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Loft Conversion UK Information

The Thermal Envelope

When it comes to a loft conversion UK building regulations are very specific about what is acceptable in regards to the thermal envelope of a property.

With a loft conversion the insulation of the new room is hugely important as it effects the energy performance of the property.

By converting the loft you are removing the existing insulation and adding new thermal elements, such as windows, that have to meet rigorous new standards.

The Thermal Envelope

According to the building regulations a property is classified by its thermal envelope.

This means that anything that can leak heat, such as windows or the roof, are classed as thermal elements and are allocated an allowance of heat loss that they must not exceed.

Unfortunately there are complications in that there are different targets depending on whether or not the new project is renovating an existing part of the house or building something completely new.

With most loft conversions UK building regulations will recognise the project as renovation if the existing roof remains unaltered.

If, however, as is usual, skylight windows are added than the they will be classed as new and will have to meet more exacting standards.

If your project includes a dormer than the dormer structure and windows will be classed as new and if more than 25% of the roof has been altered, then that too will be classed as new.

All these points are covered in Document L of the loft conversion building regulations and are really all about U-values.

U-Values

The easiest way to explain u-values is that they designate how much heat loss is acceptable from the different parts, or elements, of the house. The higher the u-value the more heat is allowed to escape.

loft conversion uk

Some typical examples of required U-values are:

New dormer walls 0.30
New dormer roof 0.20
Renovated side wall 0.35

The reason u-values are of such importance, aside from having to comply with building regulations in the case of new loft conversions, is that every home now has to have an energy performance certificate(EPC).

The EPC needs to be produced when selling the house in the future so ensuring now that energy conservation and performance is at its optimum will be a good investment for the future.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you for your loft conversion project...

Loft Conversion UK Building Regulations

Loft Conversion Building Regulations - Changes To Part L

Choosing A Builder

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Loft Conversion UK Ideas

Loft Conversion Prices

Adding A Dormer

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