Keep cool in your loft conversions
We don’t want to jinx it, but it seems like the warmer weather might be coming!
Or there may not be a need to have the heating on as much, at least. When thinking about a loft conversion, one of the biggest concerns may be in keeping the space at a heat level which is comfortable to you – and not cold in the winter and hot and stuffy in the summer. Remember that day last year when it suddenly hit 40 and no one coped very well? That’s not a day when most people would like to have a bedroom in a loft conversion which is hot and stuffy. So what should you do? Here are some tips to keep your loft space cool…
Ventilate your space
Ventilation is key to keeping your loft space cool and comfortable. When you think of insulation, you may immediately think that that means keeping the heat in, but it works to keep the heat out, too. How much and in what way the insulation is used depends on your type of loft conversion. There are building regulations that your loft conversion company will have to abide by when working on your home, covering the minimum amount of insulation installed in the floor, party walls and roof.
If you are thinking of installing air conditioning, it would be best to involve it in this part of the build, rather than add in earlier. Another consideration that may not be obvious is the colour of your roof tiles – the darker they are, the more they will absorb heat.
A room with a view
Alongside insulation, windows are an essential element of ventilation and you will find that roof windows are specifically designed to improve airflow. Windows are also a key addition for supporting mental health and wellbeing. The type of windows you could add depends on the layout and space available.
If you have the space, gable windows can make a huge impact in a loft conversion. Otherwise dormer windows in rear-facing vertical walls are ideal. Positioning is an important factor, and side-facing windows with an opening above 1.7m need to feature obscure glazing. It’s worth checking with your local authority as to whether any restrictions relating to windows are in place.
Window dressing
Shading your windows with shutters, blinds, curtains and even an external awning will help to reduce levels of direct sunlight which can heat up your room. Much like with the colour of roof tiles, it’s worth playing with science on your side.
Would you like to talk about the different options available to keep your loft cool in the summer, warm in the winter? Or do you have questions about building regulations in your area? We would love to help you with your loft conversion – get in touch!
