Which insulation first? Facade, roof, basement ceiling and top-floor ceiling compared
Not every house has to be fully insulated in one go. Many owners proceed step by step. But where do you start? The answer depends on the building – but there are a few rules of thumb that help with the decision.
Top-floor ceiling: often a good place to start
If the loft is not lived in, the ceiling below it can be insulated instead of the whole roof. This is usually a manageable job that can be done while daily life goes on. There are different solutions depending on whether the loft is to remain walkable. After a change of ownership, this insulation may even be required by law.
Basement ceiling: warmer feet on the ground floor
If the basement is unheated, heat is lost through the basement ceiling – the ground-floor floors feel cold. The insulation is fixed to the underside of the basement ceiling. It is important to take into account the basement headroom and any pipes and lights on the ceiling beforehand.
Roof: worthwhile when roof work is due anyway
If the top floor is lived in or is to be converted, roof insulation is important. If the covering has to be renewed anyway, insulating from outside is the obvious choice. If the covering is still good, the roof can be insulated from inside between or below the rafters. What matters are clean, airtight junctions.
Facade: the largest surface
In many uninsulated houses, a lot of heat is lost through the external walls. Facade insulation is, however, a bigger job that needs scaffolding. It is ideal when the facade has to be renewed anyway, for example because the render is damaged. The windows are best considered at the same time so that they match the new insulation layer.
What to consider when deciding the order
- What’s due anyway? If the roof or facade has to be renewed anyway, the insulation should be done at the same time.
- Think windows and insulation together: if windows are replaced without the insulation later joining them cleanly, thermal bridges occur.
- Moisture and ventilation: a better-insulated house is more airtight. Ventilate regularly and have the junctions carried out professionally.
- Heating: if you want to replace your heating, it pays to improve the building envelope first – the new system can then be sized correctly.
- A roadmap instead of piecemeal work: an individual renovation roadmap helps put the measures in a sensible order and can bring advantages for funding.
Funding
Insulation measures may be eligible for funding, for example through BAFA, KfW or the tax bonus. New every month from December: our funding update. Important: clarify funding before you award the contract.
How we can help
Corpus Bau insulates facades, roofs, basement ceilings and top-floor ceilings with our own insulation specialists, and the roof under the lead of our own master roofer. Scaffolding, electrical work and ventilation are also in our own hands. We look at your house and recommend an order that suits your building and your plans.