DIY Loft Ventilation


If you've noticed that moisture has started accumulating in your loft, it likely means that you have a problem with your ventilation. Before you attempt to fix it, find out more about this problem, as well as the best way to deal with it.

What Problems Can Poor Loft Ventilation Cause?

Condensation and subsequent mold growth are the two most common problems that result from poor loft ventilation. While this may seem like nothing more than a minor annoyance, the issues that stem from poor ventilation can actually cause serious damage to your loft. Promptly dealing with this problem is the best way to ensure that the value and structural integrity of your loft isn't negatively impacted.

Is DIY Loft Ventilation a Good Idea?

DIY loft ventilation is generally not a good idea. The reason it's better to let a professional handle this job instead of tackling it on your own is because of all the things that can go wrong. For example, people commonly take care of their loft insulation and ventilation at the same time. The reason good insulation is important is because it can ensure your loft is as energy efficient as possible. However, if you're trying to take care of both of these things on your own, one mistake can ruin the effectiveness of both.

Additionally, even if you do a great job with insulation but make a mistake with the ventilation, it can cause a significant amount of condensation to begin accumulating. Many loft owners are shocked when they discover just how quickly condensation can begin building up when insulation isn't properly complemented by ventilation. Although it will cost a little more, working with a professional will give you peace of mind.

How Do You Hire a Professional Loft Ventilation Company?

The best way to find the right company to take care of your loft ventilation is to ask several for references. If a company isn't willing to provide you with any references, it's a red flag and you should avoid working with that company. For the ones that do provide references, you can use them to find out about the quality of the company's work. Once you've eliminated any companies who didn't provide references or who's references weren't impressed with their work, you can ask the remaining companies to provide you with a quote.

Before they're able to provide an estimate, most companies will ask to do a survey of your loft. During this survey, they will look at your loft's:

  • Roof design
    • Current insulation
    • Existing ventilation (or lack of it)
    • Condensation levels
Once a company has completed their survey, they will be able to tell you what materials they will need, how difficult it will be for them to implement the new ventilation measures and how long it will take them to complete the job. All of these factors will be used to calculate the quote they provide. After you receive all of the quotes, you can choose the one you find most appealing based on its price and your experience with the company.

 

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