If
your impact on the environment is something that you’re conscious of as you
renovate your home, here are some of our top tips for loft
conversions London-wide that will help you win eco-friendly brownie
points:
Energy Efficiency
In
any home, a large proportion of energy escapes through the loft. If you haven’t
already installed insulation in your loft, before it even becomes a habitable
room, then you are probably losing valuable heat – not to mention money – through
the roof.
Creating
a loft conversion is an excellent way of improving energy efficiency in your
home through the installation of sufficient insulation using the likes of high
performance insulating board.
Sustainable Timber
If
the materials that your builders use are important to you, ask them about the
possibilities of sustainable timber. Check that the timber being used is either
FSC or PEFC certified, as this means that it is being supplied by sustainably
managed forests where trees are continuously replanted to replace the supply.
Solar Energy
If
you’ve contemplated solar energy in the past but haven’t been sure about the
installation process, why not consider it when converting your loft? As part of
the build, your loft conversion contractors can install solar panels to provide
hot water and electricity for your loft room, or your house as a whole.
If
you’re worried about the impact that the British climate will have on your
solar energy supply, fear not, as there are systems specially designed to work
with our temperamental island climate.
Most
houses have one roof surface that faces the ideal direction to capture as much
light as possible, and in some cases the systems can be installed flat to your
roof, to make the panels hidden from view.
Don’t Forget the Birds and
the Bats!
If
you find nesting birds or bats in your loft when you’re starting your build,
you may need to modify your plans to accommodate them. In fact, a council can
refuse planning permission on the basis of nesting bats, so it’s important to
speak to an expert. A good loft conversion company will be able to advice on
the best course of action.
Whatever
your environmental concerns, there are always ways to create an eco-friendly
build. Speak to Bespoke Lofts for our best advice on how to create the perfect
loft conversion with minimum impact on the environment.