What is flat roof insulation?
Flat roof insulation is ideal for homes without a loft or roof space and is intended to boost a property’s energy efficiency. A roof is normally considered a ‘flat roof’ if it has a pitch of less than 10 degrees. Insulating a flat roof can reduce heat loss, condensation, and heating bills. There are two methods of installing insulation in a flat roof: warm roof and cold roof insulation. Selecting which one is right for you will largely depend on what type of building you are working with.
Warm roof insulation
Warm roof insulation works by attaching the insulating material above the joists which is then covered with a vapour barrier above. Installing warm roof insulation is beneficial as it leads to a reduction in condensation within the flat roof void. It is thought to be the best option for the UK climate.
PIR (polyisocyanurate) boards are a popular choice for the job as they are highly durable and are able to be walked on. This is a key factor to take into consideration because you will still need to be able to inspect the roof from time to time to check for any damage. Warm roof insulation is the most commonly used in domestic properties looking for flat roof insulation.
Cold roof insulation
Cold roof insulation involves the installing of insulation between the joists, with a waterproof cover laid on the top. It is probably the least energy efficient way of insulating a roof though a good option for outbuildings or retrofit projects.
A cold roof normally requires a roof void ventilation system in order to avoid a build up of damp. It may not be the best solution for flat roof insulation, and is considered a somewhat outdated method, but it does have its uses and benefits for specific projects. Loft insulation rolls are recommended for cold roof insulation because the insulation is usually placed between the rafters.
Grants for flat roof insulation
You can qualify for flat roof insulation grants through the government’s ECO4 scheme. The scheme aims to bring methods of energy-efficient and affordable heating to households that would struggle to afford it otherwise in an effort to lower the UK’s carbon emissions and effectively tackle the issue of climate change. The responsibility of providing the grants to households falls on the main energy companies including British Gas, E. ON, Npower, Scottish Power, SSE, and EDF plus others.
Since its introduction, there have been multiple variations of the ECO scheme, the most recent of which is ECO4. ECO4 has slightly different eligibility criteria to its predecessor as it focuses more heavily on income and not on individuals who claim any type of benefit. Insulation grants through the scheme are also focused on homes whose Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) leaves them in bands E, F, or G.
Who can qualify for flat roof insulation grants?
If you or someone in your household is claiming one or more of the benefits listed below, then you should be eligible for flat roof insulation. Also, if you don’t claim a benefit but are in a low-income household, don’t worry because you might still qualify. This is because another part of the criteria is if your household income is below £31,000 you can get a grant for insulation, meaning you can enjoy all the benefits of flat roof insulation without having to be out of pocket paying for it. The current qualifying benefits you can be claiming to get a grant through the ECO4 scheme are:
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Income Support (IS)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Working Tax Credit (WTC)
- Child Tax Credits (CTC)
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Housing Benefit (now eligible through ECO4)
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (now eligible through ECO4)
Even if you don’t qualify for a full flat roof insulation grant it will still be worthwhile to apply as you might be able to get a subsidised grant to partially cover the cost of your new insulation.
Get Expert Help with Your Insulation
At Smart Eco Homes, we specialize in energy-efficient home improvements and are committed to helping you make the most of government grants and funding available for wall insulation and boiler replacements. Whether you’re installing new insulation or upgrading your existing system, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process.
If you’re considering solid wall insulation or have questions about your current insulation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Here’s how you can reach Smart Eco Homes.
Phone: Call us at 020 3883 1435, +44 (0) 7466663146
Email: Reach out to us via info@smarteco.uk
Contact: Click on Apply Now and we’ll get back to you promptly.