Loft conversions are incredibly popular home improvements which convert loft space into an attractive, functional, spacious room. Sometimes, they are even big enough to create multiple areas, including one or more bedrooms, en-suites and even kitchens or kitchenettes. Homeowners can benefit from the extra space to use in a variety of ways, the potential for added house value, and the opportunity to rent out the room out for up to £800 a month in some parts of London, and potentially around £100 per night as an Airbnb listing.
Of course, one downside of having an extra room in your home at the moment is the extra cost to keep it warm. You can’t really get away from headlines and conversations about the Cost Of Living Crisis, let alone escape the evidence of it in your own household bills. Whilst it is a complex situation with lots of challenges involved, there are at least some solutions when it comes to keeping your loft conversion warm. It’s actually a very easy room to keep toasty, particularly if you ensure the right measures are taken when you have the conversion done initially. Let’s take a closer look:
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Insulation Is Key
Of all the different measures you can take to feel toasty in your loft conversion, ensuring that it is properly insulated and designed with insulation in mind, is key.
Insulating your loft either as it is converted, or as an adjustment afterwards, is at the heart of ensuring that it stays nice and warm. Building Regulations require that there is a certain U-Value achieved with insulation, ensuring the material used does a good job at insulating the space. So, if you are having a loft conversion, or had one recently, the chances are you’re already getting the best insulation possible.
If you have a loft conversion planned, a professional company specialising in loft conversions will discuss different insulation options with you so you can achieve the perfect insulation for your loft and building requirements. Sheet insulation, blown-fibre insulation, loose-fill insulation and blanket insulation are some of the types of insulation that can be used, each with pros and cons associated with each, and restrictions on certain build types they can be applied to.
If you do have a loft conversion that requires more insulation, a professional loft conversion company is likely still the best type of business to approach to help you, as they have the most experience, knowledge and skills in applying the most modern and effective type of insulation to a loft, all with minimal disruption and inconvenience.
Radiators
The majority of standard radiators can be placed in lofts, but there are various more modern options available that can fit into tricky spaces with more ease. Some more modern options are also a stylish and more aesthetically pleasing alternative to standard radiators, which could be a better option if you want to maintain a certain aesthetic in your loft space.
Functionally, when considering radiator placement you may run into some problems with your boiler system and whether or not it can support radiators further away in the house. This is a common problem with older systems, and your loft conversion company along with a certified plumber can discuss your options if this is the case.
Towel Rails
Towel rails are a popular addition to a loft conversion ensuite because they radiate so much heat and add to that luxurious spa-feel popular with modern loft conversion designs. As with the potential radiator problems we mentioned above, you may find restrictions with certain types of towel rail, but your professional loft conversion company will be able to talk you through your options.
Windows & Window Dressing
Loft conversion skylights are fantastic for having natural light flooding into them, especially if you wanted to enhance the amount of light getting in. Simply letting the light flow in during the day is a simple way to naturally warm up the space. Additionally, making sure you have thermally efficient windows that are triple glazed or have A+ double rating will help retain the heat that is present in the room. If you have an existing loft conversion built a while ago, it could be worth upgrading to modern windows to help with the energy efficiency of the space.
With any windows you do have in your loft conversion, dressing them will help avoid heat escaping from the loft. Thermal blinds (or curtains for windows that aren’t skylights) will help hugely, so you’re not wasting the heat you are creating with radiators or heaters. You can even play with the patterns and colours of the blinds and curtains to enhance your loft aesthetic further,
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating helps protect the valuable square footage in your loft, and is a heating option that doesn’t need to work around the cute quirky shapes and nooks often present in a loft conversion. Is it a little more expensive? Yes. Underfloor heating is an investment, but one that most people don’t regret because it is so effective at warming up the space, all whilst being completely invisible.
Snuggly Sundries
The loft conversion space is a unique space that can look absolutely beautiful with the right design and accessories. In winter, you’ll want to capitalise on the cosy hideaway feeling all loft conversion types have, adding chunky knit blankets, deep furry rugs and only the snuggliest slippers. It’s the perfect hygge location in a home, so head straight there for the placement of all your fuzziest, fluffiest cosy accessories.
Portable Heaters
For compact loft conversions some people do choose to use portable heaters. They are especially handy if your loft conversion is used for a few hours a day as a home office or creative space. Do read up about energy usage and costs, and make sure the heater you do use is safe and never used near little ones, pets or anything that could be flammable.
Why Not Speak To Professional Loft Conversion Experts Today About Your Loft Warming Options?
Whether you want to design the most energy efficient loft possible, or you’re interested in upgrading your loft to be warmer this winter, speak to professional loft conversion experts to see how they can help. There are so many ways for you to heat up your loft conversion and keep that heat from escaping, so whilst the wind and rain rages on outside, you can snuggle up in your own private little top level escape space toasty as you like.
