Why a survey comes first
Two lofts on the same street can need very different work. One might just need a top-up. Another might have damp insulation, blocked eaves, a leaking tank or wiring buried under boards. Quoting without looking risks fitting the wrong thing or covering up a problem.
A survey also helps you understand your own home. Many homeowners have not been into the loft for years and do not know what is up there.
A survey is useful in other situations too. You may have just moved in and want to know what the previous owners left behind. You may have noticed a musty smell, damp patches on a bedroom ceiling or water droplets on the underside of the roof. Or you may simply want a second opinion before deciding on any work. In each case, we look carefully, take our time and explain what we see.
What we check
- Insulation: type, depth, how even it is, and whether it has been compressed, disturbed or pulled back.
- Hatch and access: size, insulation and draught sealing, and whether a loft ladder would help.
- Ventilation: whether air can get in at the eaves and move through the roof space, or whether insulation and boards are blocking it.
- Roof underlay: whether it is felt, a breathable membrane or absent, as this affects ventilation needs.
- Condensation signs: water droplets, staining, mould spots on timbers or underlay, or a musty smell.
- Boarding and storage: whether existing boards are squashing insulation, and how the space is used.
- Pipes and tanks: whether they are protected and reachable.
Condensation and ventilation
Condensation in lofts is common. Warm, moist air from the house rises through gaps around the hatch, downlights, pipes and cables. When it reaches the cold underside of the roof, it can condense into droplets. Over time that can wet insulation and timbers.
Typical contributing factors include blocked eaves, an unsealed hatch, bathroom or kitchen fans that vent into the loft rather than outside, and moisture from drying washing indoors. We look for these and explain what might help, such as sealing the hatch, clearing the eaves or improving how fans are ducted. We describe ventilation in general terms; every roof is different, and the right approach depends on its construction.
Old and wet insulation removal
Insulation that is wet, dirty, contaminated by pests or badly compressed may need taking out before anything new goes in. We can remove and bag it as part of the job. Before replacing wet insulation, the source of the moisture needs to be understood, or the new material may end up the same way.
Your heat-loss walk-through
After the survey we talk you through what we found. We explain where heat is likely to be escaping, such as thin insulation, gaps at the eaves, an uninsulated hatch or cold bridges, and which improvements are worth considering. We will not give you percentage savings or promises about bills, because those depend on too many things we cannot measure in a visit. You will get an honest description and, if you want one, a written quote.
What we refer to specialists
We are insulation installers, not structural engineers, electricians, roofers or damp surveyors. If we see any of the following, we will point it out and recommend a qualified specialist:
- signs of roof leaks, slipped tiles or a failing underlay
- soft, damaged or sagging timbers, or anything that looks structural
- old, damaged or overheating wiring and fittings
- persistent damp, mould or rot
- suspected asbestos-containing materials
We will not diagnose these ourselves, and we will not insulate over them. Once the specialist has dealt with the issue, we are happy to come back and pick up where we left off.
Book your free loft survey
If you are not sure what is happening in your loft, or you want advice before deciding on anything, a survey is the right place to start. Call 07835 254 241, email info@energyloftinsulation.co.uk, or read about loft insulation and our step-by-step process.
Loft Surveys and Condensation Checks – your questions answered
Is the loft survey really free?
Yes. There is no charge for the survey and no obligation to go ahead with any work. If you want a written quote afterwards, we will provide one.
Why is there water in my loft in winter?
Often it is condensation: warm, moist air from the house meeting the cold underside of the roof. It can also be a leak. We look for signs of both, and recommend a roofer if a leak is suspected.
Can you tell me if my roof timbers are rotten?
No. We will point out anything that looks concerning, but timber decay and structural issues should be assessed by a qualified specialist such as a surveyor or roofer.
Do you remove old insulation?
Yes. Wet, dirty or badly compressed insulation can be removed and bagged as part of a job. The cause of any moisture needs understanding before new insulation goes in.
Will you tell me how much I will save?
We do not give percentage or pound savings, because they depend on too many factors. We will explain where heat is likely escaping and what improvements are worth considering.
