You could be spending thousands of pounds to transform the unused space of your home’s loft so that you have a dedicated home office, a studio, a bedroom or an extra space that you can rent out.
However, without the right thermal barrier, a converted loft can become unfit for living or working in. Artificial thermal barriers, such as synthetic foam, might work for loft conversions in other countries. But in the UK, with its unpredictable climate, it is best to back loft conversions in Oxted with natural insulation.
Why Use Natural Insulation In Loft Conversion Projects?
Loft conversions in Oxted, insulated with natural insulation, offer many benefits for homeowners, as outlined below.
Unmatched Ambient Moisture Control
Artificial insulation becomes saturated over time when the environment has excessive ambient moisture. That is not the case with natural insulation, which is inherently hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb more moisture.
The outcome is that converted lofts with natural insulation tend to have healthier indoor air. Additionally, mould infestation and timber rot can be kept at bay with natural insulation.
Keeps The Loft Cool In Summer
The global climate is changing. This is why the most common complaint of homeowners across the UK is that their converted lofts get unbearably hot during the summer.
Natural insulation, such as sheep’s wool or wood shavings, has greater thermal mass than artificial insulation, such as lightweight foam. It means natural insulation can store more heat during the day and release it slowly at night. This allows a converted loft with natural insulation to stay cool in summer. And the best part: in the winter, the same space will remain warm as natural insulation slowly releases the heat it traps during the day.
In short, if you want a thermally stable space, then ask the contractor to use natural insulation – it is that simple.
Impressive Soundproofing
Natural insulation has a denser, more irregular structure than artificial insulation. This single attribute provides natural insulation, helping to absorb ambient and impact noise better. Which is why, if you are planning to use the converted loft of your home as an office or audio engineering studio, go for natural insulation.
Health Indoor Air Quality. No Off-Gassing
Artificial insulation materials that contractors often use in loft conversion projects might contain formaldehyde and related Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which is why, after the conversion is complete, converted spaces smell funny and leave occupants with irritated airways and teary eyes.
Inhaling VOCs for a long time can lead to quite a few respiratory illnesses. Which is why it is best to ask the loft conversion contractor you have hired to use only natural insulation material – like sheep’s wool that does not emit any harmful VOCs.
Naturally Insulated Lofts Are Sustainable
The takeaway message of this post is simple. Unlike artificial insulating materials, natural insulation offers multiple benefits.
However, the one aspect that literally takes the cake in the case of natural insulators is their sustainability. Ask your preferred local loft conversion experts, like Ashdown Lofts, to use only natural insulation. And you would end up with a converted loft in your home which is quiet, healthy and comfortable.
It is that simple.