This guidance note provides advice on the principles, risks,
materials and methods for insulating pitched roofs at ceiling level. When insulation is placed at this position the roof is often referred to as a ‘cold roof’.
Insulating the top floor ceiling is one of the easiest and
cheapest means of improving the energy efficiency of
buildings. Such work can be carried out successfully in older buildings if approached with care. Even very thick layers of insulation will not cause problems if installed carefully with materials that are compatible with the existing construction. However, the installation can be made much more difficult if part of the ceiling is sloping, for instance if the room is partly within a roof space.