Cotswold Close, Derby.

 

Full Plans Building Regulations Application approved.

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Following an initial planning approval for a rasing of the ridge height and the conversion of the enlarged loft space to include two new bedrooms and a bathroom En-Plan: Planning & Architetcure were instructed to provide detailed building plans for a Building Regulations Application.  These were duly completed and submitted to MFA Building Control Inspectors in Derby who duly approved the plans.  the project is set to start in Spring of 2019.  Watch this space for updates and further information as the project progresses.

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In the UK, when converting a loft, it's crucial to use the appropriate insulation to ensure energy efficiency, reduce heat loss, and comply with Building Regulations. Here are the commonly used types of insulation for loft conversions in the UK:

1. Blanket Insulation (Rolls): This is the most common type of loft insulation. It's usually made of mineral wool, glass fibre, or rock wool. It's typically sold in rolls and is relatively easy to install between the joists.

2. Loose-fill Insulation: Materials such as mineral wool or recycled newspapers can be used to fill gaps and irregular spaces in the loft. This method is often used for topping up existing insulation.

3. Sheet Insulation: Made of rigid boards, usually constructed from a foam-like material, it can be used for insulating the roof as well as the walls. Common types include PIR (polyisocyanurate), PUR (polyurethane), and phenolic board.

4. Blown-fibre Insulation: This involves a professional using specialist equipment to blow insulation material (often mineral wool) into gaps between the rafters.

5. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): These are building panels used in walls, ceilings, and floors of a building. They have an insulating layer sandwiched between two structural boards.

6. Sprayed Foam Insulation: This is a foam insulation that is sprayed directly onto the surface. It expands and hardens, filling gaps and providing an insulating layer.

Recommendations:

• For the roof, a combination of between-the-rafters insulation and under-the-rafters insulation is recommended. This is usually done using rigid board insulation between the rafters and a multi-layer foil or another type of board insulation below the rafters.

• For the walls, you can use rigid board insulation. If the walls are stud walls, you can use rolls of mineral wool insulation.

• For the floor, blanket insulation between the joists is most commonly used.

Remember, you must ensure that the insulation thickness and type meet the required U-values (a measure of thermal transmittance) as set out in the UK Building Regulations. The U-value defines how effective a building material is as an insulator. The lower the U-value, the better the material is as a heat insulator.

Lastly, ventilation is crucial. When insulating, ensure you don't block essential ventilation paths in the loft space. It's also advisable to consult with a professional before embarking on the project to ensure compliance with all regulations and to get the best results for your specific needs.

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Allowing ventilation in a roof is critical for several reasons:

1. Moisture Control: One of the most significant issues in homes is excess moisture, which can arise from everyday activities like cooking, bathing, and even breathing. When warm, moist air rises and contacts a cold surface (like the underside of a roof in winter), it condenses into water. Proper ventilation helps carry away this moist air before it condenses, preventing issues related to dampness, like rot and mold growth.

2. Temperature Regulation: During summer, especially in homes with dark roofs or direct sunlight exposure, the attic can become incredibly hot. This excessive heat can cause the shingles to prematurely age and can also make the home's interior uncomfortably warm, increasing air conditioning costs. Roof ventilation allows this hot air to escape, reducing the temperature in the attic.

3. Ice Dam Prevention: In colder climates, the heat escaping from homes can melt the snow on roofs. This melted snow then trickles down to the roof's edge and refreezes, forming an ice dam. Ice dams can damage shingles, cause water to back up under the roofing materials, and eventually leak into the home. Proper ventilation keeps the roof's temperature consistent, reducing the chance of ice dams forming.

4. Roof Longevity: Proper ventilation helps in regulating temperature and moisture levels in the attic. This regulation helps in prolonging the life of roofing materials and the roof structure itself.

5. Energy Efficiency: By maintaining a more consistent attic temperature through proper ventilation, you can reduce the energy demands on your cooling and heating systems, leading to potentially lower energy bills.

6. Indoor Air Quality: A well-ventilated attic can help in reducing the potential for mold growth, which can be a health concern if it finds its way into the living spaces of the home. Mold spores can contribute to respiratory issues and allergic reactions in some individuals.

7. Warranty Concerns: Some roofing material manufacturers stipulate in their warranty terms that proper attic ventilation is maintained. Failure to do so could void the warranty.

8. Preventing Structural Damage: Over time, moisture accumulation can weaken the structural integrity of the roof, leading to sagging or even collapse in extreme cases.

It's worth noting that while ventilation is crucial, it's also important to strike the right balance. Too much ventilation can create other issues, such as vulnerability to rain or snow infiltration. As always, proper design and installation are key to achieving the desired outcomes.

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If you would like to find out more about Building Regulations or how our Planning Consultancy and Architectural Design Services can work in perfect sync to achieve a successful outcome in the planning system please CONTACT US and we will be only too happy to talk through any questions or development proposals you may have.

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