Overcoming the potential fire risk of loft insulation
Following the Department of Energy and Climate's recent announcement to changes
in the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) - which is estimated to mean more than 3.5 million homes in Great Britain are likely to benefit from insulation - the need for fire protection in lofts is more important than ever,
claims Aico.
Under the newly restructured government obligation on energy companies, CERT now requires 68% of energy suppliers' obligation to be met through professionally installed loft, cavity and solid wall insulation.
Loft insulation is a simple and cost effective means to prevent heat loss through the roof, but it brings with it a danger that very few people will be aware of. The risk comes when you lay thermal loft insulation over downlights, as most are not designed for this and may overheat, leading to a potential fire risk.
Keeping combustibles away from the hot downlight and by preventing the spread of fire through the opening in the ceiling made for by the downlight can be achieved by properly capping the downlight with a product such as Aico's Loftcap. These caps are positioned over the downlight with loft insulation laid directly on top. Additionally, they are designed to limit draughts, improve air tightness and reduce moist air flow.
Manufactured from inert fibres and organic binders, Loftcaps are rot, corrosion, vermin resistant, non combustible, non-electrically conductive and entirely maintenance free. They are also approved by the Lighting Association and NHBC.
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