Spring advice for DIY roofers

Date:  22 April 2009

Residents are being offered energy saving advice if they are thinking of undertaking roof repairs.  Many lofts are inadequately insulated leading to hundreds of pounds of heating being wasted per year.

Three Rivers Building Control expert , Clive Fuller, said:

"If you think you've got enough insulation you may be wrong.  The guidelines on the minimum advisable amount has gone up in recent years. Loft insulation should be between 25cm and 27cm and laid in two directions to really be minimising your fuel bills and reducing C02 emissions." 

Under the Building Regulations anybody who is removing more than 25% of a roof covering, including flat roofs, must look at their insulation, see if it needs upgrading and contact Building Control at either Watford or Three Rivers Council to see if a Building Regulation application is required - there is no charge for this.

Clive Fuller added:

"Most flat roofs over 20 years old have no insulation at all and many pitched
roofs don't have nearly enough. That's money for fuel being wasted all through the winter which could be saved. There's lots of free advice available and Watford and Three Rivers Councils are providing low cost insulation offers for roofs, wall cavities and window replacements."

Building contractors should be aware of the new regulations but they can always contact us for guidance. 

For low cost insulation, Three Rivers residents can visit Cocoon or ring freephone 0800 8048777.   

The picture above was posed by a model. Always follow the health and safety guidance when fitting insulation.