Top Tips on Going Green with Your Loft Conversion

Do you want to install a really eco friendly loft conversion? Converting the loft is an environmentally responsible move in itself, since you will be making better use of existing space, while building regulations mean all work will have to comply with modern regulations on insulation. But there are also various ways to make your new loft conversion even greener.

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Loft conversion specialists Modern Attics can extend or convert your property in north west London or any other part of the capital, depending on your individual needs as well as the size and shape of your property. Here we have put together some ideas for the environmentally-friendly householder who wants to create more space in their own home, rather than go through the difficulties of moving.

What you can actually do may depend on the building, but here are some general pointers. We can advise you on the options for your particular site.

  • Solar Power: Don’t forget about the outside as well as the inside of your home. Installing solar panels on the roof of your loft as part of the conversion can cut your electricity bills – or even pay the bill for the whole of the rest of the house – and you can also sell back any excess power to the National Grid. Panels need not necessarily be easily visible to the world outside.
  • Using Natural Light: Certain types of work such as roofline attic conversions also have plenty of green credentials. This kind of work usually does not involve altering the roof shape, as the loft space is already large enough. Using Velux windows as part of the work will bring in more natural light, which can again mean lower electricity bills. Mansard, dormer loft and hip to gable conversions all can incorporate windows too.
  • Harnessing Waste Water: Re-using water which has already been used in your home’s sinks, bathtubs and showers – commonly known as grey water – can be redirected to flush toilets in your home, cutting back on your water bills. A system to achieve this can be installed as part of a loft conversion project. When carrying out work on a roof, it is also possible to make use of rainwater collecting via guttering and direct it into a tank, again using it for flushing toilets.
  • Using Sheep’s Wool for Winter Warmth: For a more natural insulation alternative, you could use sheep’s wool rather than conventional products. Sheep’s wool is a natural, recyclable material. It also scores over some artificial alternatives, as it can absorb moisture but does not lose any of its insulating properties. And remember – what keeps the cold out in winter keeps the warmth out in summer.
  • Think Wood: Timber is one of the main features of any loft conversion, as it allows the new space to ‘breathe’ with good air circulation and looks attractive in its own right. At Modern Attics, we are happy to use wood from sustainable sources.
  • Eco Friendly Fixtures and Fittings: You can make sure items inside the conversion or extension are ‘green’, depending on what you are going to use your attic conversion for. If the attic is going to be used as an extra bedroom, for example, you could make sure you use sustainably sourced furniture. If the conversion includes a bathroom, you can choose water-saving devices, including showers and taps which use less water, while low-energy light bulbs can be installed throughout the conversion.
  • Although adding in some of these features might add a bit to your total initial bill for your eco friendly attic extension, they should help to save you money in the long run.

    Modern Attics are loft conversion specialists who operate right across north west London – in places including Finsbury, Islington, Edgware, Shoreditch, Nags Head, Tottenham, Haringey, Archway, Whetstone, Grange Park, Winchmore Hill and Bowes Park. All our work is carried out to the highest standards of design and craftsmanship, with every attention to detail. We also pride ourselves on our professional, personal service. Click here to find out more about our eco-lofts and get a free quotation.


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