofing felt and the rafters. This is where a non-breathable felt should be used. Alternatively, you could use a breather membrane.  TLX Silver is then fitted below the rafters. When fitted, it is battened before plasterboard is added. 

For a flat or flat roof dormer, a U-Value of 0.15 W/m²K should also be your target. To install TLX silver here you should add ply deck and felt above the joists. You will then insulate between this and add TLX silver below the joists. Good ventilation is essential for this type of installation to be successful. 

The most common utilisation of TLX Silver is in pitched roofs, followed by loft conversions. For this reason, TLX Silver installation in loft conversions is tried and tested, and a highly regarded system to choose.

Do you Require a Bespoke Solution or Advice?

We would love to hear from you. Our helpful team of product experts are on hand to help with bespoke solutions and U-Value calculations. Simply call 01204 674 730. Also, our LABC-approved solutions guide has a wide range of pre-calculated solutions. You can download your free copy from the footer below.