The property experts at Gaffsy believe now is the perfect time to check your home – and there is a simple way to do so
As the UK braces for weather warnings and the costly impact of snow and ice, it’s an ideal time to assess if your home is haemorrhaging heat. Poor insulation could mean you’re losing valuable warmth through your roof, potentially costing you hundreds in bills. Property gurus at Gaffsy reckon now is the prime time to inspect your loft insulation.
On a chilly, frosty morning, take a moment to step outside and cast your eyes up at your roof. If your roof is evenly blanketed with frost or snow, it’s a good indication that your roof is well insulated.
However, if the frost/snow coverage is patchy and sparse, it’s usually a sign that heat is seeping out through your roof. This could result in energy wastage and inflated heating costs, reports the Express.
The minimum recommended depth of insulation is 270mm and if your insulation falls short of this, it might be worth bolstering it with a few extra layers. Key things to look out for when examining your roof insulation are mould, moisture and holes. If these signs are evident on your insulation, it’s wise to replace it.
Insulation materials degrade over time. If your insulation is more than 20-30 years old, it may need replacing, as modern materials are more efficient. It’s estimated that a whopping 25% of the heat in our homes escapes through the roof without adequate insulation, which could range from zero insulation to damaged insulation.
If you’re finding that your heating bills are shooting up, this could be a sign that your home has poor insulation. Top-notch insulation can help you save as much as £300 annually, depending on your home’s size.
Oren Kander, the senior valuer and director at Gaffsy, highlighted a key tip for homeowners: “Many homeowners don’t realise that the condition of their roof on a frosty morning can reveal a lot about their home’s energy efficiency.
“Uneven frost or snow melt indicates that heat is escaping, which not only drives up energy bills but also decreases your home’s temperature.”
Taking care of your insulation not only stops heat from flying out the window but also cranks up your home’s energy efficiency and slashes your heating expenditures. Keep an eye on your rooftop’s morning coat it might just lead to some serious cash savings.
