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Edinburgh Reporter
07-08-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Reporter
How Do I Know If My Roof Meets UK Energy Efficiency Standards?
With energy prices on the rise and climate change awareness at an all time high, being compliant with UK energy efficiency standards has never been more important for your home. Your roof plays a big part in how well your house retains heat and it's one of those things that are often overlooked during the energy assessment process. A bad or old roof can cause heat loss, damp or even higher bills. So how do you know if your roof is up to the modern standards described in the UK building regulations? In this article we will explain to you the signs to look out for, how to test your roof and what to do if you need some improvements. Photo by Imam Fadly on Unsplash Understanding UK Energy Efficiency Standards for Roofs Part L of the Building Regulations, set in the UK, establishes the minimum energy performance criteria of existing households and dwellings of new construction, in terms of the thermal performance of roofs. The U-value which indicates the performance of a building element that retains heat is the most common. The lower the U-value the more the insulation. The current U value demanded of the pitched roofs with insulation on ceiling level and the flat roof with insulation on the rafter level is 0.16 W/m 2 K and 0.18 W/m 2 K respectively. These standards can be used in new building work and substantial roof repairs or re-roofing or loft conversion. When you are updating on an existing roof, you will be mandated to strengthen insulation as far as you can to spur these values. Measuring these standards is extremely important with regard to insulation materials and the manner in which they are installed. Rigid foam boards, mineral wool and multifoil are widespread materials, and they will reduce heat loss. Ventilation must also be considered because without the proper flow of air, the condensation as well as wet will occur. Signs Your Roof May Not Be Energy Efficient An energy efficient roof is vital in making sure that your house will remain warm during winter and cool during summer. This can lead to heating bill problems, drought, and even structural difficulties further down the road when your roof is not performing its duty. These are some of the red flags that indicate that your roof is not energy efficient as per leaden to the current standards. 1. High Energy expenditures One of the more conspicuous indicators is the sudden or gradual rise in your energy bills. As you perceive the heating system to be at maximum volume so that it barely brings home some merits, your roof might be denying you high-cost heat favorites. This is in most cases as a result of poor or inadequate insulation, and this should be given a first priority to get it fixed. 2. Fragile Indoor Temperature Cold spots in specific rooms, typically at high levels or the attic, will likely be a sign of the escape of heat through the roof. Just to confirm that your roof insulation is good, you can verify in case you feel warmth in the down stores of your home and coolness in the higher stories. 3. Cold Air and Draughts Draughts, or freezing of air via splits into chambers, can also be interpreted as the sign of bad insulating or gaps within the roof-frame. Not only do these little crevices make life less comfortable, but they also increase your reliance on heating. 4. Loft Condensation and Damp The fact that you have condensation, mould or damp areas in the loft above your head may be an indication that your roof is suffocating. And in most cases, poor insulation goes hand in hand with poor ventilation and as a result, moisture tends to build up and this will lead to both bad air quality within your home and a deterioration on your roof. 5. Poor Insulation or Insufficient Insulation Loft your filling up. There is likelihood that it does not conform to the current standard in the event of patchy or compressed insulation or a thickness less than 270mm. Heat can get out easily through coverage gaps and it affects the comfort and energy performance. 6. Old Roofing Materials Roofs constructed more than 20 years ago have had less energy efficiency needs. After a certain period of time, materials wear out thus becoming non-insulative and predisposing heat losses. 7. Visible Roof Damage Defective tiles such as missing tiles, broken tiles, or collapsed roofsheets could destabilise the roof structure besides interfering with the insulation performance. In the case of such issues, water also can access the system weakening energy efficiency and causing significant damage that can be costly only. When you experience any of them, you may consider checking/inspecting your insulation or examining roof repairs, or even finding an expert roofing company to inspect and advise you that your roof is energy efficient, especially in the UK set standards. How to Check the Energy Efficiency of Your Roof Appropriate assessment of energy efficiency of your roof begins with the visual inspection of the loft insulation. Most houses in the UK naively need to achieve a minimum of 270mm thickness of insulation in order to satisfy it. When it is thin, spotty or missing, chances are high that your roof is losing heat. Watch out for draughts, chilly areas and unusual temperatures on top floors and this can be of poor insulation or draughtproofing. Visit the loft and observe the presence of condensation and dampness which is a tell-tale sign of poor ventilation. Conduct of thermal imaging survey is another effective way of determining the heat loss in a certain building since it determines areas through which warmth is leaking, especially the roof. As an efficiency note, you can also examine the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of your house, recommending further work on roof and loft insulation. You need a more comprehensive inspection, why not use the services of an educated roofer or energy consultant, and invite him/her to your house and explain to you what to do. Common Issues That Affect Roof Efficiency A roof forms a pivotal part of the process of making your home energy efficient, comfortable, and free of elements. However, some common problems can lower its efficiency and cause the energy bills to be high, heat loss, and on other occasions cause structural damages. Realisation and resolution of such problems in early stages is essential in ensuring that your roof will be in good condition and even meet the modern energy standards. Bad Insulation or Insulation Worn Out The problem of poor insulation can be considered one of the most popular issues which decrease the performance of roofs. A majority of older houses in the UK lack up-to-date insulation measures, either because they are not deep enough or because they deteriorate with time. The loft depth should improve at least 270mm attic insulation. When it is compressed, patchy, or absent altogether, it is easy to lose heat, hence forcing the heating system in your house to work harder, thus consuming more energy. Moisture and Roof Leaks The water trapped on the roof in addition to the leaks causes not only the roof structure to be ruined, but also enables depreciation of insulation abilities to take place. The wet insulation creates insufficient thermal performance and it proves difficult to hold heat. The existence of moisture also offers the best requirements for the growth of mould and wood rot, which further destroys the integrity of the roof. Poor Ventilation Poor ventilation can lead to condensation inside the roof space, particularly in winter. This could result in the establishment of wet areas, weakened insulation, and rotting. The soffit and ridge vents have the capability of balancing the air circulation. The stabilisation of temperature and the moisture level can prolong the insulation material and the roof products. Anything That Is Missing or Damaged with the Roofing Area Loose shingles and broken tiles/roofing felt expose your house to weathers. These faults allow water and cold air inside and warm air out, and the place is very inefficient with regard to using energy. Over time, even the slightest of damages can lead to the development of even greater problems. Drawbacks of Flat Roofs The area available to insulate inside the building is less in a flat roof compared to a pitched roof. Low-efficiency insulation materials and badly installed flat roofing may incur difficulties in adhering to modern efficiency standards. Wear and loss of heat are characterised by poor drainage and ponding water. Bare Loft Hatches and Escapades Heat can escape uninsulated loft hatches or places where the insulation layer may be compromised. When small areas are not addressed, roofs with a considerable amount of insulation lose efficiency. The easy way out is caulking and installing insulated hatch covers; that works well. Choose Point Roofing & Guttering for Energy-Efficient Roofing Solutions Point Roofing & Guttering are experts that can make the homeowners pass and even exceed the energy efficiency requirements in the UK. The remedial action that should be taken could be recommended by our workforce, as to whether the issue is due to a porous insulator, degraded materials or degradation in the roof. Our professional services include the upgrading of loft insulation, repairs of pitched and flat roofs, ventilation reconditioning and a complete re-roof. What we carry out corresponds exactly to the latest UK Building Regulations giving it the proper compliance, the comfort, and the energy savings in the future. We are based in Norwich and cater to the nearby services, providing quality work and reliable services. Concerned about your roof energy performance? Give us a shout at 01603 905 295 or visit our office at 120b Hall Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3HP and we will schedule you with an expert consultation. FAQs What are the ways I can determine whether my current roof covering complies with the energy efficiency standards? Start with the current roof covering and determine the type it is, cold roof, warm roof, or flat roof. Both have individual insulation and U-value legislations in the UK. An approved document installer or a local building control officer may assist in making sure you are within the approved documents and may assist in assessing the performance of your building. Which insulation materials can be used to enhance energy efficiency? Some options are the rigid insulation boards, mineral wool for insulation, or the polyurethane foams with different levels of insulating efficiency. To increase the energy efficiency and sustain insulation performance, insulation thickness should be able to achieve maximum U-value demands. Insulating between an existing roof covering is complicated and most insulation experts may advise on professional installation. What is the role of moisture and fire safety concerning roof insulation? Condensation has to be avoided by good management of moisture conditions, especially in cold roofs. Apply a vapour control film and bear in mind ridge ventilation in order to make up the atmosphere of surfaces of warm air. When upgrading, install suitable fire barriers and call in a structural engineer to verify that the building will remain structurally sound. Are there new energy efficiency building standards on flat roofs and lofts? Yes. In warm roofs, the structural deck should be covered with flat roof insulation to provide maximum performance. In case of lofts, one can enhance efficiency by insulation of loft space. In case of a replacement or new roof covering, minimum energy efficiency is required, particularly in older buildings, and even solar panels may be added. Conclusion A link to determining whether you have a comfortable, cost-effective and a sustainable home is to determine the condition of your roof i.e. the UK energy efficiency. One way of getting a good idea of how well your roof is performing is to check the insulation levels, check the inside of your roof is showing any signs of heat loss or moisture and even check your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Additional data about hidden issues can be received through professional inspection and thermal imaging survey. With the exception that your roof is poor, enhancement of your roof insulation, sealing in and proper ventilation can help a great deal in the matter. No matter what aims you pursue: saving more money on energy or improving your EPC address, staying awake and on guard is the thing that makes sure your roof will be brought to the current level and will be able to give your house security during the years. Like this: Like Related
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
256 individuals in emergency accommodation in Meath
At the July meeting of Meath County Council, Independent Councillor Alan Lawes called for improved fire safety measures across emergency accommodation facilities, as homelessness figures remain high both locally and nationally. Cllr Lawes raised concerns about the safety of residents living in temporary housing, saying: 'I am calling on Meath County Council to ensure that all emergency accommodation facilities have a current fire certificate.' A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for all new buildings—including apartments and flats—except for private houses and agricultural structures. It certifies that a building or works comply with Building Regulations and must be obtained before construction begins. In response, the council confirmed that a 'Minimum Standard for Emergency Accommodation' is currently being developed. 'If agreed, and where applicable, the need for a valid fire certificate can be included in the minimum criteria,' the council said. 'It is anticipated that the draft document will be presented at the next meeting of the Housing and Integration SPC.' According to Meath County Council's July management report, 256 individuals, including 122 children, were in emergency accommodation in the county at the end of May 2025. The report also noted that 71 families have been placed in short-term private rented accommodation through the Council's Settlement Team, while seven families are currently housed in Family Hubs. As of May, there were only nine emergency accommodation beds available in the county, spread across Trim, Navan, Athboy, and Drogheda. The council added that it is not the sole user of these facilities, as some property owners also work with neighbouring local authorities, including Louth, Fingal, Westmeath, and Kildare.
Irish Independent
08-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Explainer: What are the new rules on apartments – and why has Dublin City Council raised ‘grave concern' about them?
The overhaul of the regulations for building apartments aims to boost construction and cut the cost of building by as much as €100,000 a unit. Housing minister James Browne is expected to bring a memo to Cabinet outlining the proposals today, but there has been plenty of criticism of the measures by opposition parties. What restrictions are in place at the moment? Currently, restrictions on the number of one-bedroom apartments allowed in a development mean just 50pc of the units can be a one-bedroom apartment. The minimum size requirement for those units are 45 square metres. No more than 25pc of units in a development are allowed to be studio apartments, which currently have a minimum size requirement of 37 square metres. There are requirements around communal spaces and the number of dual-aspect units – with windows at either end, while there are also limitations in place on the number of units that can be provided per lift. What changes are being made? Restrictions will be lifted on the number of one-bedroom apartments allowed in any development and on apartment size. The minimum size for studio apartments will be reduced from 37 square metres to 32 square metres. Current restrictions on not having more than 25pc studio apartments in a given development will also be removed. The requirement that at least 33pc dual-aspect units – with windows at either end - in urban locations and 50pc in suburban locations will be removed, creating a single standard of 25pc. With the exception of social housing schemes and Part V social and affordable housing, new guidelines will set a 'national standard' that will remove any restrictions on apartment typology mix and remove the ability of local authorities to impose their own rules. The new guidelines are also expected to remove any limitation on the number of units per lift and stair per floor, subject to compliance with Building Regulations. They will also enable planning authorities to accept smaller or reduce private, open spaces for apartments in buildings where there is quality and usable shared open space. The new guidelines will specify that communal, community or cultural facilities within apartment schemes shall not be required on a mandatory basis, if they have implications for the viability of the development. Why are these restrictions being lifted? The Government is struggling to meet its housing targets, with these new guidelines aiming to cost costs, allow for increased standardisation in building design and flexibility. Government sources believe the changes could result in a cost reduction of between €50,000 and €100,000 per unit. Some local authorities have imposed minimum requirements for three-bedroom apartments within their development plans. It is understood that Mr Browne believes these restrictions are affecting the cost of building apartments, and are not serving the housing need in city locations. He told RTÉ's This Week that the only solution to the housing crisis is 'supply, supply, supply' and he is 'prepared to take risks'. 'I think we have over-corrected from the crash and we have been way too cautious,' he added. 'The decisions I have made over the last few weeks and will be making over the coming months are radical decisions that will transform housing delivery in this country, and activate the private sector.' Is there any opposition to the plans? Yes. The proposals have been criticised heavily by opposition parties and by Dublin City Council, which last night passed an emergency motion accusing the government of 'overreach' and the 'undermining of local democracy'. The Social Democrats accused the minister of 'dusting off' old plans, to make apartments 'glorified shoe boxes', while Sinn Féin said the plans will condemn renters to living in 'small and dark apartments' and will delay construction by increasing the number of judicial reviews taken by local authorities. Dublin City Council is not happy with the plans, with the motion carried last night seeking clarity and an 'urgent meeting' with Mr Browne. Green Party and Labour Party councillors tabled the motion that expressed 'deep dismay' about the proposals that they said would 'gut the provision of 5pc community or cultural space' in certain developments. 'This council expresses its grave concern at central Government overreach, its undermining of local democracy and its efforts to undermine the principle of sustainable community development,' it said. The motion said reports outlining the proposals outlined 'a developer-led race to the bottom and further reduction in minimum standards and guidelines when it comes to apartment developments, without any consultation or engagement with local authorities'. Labour Party councillor Darragh Moriarty said the proposed rules on community and cultural spaces will result in the 'trampling all over local democracy' and described them as a 'retrograde step'. When will the new rules come into effect? The proposed new guidelines are due to go before Cabinet today. If approved, a circular letter will issue to planning authorities and An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I built a hobbit house on wheels for £200 & now have zero bills – it's only 13ft long & my roof comes from an old pigsty
A SAVVY man has built himself a hobbit house on wheels for just £200. And now, the bargain hunter who is on a mission to 2 A DIY fan has shared how he built himself a hobbit house for just £200 Credit: 2 The man, who lives an off-grid lifestyle and doesn't pay any rent or bills, explained that he used bits from an old pigsty and a stable to create his tiny pad Credit: Eager to show off his off-grid lifestyle, the content creator who posts online under the username 'The Grow Co', gave his followers a close-up look at his home, which he made using bits from an old pigsty and a stable. In a bid to He described his home as 'possibly one of the smallest trailers you would have seen' and revealed that he has spent the last six months living inside this trailer, whilst travelling around the UK and through Wales. While the main section of the trailer is 8ft long by 4ft wide, in total, the small home is just 13ft long, which he claims is 'absolutely tiny for a house.' Read more on tiny homes He even made a large storage box on the back of the hobbit house, which he uses as a shed to store his tools. But he isn't bothered by the size of his pad, as he shared: 'I've spent the last six months living inside of that The DIY fan then explained how he made the Not only this, but he then confirmed: 'The roofing sheets are really thick, the big industrial sort of ones, these were from an old pigsty. Most read in Fabulous 'The glass in the window used to be a shelf from an old glass display unit.' The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ World's Tiniest Home It's also amassed 2,777 likes and 224 comments. Social media users were left stunned by the man's The rise of tiny homes By Jonathan Rolande Property expert : The reason we are seeing more creative ways of finding a home: super-high property prices and rents. Younger people are remaining in the family home later in life to avoid paying high prices and to save for a deposit. With increasingly busy lives, staying within a larger family group makes sense, chores such as gardening and housework can be shared. Garages are rarely used for their intended purpose as cars are far more reliable and less prone to rust and so are perfectly happy outside. On the other hand, the amount of property space per person has been shrinking – converting a garage can make great sense. Things to consider. (the boring stuff) Usually easier than building from scratch but still a lot to do to turn a garage in to a habitable space. You'll need to check if you need planning (more likely to be required if the garage is detached). Building Regulations stipulate many things to make homes safe and secure. Consider Walls, are they cavity? Roof height Windows How will you get plumbing, electrics and drainage connected Insulation – it will be cold! Fire safety Damp proofing Also consider if, by converting, you are adding or deducting value from the main home. Garages can add value in busy urban areas where parking is limited. One person said: 'Wow this is fantastic, well done you. I wish all the homeless people could have one.' Another added: 'Looks amazing!' Good for you! I thought it was a chicken coop at first! TikTok user A third commented: 'Well done! This is the way forward.' At the same time, one user wrote: 'Love it, really love to see inside.' Meanwhile, someone else penned: 'Good for you! I thought it was a chicken coop at first!' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- General
- Daily Record
DIY expert issues warning to anyone with a gas appliance
Tracy Burns, a joinery and carpentry lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College, has issued some clear safety guidance An expert has warned people who think they are a natural at DIY to be very careful with gas appliances. Tracy Burns, a joinery and carpentry lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College, said messing about with gas devices could even see you break the law. Tracy warned: "I'm all for people giving DIY a go, but there are some jobs I'd never recommend doing yourself. If you don't know what you're doing, it can be dangerous, and in some cases even illegal." 1. Gas appliances The expert started by noting that "anything gas-related should be completely off limits unless you're fully qualified and certified." She warned that if you're going to touch these, "you need to be up to date with the legislation, and the risks just aren't worth it." For example: "If your boiler or hob isn't working properly, that's not a job for YouTube. Call a professional. Gas work isn't just tricky, it's a legal matter, and getting it wrong could put you and your whole household in serious danger.' 2. Removing internal walls When it comes to a bigger job like tearing down parts of your property, Tracey said that if you're not sure on what you're doing, you should "leave it alone" or risk causing more damage. "It might look like a simple partition, but it could be holding up the floor above, and if you remove it, you're risking a collapse," she said. "I always say: unless you've had it properly assessed, don't even start. Get someone in who knows exactly what they're looking at.' 3. Electrical work In her final job warning, she warned that those keen to do some DIY need to be extra careful with electrics. 'Changing a plug or a fuse is fine if you're confident and you understand the process", she said, "but anything beyond that, no way". She added: "Loose wires, the wrong connections, even just drilling in the wrong place; you can easily cause a fire or give yourself a serious shock. Electricity is one of those things that can go very wrong, very fast, and if you're not trained, you won't even realise the mistake until it's too late. Always get a qualified electrician for anything more complex.' In fact, according to experts at B&Q, when it comes to fitting and replacing electrical sockets, you need to follow a set of rules. The firm explained: "For your safety, these products must be installed in accordance with local Building Regulations. "If in any doubt, or where required by the law, consult a competent person who is registered with an electrical certification scheme. Further information is available online or from your local authority." The same applies if you are adding more electrical sockets to your property. B&Q say that you should "never take risks with electrical safety." They also warn that if you're going to touch any of your walls, before constructing anything, "check with your local authority to make sure the work involved conforms to the current building regulations relating to fire resistance, light, and ventilation."
