Loft insulation in post-war houses (1945 to 1960s)
Houses built in the twenty years after 1945 range from traditional brick semis to factory-made, non-traditional homes. Most have simple roofs that are straightforward to insulate.
| Built | Roughly 1945 to mid-1960s |
|---|---|
| Typical roof | Lower-pitched cut timber roofs, concrete tiles, early felt |
| Watch for | Non-traditional construction, asbestos-containing materials, tanks |
| Good for | Full-depth roll insulation |
Simple roofs, mostly
Many post-war homes, private and council-built, have plain gable or hipped roofs with a modest pitch. The loft is usually easy to get around, though lower than in a 1930s house. Insulation tends to be straightforward: rolls between and over the joists to full depth, with the eaves kept clear.
Non-traditional homes
Housing shortages after the war led to houses built from precast concrete, steel or timber panels, rather than brick. Many have been refurbished since. Their lofts can usually be insulated in the normal way, but we need to know what type of construction it is, because some have unusual roof structures.
Asbestos
Asbestos was widely used in building until the late 1990s, including in some roof tiles, water tanks, flues and boards found in lofts of this age. It is usually harmless if left undisturbed. We stop and advise if we find anything that might contain asbestos, and it should be tested before anyone disturbs it.
Common questions
Can a non-traditional house have loft insulation?
What if you find asbestos?
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